Child Labour: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

“I am the child, All the world waits for my coming. All the earth watches with interest to see what I shall become. Civilization hangs in the balance. For what I am, the world of tomorrow will be. I am the child. You hold in your hand my destiny. You determine, largely, whether I shall succeed or fail, Give me, I pray you, these things that make for happiness. Train me, I beg you, that I may be a blessing to the world†. -Mamie Gene Cole Child is the future father and mother, future worker and future citizen of every country, either developed, under developed or developing. The future progress and prosperity of any country depends upon quality and talents of the young children. They are the property of the country and need special care and protection when they become healthy and efficient adults. Well developed children of today, educationally or physically, mean efficient and responsible citizens of tomorrow. Therefore, the problem of child labour in India and the need to protect their rights and status is a very important issue and deserves more attention and consideration by one and all. It is not only the problem of the individual members of society and industry but also of the whole nation. The issue of child labour should be considered as a part of the general problem of human welfare.