6000 Migrant Children in Jalna Given a New Lease on Life, Thanks to 450 'Balmitras' 

By AHMED NOOR

Children who once followed parents to sugarcane fields now staying back for education; UNICEF-supported initiative brings hope across 260 villages

Over 6,000 children from migrant families in 260 villages across Jalna district, who previously accompanied their parents to sugarcane fields and other labour-intensive workplaces, are now continuing their education—thanks to the tireless efforts of 450 dedicated Balmitras (Friends of Children).

This remarkable transformation has been made possible through a collaborative initiative supported by UNICEF, the Jalna District Administration, and local NGOs SACRED (Society for Action in Creative Education and Development) and Swaraj Gramin Vikas Pratishthan.

A Lifeline for the Most Vulnerable

These Balmitras, young volunteers aged between 18 and 25 from the same villages, have been working at the grassroots level for the past eight years. Their mission: to persuade seasonal migrant workers to leave their children under the care of grandparents or elder relatives, instead of taking them along to sugarcane farms, brick kilns, or construction sites.

“Seasonal migrant workers used to take their children with them in search of work, exposing them to harsh and unsafe living conditions,” said SACRED Secretary Ravi Kelgaonkar. “These children faced disruptions in schooling, malnutrition, poor healthcare, and were at risk of child labour, abuse, or early marriage.”

Kelgaonkar explained that Balmitras, with the support of Anganwadi workers and village sarpanchs, identify families likely to migrate, maintain data, and carry out door-to-door awareness drives. “Their success lies in building trust. They convince parents to prioritize their children's education and safety.”

Backed by Research and Training

A 2022 study titled “Protection of Children Affected by Seasonal Migration of Jalna district”, conducted in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, Government of Maharashtra, and UNICEF, highlights the multi-dimensional risks faced by children of migrant workers. Whether left behind or taken along, these children are highly vulnerable to school dropouts, neglect, abuse, child labour, and early marriage—especially girls.

To counter these issues, the district administration and UNICEF initiated the Balmitra project, focusing on training youth volunteers. Each Balmitra undergoes a specially designed two-day training programme developed by the Women and Child Development (WCD) department and UNICEF. The training equips them with leadership, communication, and outreach skills needed to interact effectively with families.

Selfless Service, Community Recognition

‘Notably, Balmitras receive no remuneration for their work. Yet, their commitment has made them respected figures in their villages. Many have gone on to become sarpanchs, Anganwadi workers, or leaders in their communities”Kelegaonkar.

To engage children, Balmitras also conduct sports sessions before and after school, using sports equipment provided by UNICEF to 250 schools in the district. “This helps bring children closer to the classroom and builds their interest in school,” Kelgaonkar noted.

He also pointed out a critical social issue in sugarcane communities—early marriages. “Couples are often offered higher wages if they work together, prompting child marriages. Balmitras raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of such practices,” he said.

Recognition at the District Level

In recognition of their tireless work, Jalna District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal felicitated the Balmitras at a programme held at the collectorate on Thursday. “The efforts of Balmitras in securing education and safety for children who were previously deprived of their basic rights is highly commendable,” Dr Panchal said.

Also present at the event was Alpa Vora, Consultant of Child Protection at UNICEF, who praised the initiative. “The strength of any society is measured by how it protects and nurtures its children. Balmitras are setting a benchmark in grassroots child protection,” she said.

What began as a small community-driven movement has now blossomed into a powerful example of how collective action can restore lost childhoods. The Balmitras of Jalna are not just friends to children — they are their guardians, educators, and beacons of hope in a challenging world

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Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversy: History, Politics, and Ideological Battles in Maharashtra

AHMED NOOR QURESHI

"History is an aggregate of half-truths, semi-truths, fables, myths, rumors, prejudices, personal narratives, gossip, and official prevarications. It is a canvas upon which thousands of artists throughout the ages have splashed their conceptions and interpretations of a day and an era." – Philip D. Jordan, American Historian (1903-1980).

History is often shaped by perspectives, biases, and political agendas, as reflected in the ongoing controversy over the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra. The demand for its removal has intensified, with political and ideological groups debating its historical significance and contemporary relevance.

The political discourse in Maharashtra has long portrayed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, as heroic figures, while Muslim rulers, particularly Aurangzeb, are often depicted as villans. The controversy gained momentum when BJP leaders and right-wing groups called for the tomb’s removal. Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, has been vocal in advocating for its demolition. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has supported the sentiment but emphasized that any action must comply with legal provisions, as the site is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

"We all want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law because it is a protected site. The site was placed under ASI's protection during the Congress regime some years back," Fadnavis stated.

The issue resurfaced following the release of the historical action film Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar. Based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the film has reignited discussions about Maratha history and the brutal execution of Sambhaji by Aurangzeb. While the film highlights Sambhaji's valor and administrative skills, critics argue that it has been leveraged by right-wing groups to push a divisive anti-Muslim narrative. Right-wing historians often frame Sambhaji’s battle against Aurangzeb as a Hindu-Muslim conflict, with his torture and execution symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for Hinduism. The film’s release at a time of heightened communal tensions has further fueled ideological debates.

The political ramifications of the controversy deepened when Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for praising Aurangzeb. Azmi had called the Mughal ruler a "great administrator" and argued that history had misrepresented him.

Young historian Indrajit Sawant from Kolhapur has made a  claim regarding Sambhaji Maharaj’s capture. Traditionally, it was believed that landlord Ganoji Shirke betrayed Sambhaji by revealing his whereabouts to the Mughal general. However, Sawant, citing the diary of French governor François Martin, asserts that a Brahmin clerk leaked the information leading to Sambhaji’s arrest. According to Sawant, Annaji Datto’s family, responsible for revenue collection in Sangameshwar and Vasmat, had ties to Mughal general Shaikh Nijam, who ultimately captured Sambhaji. These revelations challenge the long-held narrative of betrayal within the Maratha ranks.

Vishwas Patil, historian and  author of Sambhaji, said  Sambhaji’s execution was  purely a result of religious persecution, or was it driven by political motives.  He said the execution of Sambhaji was not  for refusing to convert to Islam, Patil suggests that Aurangzeb's primary goal was not religious conversion but the consolidation of political control over Maharashtra.

American historian Audrey Truschke, in his book  Aurangzeb the Man and  Myth. She said “The Mughal-Maratha conflict was shaped by a craving for raw power that demanded strategic, shifting alliances. Shivaji welcomed Muslims within his army; he had qazis (Muslim judges) on his payroll, and Muslims ranked among some of his top commanders. Mughal alliances and the imperial army were similarly diverse, and Aurangzeb sent a Hindu, Jai Singh, to besiege Shivaji at Purandar”

The controversy continues to evolve, sharply dividing Maharashtra’s political landscape. While the ruling BJP and its allies advocate for the tomb’s removal, opposition parties argue that the issue is being used to stir communal tensions ahead of the upcoming self-government elections. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has questioned why the tomb issue has been raised just before the elections.

The debate over history, heritage, and political narratives surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb remains a flashpoint in Maharashtra’s political discourse, highlighting how historical interpretations are often shaped by contemporary political objectives.