November 17 is observed as World Prematurity Day to raise awareness on premature child births around the world. Did you know that India has the highest incidence of babies that are born prematurely? Poor maternal health and malnutrition are the leading cause of such births.

India is home to the highest numbers of child brides in the world. Of these, 36 million child brides, such as 12-year-old Chimki, are from the state of Uttar Pradesh alone. Despite stringent laws, and promises of women empowerment, young girls continue to be pushed into child marriage. And the pandemic is making matters worse. A ground report from Shravasti district — home to the most child brides in UP.

Today, Children’s Day is also the birth anniversary of Padma Shri Sindhutai Sapkal who dedicated her entire life to taking care of orphaned children.

Young tribal women from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, who had never stepped out of their villages are now working in private companies in other states due to a skilling and vocational training project that is changing lives.