Young Indian Girl on a Mission to Protect Children’s Right during COVID-19 Pandemic

Young Indian Girl on a Mission to Protect Children’s Right during COVID-19 Pandemic

Story by Dr. Rubee Singh, New Delhi India

My story starts from my birth city, very famous and known place called Lucknow “Nawabon Ka Shahar” which means ‘The city of Kings’, in India. Being the only child of my parents, I was the centre of their attention. Especially my mother needs special attention here since she has been the backbone of my education and all my success credit goes to my beloved mother. It is important to mention my mother’s contribution because the place where I come from a woman was not much empowered in those days and education was a privilege for only a few.

Very early in my life I realized that both my parents made me strong enough that I could decide what my heart wants and to make my rules, therefore, what I am today and where I stand today all has been possible because of my mother. She has stood like a strong pillar in all the thick and thin I have seen in my life so far. Since my childhood, they gave me the opportunity of the best education possible even though life was not easy for them.

I have been very good in my studies and have always been a topper in my class from my childhood on, therefore, after completing my graduation, I came to Delhi to complete my MBA, which was a dream come true. After completing my MBA successfully and topping my class, I was given an opportunity to complete my Doctorate in HR from Noida International University at the age of 26.

My dedication towards education can be considered as an inspiration for many youths to pursue their education early especially in the research field and contribute towards the educated population of the country. Some of the important highlights of my life are, being an excellent researcher, I am successfully managing an Elsevier SSRN reputed journal named ‘IJIEMR’ at the young age of 25 years as a Managing Editor.  Along with that, I am also part of two other reputed journals named IJARSH & Management Sentier as a Managing Editor.

I have experienced many ups and downs during my student life, in research and in teaching, because I was a different town girl and learning to fit into a new place was quite a challenge. I was able to take up any challenge because my parents taught me to be a strong person and always encouraged me to respect myself and to be successful academically. One of my work-life challenge to discuss would be that it was not easy for me to teach same-aged MBA students in my class especially in Delhi-NCR (the capital city of India). There were around 120 students in my first MBA class, of course, I was nervous but then I took courage to address my class. At first, I faced a glass ceiling since I was the youngest Assistant Professor in the University and a woman, but then looking at my passion and attitude towards education the students were able to connect with me in a better manner. Magic did not happen in a day, I had to work very hard and constant perseverance was required to prove myself, especially in the male dominating society.

I developed my passion for social work from my childhood when I saw my parents helping our neighbours and other people in need. I have been doing a lot of social work around my dwelling and whenever time permits around my city. Looking at my passion and outstanding contribution to social work, an honorary doctorate was conferred on me by Royal American University, USA, in Human Rights & Peace in September 2019. Recently, I was also awarded a Chartered Global Peace Building Professional by George Washington University of Peace, USA for the academic year 2020-21.

“If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if you educate a woman you educate a whole family.  Women Empowered means Mother India Empowered”. -PT. JAWAHARLAL NEHRU

Being a Professor, Editor, Author and most importantly a social activist, for the last 5 years, I am working for the betterment of the society, especially for Child’s education, and Child’s Right.  As Child Ambassador of India I am representing four countries, Canada, Finland, United Kingdom & Australia. Recently I have written a book “Government Schemes for Child Protection in India” in which I highlighted, ‘How to work on Implementing Child’s Right?’.

I am really passionate about children since, they are the future of India and if they are provided with care and support, they will be the strongest support for India’s future. I thought about underprivileged, homeless children, and to help them and to protect their rights especially during this pandemic and global lockdown. Though the Government of India is doing a lot of effort and thousands of such children have benefitted and are being taken care of with necessary support from the Government of India. But still for us as responsible citizens, it becomes our moral responsibility to take care of these needy children and provide them with at least basic necessities of food and support in education.

“By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man; body, mind and spirit.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Now the question is how I can support these children to protect and help them, especially to educate them and provide essential goods.  As per the Indian constitution’s act under Article 21A, ‘all children have the right to education’.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”                                                                                                                  ~ Albert Einstein

I feel all aware and responsible citizens must take it as a challenge and wherever possible support at least one child with an education for their better future. As per the United Nations agenda by 2030, we must achieve 100% literacy rate in the world. So, we should all come together and help to protect children, provide them with basic necessity such as food and provide them with education, especially during this pandemic. I am contributing to society by teaching the underprivileged children for the past four years and I have seen immense change in them.

We know that children are a supremely important national asset and the future well-being of a nation depends upon how the children in that society grow and develop. I was aware that due to pandemic the children from my area could not go to school, therefore, I decided to visit those children on a regular basis to provide essential educational items and talk to them especially the unsheltered homeless children in Delhi.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” ~ F. Douglas

I feel proud to be an Indian Girl who is inspiring the youth especially my students in improving their contribution to research and encourage them on early education.  I also feel privileged that my social work is making a difference in many people’s lives and I have seen my people coming forward to help the children and their education. Most importantly, I feel happy and content that, I have earned a special place in the hearts of the underprivileged children and become their voice in this global pandemic and lockdown situation.

I would like to encourage more such youths to come forward and support the children in even the smallest contribution possible, by sending your time to teach at least one child in your neighborhood or any other support that you can provide to make the world a better place to live in the future.

2 thoughts on “Young Indian Girl on a Mission to Protect Children’s Right during COVID-19 Pandemic

  1. Madam, it’s indeed a heart touching story. I felt extremely glad to hear your story. It’s indeed a commendable job you are doing. All the very best in all your future efforts and endeavors for impacting on mankind and ensuring sustainable development.

  2. Excellent noble work indeed !

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *