The concluding ceremony featured key stakeholders from the legal, social welfare, and administrative sectors. Among those present were the Trustee of Narayan Law College and former minister Shri Naranbhai Rathwa, the Principal of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Law College, Director of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant Fr. Dr Mayank Parmar, District Social Security Officer Shri Amarabhai Kachhiya, District Child Protection Officer Shri Ravidasbhai Rathwa, District Jailor Shri D.K. Parmar, and a representative of the District Legal Services Authority, Shri Bharatbhai Patel. Programme officers from DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj and DISHA Don Bosco Kawant also attended the event.

 

Students from Law and GNM colleges, along with paralegal volunteers, participated in large numbers, reflecting strong youth engagement in the campaign against child marriage.

 

The programme began with an oral report presented by Shri Hasmukh Christian, Programme Officer of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant. He explained that the Awareness Rath was flagged off on February 7, 2026, with the objective of sensitising communities across the district about the legal, social, and developmental consequences of child marriage. Over 15 days, the Rath covered 71 villages—19 in Kawant taluka, 13 in Pavi Jetpur taluka, 38 in Chhotaudepur taluka, and 1 in Bodeli taluka—reaching an estimated 2 lakh people, including students, youth, and villagers.

 

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Dr Mayank Parmar reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to social upliftment and its resolve to eradicate deeply rooted social evils through sustained awareness and community participation. The District Child Protection Officer and the District Social Security Officer outlined key government schemes and mechanisms for child protection and social security. The District Jailor highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and social awareness in preventing harmful practices.

 

In his presidential address, Shri Naranbhai Rathwa emphasised the government’s continued efforts to eliminate child marriage. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to actively support initiatives that promote education, legal awareness, and social reform.

 

The programme was compered by Shri Makrani, with coordination by Shri Dinesh Parmar and Shri Jagdishbhai Rohit of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant. The event concluded with the National Anthem.