Working for a Better Society: NGO for Children in Delhi

There are many NGOs in Delhi working for the welfare and proper development of children in need, though ‘NGO’ may not be the first word that crops up in your mind when you think of the metropolitan city, with its colossal buildings, historical monuments and the crowd that seems to be always-on-the-go. Why children? It is because they are the ones who will decide the circumstances of the near future. This is why the fact that more than 12 million children in India are the victims of child labour even today, will shake up anyone; this is apart from those facing abuse and trapped in the trafficking business. NGOs all over the country have been waging a relentless war against such a malady. In Delhi as well, there are thousands of NGOs operating, functioning, managing and running for the welfare and development of children. They have multiplied in recent times now that there has been an increasing interest of people in general to contribute to the society in any way they can. Though each NGO has its own history and principles, all in all, they are inching towards some common goals and objectives. 

• To address the educational needs of children

  With the 9.897 million population in Delhi (as per the Census Survey of India 2001), many parents are not in a standing to provide for even the basic needs of their children, a major one including education. Instead these children will be seen working along with their parents in the roadside stalls, at traffic signals or for someone else in factories or as a domestic help. Some of these children who do go to schools do not get the quality education that they deserve. Some don’t even have even proper clothes to wear, which becomes life-threatening in the numbing cold of Delhi. As some wise man said, “pen is mightier than the sword”, that is what these NGOs understand the best. 

• To give children a conducive and progressive environment for their development without any short comings

  For children to expand their knowledge in an appropriate manner without any hindrance, it is essential to provide them with a nurturing environment. 

• To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on the social, cultural and educational conditions of society

  Children, especially those who are under-privileged and exploited cannot by themselves bring themselves out of their miserable conditions; NGOs act as the voice of these children. 



• To take care of the health of the under-privileged and under-nourished children by providing for nutritional food

  Many of us who are privileged don’t even think twice before ordering something extravagant or even throwing away the food that was ‘extra’; but there are also people who are not able to afford even three basic meals for their children a day. So it is not that one HAS to work for an NGO to contribute to the society; one can also give in a way by resolving to eat only the required amount and not to waste food 

• To collaborate with other NGO's working towards similar goals

  As the saying goes, “two heads are better than one”, with the coming together of NGOs with similar agenda, their voice gets stronger and more work gets done and objectives achieved. 

• To eradicate the evils of child-abuse, trafficking and child labor 

• To influence the laws of the country to protect the rights of children

  Because the children of today are the future of tomorrow, it is pertinent to achieve a child-caring society that respects their rights. 

Lakshyam NGO- A NGO for Children

Among all such NGOs, Lakshyam is one that since its inception in 2004, has established itself for mankind at large, catering to the impoverished sections of the society and fighting for their rights, so as to one day bring about a more egalitarian world. 

It is registered as trust under the Indian Trust Act 1882 vide registration No. 393 dated 3rd Feb 2012 with amalgamation of Lakshyam, a society; registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 vide registration number 440 dated 23rd March 2005. It is engaged in a number of social welfare activities like child welfare, health, education and women empowerment. 

Over the years, Lakshyam has expanded and strengthened its inventive programs and initiatives to bring a practical turnaround in the present social structure. The activities that the organization is actively involved in are various camps, workshops and programs that are designed to cater to the need-based approach. It has two centres in the NCR region- Vasant Kunj and Ghaziabad; but it is currently working in 11 states across India and recently commenced its international chapter with Scotland. Two stores in Aberdeen, Scotland showcase their handcrafted products which has definitely given us a global platform. 

Thus, in the metropolitan Delhi, with all the rich kids and their glitz and glamour on one side and the destitute children struggling for even a decent meal, there are many NGOs striving to bring down the gap between the two.