Guwahati: Children and adolescents across Assam and other Northeastern states turned World Children’s Day into a region-wide call for action on Wednesday, leading digital and community-based advocacy to end child marriage, ensure girls remain in school and promote safer environments for every child.
The UNICEF-supported campaign, centred on the theme “My Day. My Rights. My Game.”, placed young people in leadership roles as content creators and decision-makers.
Adolescents from the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) documented their daily lives using mobile phones — sharing stories of education, safety and the right to play.
The youth-generated content reached more than one million people online, with influencers joining the push to raise awareness against child marriage.
“When children tell their own stories, they shift social norms,” said Dr Madhulika Jonathan, UNICEF Chief for Assam and the Northeast.
“They are not just recipients but partners in realising every child’s rights.”
Key leaders from the region endorsed the initiative. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the State’s commitment to girls’ education and stronger child protection.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged continued investment in safe and inclusive childhoods, while Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called children “a driving force” in shaping future policies.
Athletes and artists such as Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, musician Alobo Naga and actors Kirpalaxmi Gurumayum, Ankushita Boro and Barbi Gogoi amplified children’s voices, stressing the importance of sports and safe spaces for girls.
Child protection systems also received a boost, with Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar proposing a dedicated Juvenile Justice Secretariat for the Northeast to strengthen coordination and ensure faster, child-friendly justice.
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In Assam, children symbolically took over the office of the Director General of Police as part of a dialogue series on cyber safety, school safety and protection of girls — giving officials direct insight into their concerns.
As a sign of solidarity, 45 major landmarks across Assam and Meghalaya were illuminated in blue, while personalities across politics, sports and culture joined the online campaign.
UNICEF said it will continue working with governments, law enforcement and youth networks to advance learning, protection and participation rights.
The agency affirmed that the Northeast is emerging as a national model for youth-led change.
