The Andaman and Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (ANSLSA) organised a Legal Awareness Programme on “POCSO, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and Mental Health” at Government Senior Secondary School, Wimberlygunj, to promote understanding of child rights and emotional well-being among students.
The event was graced by Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, Judge of the Calcutta High Court and Zonal Judge for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who also serves as Executive Chairman of ANSLSA. His presence underscored the judiciary’s continuing commitment to sensitising youth on social and legal issues that affect children and adolescents.
Ahead of the session, Justice Bhattacharyya planted a sapling on the school premises to symbolise awareness of nature preservation and the need for sustainable living. The day’s proceedings began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a welcome address delivered by Rashid Alam, Registrar of the Calcutta High Court Circuit Bench at Port Blair and Member Secretary, ANSLSA.
Justice Bhattacharyya, in his address, highlighted the need to protect the fundamental rights of children and strengthen their understanding of legal safeguards designed for their safety. He also spoke about the importance of mental health and urged the youth to prioritise emotional well-being alongside academic and social pursuits.
The awareness sessions featured detailed presentations from experts on key subjects. Tasneem, Special Public Prosecutor for POCSO cases at the District Court, Port Blair, explained the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, emphasising the significance of timely reporting and community vigilance in addressing offences against minors.
Deep Chaim Kabir, Senior Advocate at the Calcutta High Court, discussed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, shedding light on the legal and social consequences of child marriage and the importance of education and awareness in preventing such practices.
Complementing the legal discussions, Dr. Kushal Baidya, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at ANIIMS, spoke on mental health, providing practical guidance on coping with stress, maintaining emotional balance, and seeking help when needed.
The event drew participation from around 200 students and teachers from Wimberlygunj, who actively engaged with the speakers and sought clarifications on various issues. The interaction session saw Justice Bhattacharyya and other panellists responding directly to students’ questions, making the programme both educational and participatory.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rashid Alam, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, and students for contributing to the success of the initiative.
ANSLSA’s awareness programmes continue to play a vital role in promoting legal literacy, especially among the youth. By combining discussions on child protection laws with topics on mental health, the initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, recognise threats, and support their peers.
The Wimberlygunj session reaffirmed ANSLSA’s ongoing commitment to spreading awareness of laws designed to safeguard minors and promote a culture of empathy, justice, and emotional resilience among the younger generation.
