Case Studies

Yashpal’s parents moved to Bhavnagar from a small village, hoping to give their sons the opportunities they never had. At that time, Yashpal was far from the mature, focused young man he is today. In fact, like many teenagers, he was carefree and had a notorious reputation, with no clear direction in life. Other parents often warned their children to stay away from him.

One day, while watching TV, Yashpal saw a man stand up and say, “I am a soldier,” as the crowd erupted in applause. He was only in the 7th grade at the time, and it was at that moment that a dream sparked in him—to join the army, a profession he saw as one of utmost respect and honor.

Though he had a dream, Yashpal’s life still lacked direction. It was around the same time that he joined Bal Sena to play games and have fun. “Kids join Bal Sena for various reasons—to learn, gain confidence, and so on, but my reason was clear: I wanted to play games and have fun,” Yashpal says. But as he got more involved, he slowly found himself on the right path without even realizing it. He distinctly recalls the Dream Tree exercise having a big impact. With every root and branch he drew, he had to map out the steps to reach his dream of becoming a soldier. The exercise made him realize that dreams alone weren’t enough—they needed hard work and dedication to come to life.

After passing 12th grade, Yashpal met Nitin, a boy who was already training for the army. Nitin’s discipline and selflessness inspired Yashpal to take his own training seriously. They started training together. No matter the weather or time of year, Yashpal didn’t stop. His mother worried as she saw him pushing himself so hard. Yashpal passed the physical test, something he once thought impossible, but when he failed the written exam, he didn’t give up. He remembered the actions he had planned in the Dream Tree and started working again. For the next three years, Yashpal worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep and time with friends with a single goal—to pass the written exam. Finally, his effort paid off, and he passed the exam.

“Sometimes I laugh in disbelief when I think about everything I put myself through to get here,” Yashpal says. “It doesn’t feel like a big deal now, but looking back, it was worth every bit of the struggle. Now, I’m focused on the next dream.”

Life as an army recruit is tougher than he imagined. The strict discipline, long hours, and rigorous training have all tested him in ways he hadn’t expected. But he embraced every challenge that came his way. He says that if schools were to adopt this kind of discipline, it would make children much stronger and more resilient. One of the most unforgettable moments came when he took his first flight to Ladakh, where he’s stationed now. “The view of the endless mountain ranges below filled me with awe. It was a dream come true. Someday, I dream of taking my mother on her first flight,” he says.

Yashpal’s journey shows the power of persistence, hard work, and the belief that dreams don’t come true just by wishing. They take focus, action, and guidance. Every child has the potential to succeed—they just need the right support. For Yashpal, Bal Sena gave him the direction and clarity he needed at the right time to take the first steps toward his dream, helping him carve the path to success. And now, with each dream fulfilled, he’s ready for the next.

Sonal grew up in Mafat Nagar, an informal settlement in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where children often had to grow up too fast. As the eldest child in a family with no steady income, Sonal began working at a young age, making plastic ropes to support her household. School was irregular, but she found consistency and joy in attending Balghar, Shaishav’s informal education space. Even as a child, Sonal was sharp, curious, and full of potential—just waiting for a space to grow.

Speaking Up for the Silenced

Sonal’s journey as a changemaker began when she joined Balsena, a children’s collective facilitated by Shaishav. It was here that she learned about her rights, found a sense of belonging, and began speaking out. At a state-level child rights convention, she shared her experience of being a child labourer. Her courage caught the attention of the jury, and she was selected to represent Gujarat at the National Convention on Child Labour in Delhi.

In front of national leaders, experts, and policymakers, Sonal presented her story and the realities of invisible forms of child labour. The jury’s recommendations—based on children’s testimonies—were later submitted to the Government of India as part of a powerful advocacy effort.

From the Basti to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Sonal’s leadership shone through, and she was among five children chosen to meet President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and share these recommendations at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She spoke with such clarity and emotion that it moved those in the room to tears. 

When the World Social Forum (WSF) invited child representatives, a national selection process was held. Sonal was one of only three children from India elected—by fellow children—for her leadership and articulation. She travelled to Brazil, representing India on a global platform and showcasing the capability and insight of grassroots child leaders.

Later, when five girls from Balsena were given a chance to attend an international girls’ summit, Sonal was nominated again—but chose to step aside. “Others deserve the opportunity too,” she said with grace.

Resilience in the Face of Reality

Despite her talents, Sonal’s education stopped after Class 6. With financial burdens and no working parents, she became the breadwinner for her family, moving into diamond polishing work. She faced tremendous pressure to marry early, but she negotiated her engagement on the condition that she would not marry before 20. This bold decision inspired many of her peers.

Even as life demanded sacrifices, Sonal remained a key member of Balsena, eventually becoming its President. She mentored younger children, spoke at local and national forums, and became a role model for her community.

Legacy of Leadership

Today, Sonal is married into a traditional family, but continues to be a respected leader and active panchayat member in her village. She frequently returns to speak at Kishori Sammelans, where adolescent girls gather to share experiences and learn from each other. Her journey—from child labour to Rashtrapati Bhavan to Brazil—continues to inspire. Her mother, once unsure about Sonal’s involvement with Shaishav, became a supporter and advocate herself, encouraged by the transformation she saw in her daughter.

Sonal’s story is a testament to what children can achieve when given trust, platforms, and opportunities. From a quiet girl working to survive, to a confident speaker, advocate, and community leader, she embodies the spirit of Balsena: children as leaders, not just beneficiaries. Her life continues to impact others—proof that one empowered child can create a ripple of change.

Early Challenges
Kowshik, 17, grew up in Indiranagar Basti, Bhavnagar — a congested settlement with open sewage, alcoholism, gambling, and other social problems. His parents are daily wage labourers, and his father’s alcoholism left the family struggling. From a young age, Kowshik faced trauma and lacked support. 

A Turning Point
When Balsena started in his basti, Kowshik was one of the first to join. It gave him a safe space and positive alternatives to the environment around him. Over the years, he grew in confidence, became a Balsena Captain, and later President (Adhyaksh), learning leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Becoming a Leader
Kowshik began motivating parents to send their daughters to Balsena, even raising small funds so girls could attend programs. His awareness of gender equality and child rights deepened, and he often counselled families against child labour. In crises, such as when a minor girl in his basti needed urgent help, he connected Shaishav’s team to ensure timely support.

Raising His Voice
From Madurai to Bhopal, Kowshik has represented Balsena at state and national forums. He actively participates in child safety audits and community campaigns. At the National Consultation in Bhopal, he even built friendships with local schoolchildren, organising games and conversations to spread a message of unity.

Looking Ahead
Despite challenges at home, Kowshik continues to stand for his community — from supporting displaced families in nearby Kharo to mentoring younger Balsena members. Passionate about social issues and connecting with people, he dreams of a future in social work and community development.

From a childhood of struggle to becoming Balsena’s President, Kowshik now inspires other children to learn, lead, and dream.

Early Life in Indiranagar
Kowshik, 17, has been part of Balsena for the past 6–7 years, since he was around 10–11 years old. He lives in Indiranagar Basti, Bhavnagar — a densely populated settlement that is also the city’s hub for vegetables and grains. Indiranagar is a mixed basti with families from different states, but the area struggles with challenges such as open sewage, congestion, gambling, liquor, and other anti-social activities.

Kowshik’s parents are both daily wage labourers. His father, an alcoholic, was unable to take care of responsibilities at home. Since childhood, Kowshik has faced considerable trauma and had no one to turn to.

Finding a Safe Space
When Balsena began its activities in Indiranagar, Kowshik was among the first children to join. For him, it was an alternative to the negative environment around him, and it offered a safe space for learning, friendship, and growth. Over the years, he rose to become a Balsena Captain and later President (Adhyaksh), developing leadership qualities, a positive outlook, and strong networks with children not just from his own colony but across Bhavnagar.

Emerging as a Leader
Kowshik’s journey in Balsena deepened his understanding of community issues:

• He encouraged parents to allow their daughters to join Balsena, even counselling hesitant families.
•  When some girls couldn’t afford to attend a Kishori Sammelan, he mobilised support by collecting ₹1 from other children. 
• He raised issues in the Balsena Council, engaging with karyakartas (community workers) on child labour, rights, and protection.
• His awareness of gender equality and child rights grew steadily, and he often persuaded parents to prioritise education over child labour.

Standing Up in Times of Crisis
Kowshik’s leadership was also evident in emergencies. When a minor girl in Indiranagar faced a traumatic incident and the government helpline was non-functional, Kowshik immediately contacted Shaishav and the Balsena team. Together, they provided timely support to the girl and her family, reinforcing her dignity and safety.

A Voice Beyond Bhavnagar
Through Balsena, Kowshik represented children at both state and national platforms:

• He participated in consultations in Madurai, Bhopal, and other state-level forums.
• At the 2024–25 National Consultation in Bhopal, he took the initiative to interact with schoolchildren at the Manav Museum, organising games and friendships across language barriers.
• He was also a key participant in the Child Safety Audit, actively contributing during presentations.

Standing in Solidarity
When the corporation began demolishing houses in Kharo, near Indiranagar, Kowshik and other children stood by affected families, questioning the future of displaced children and their schooling. These concerns were raised in Child Protection Committee meetings, highlighting children’s voices in urgent civic matters.

Looking Ahead
Mature beyond his years, Kowshik enjoys meeting new people and building connections. At national events, he often takes responsibility for welcoming and engaging other children. Though he is still undecided about his career, his passion and natural leadership point strongly towards social work and community development.

A Blossoming Leader
Kowshik’s story reflects the transformative power of a safe, fearless platform like Balsena. Despite personal struggles and a challenging environment, he has emerged as a confident leader, advocate, and role model — showing that when children are trusted and empowered, they can drive real change.

Khushal, an only child from a lower-middle-class slum community in Bhavnagar, joined Bal Sena more than 10 years ago at the tender age of 7. Reserved and introverted, he rarely ventured out of his house and had no friends. His mother was protective and initially sceptical of his involvement in Bal Sena. Yet, in time, she witnessed a transformation that was nothing short of remarkable.

A journey of confidence
“When I joined Bal Sena, I was very shy, kept to myself, and didn’t go out much,” Khushal recalls. “Meeting people, making friends at camps, and learning to speak in public had a profound impact on me. I gained confidence and overcame my fear of talking to people. Now, I can speak confidently on stage, even in front of a crowd of 500 to 1,000 people, and I can present my thoughts and opinions—something I didn’t know how to do before.”

The change in Khushal’s demeanour was evident not only in the community but also at home. His parents began to notice his newfound self-assurance and started seeking his advice on important family matters—a far cry from the introverted child who once shied away from conversations. “I have no fear now,” he said proudly. “Seeing my confidence, even my family consults me for important decisions and seeks my opinion.”

A vision beyond borders
During one of the leadership camp, Khushal revealed his deeply-held dream: “I want to see our world from above, without boundaries and borders, because we are all one.” It was at this camp that he also expressed his ambition to become a doctor to serve the poor. He went on to become Balsena’s longest-serving President, holding the position from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure, he represented the organisation at severa state, national, and even international forums. 

Persevering through challenges
Despite his passion and dedication, Khushal faced setbacks. He initially failed to gain admission to medical school due to low NEET scores. However, this did not deter him. He retook his 12th exams, studied relentlessly, and ultimately earned a place in an MBBS programme. Even during this challenging period, Khushal remained active in Bal Sena, organising elections and mentoring younger members.

“Bal Sena had a transformative impact on my life,” he says. “I give others my example: If you join Bal Sena, you will learn about your rights, gain leadership skills, but most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle life’s challenges head on. I’m now studying medicine and hope to become a cardiologist some day.” 

A role model
Khushal’s transformation also changed his mother’s perspective. Once sceptical, she is now an enthusiastic supporter of Bal Sena, volunteering for the organisation and an active part of its child protection committee. Khushal, too, continues to give back, mentoring children and supporting events with the same dedication that shaped his own growth.

From a shy, introverted child to a confident leader and aspiring doctor, his story exemplifies the transformative power of exposure and opportunity, showcasing the potential for change within us all.

Haji grew up in an area notorious for liquor, gambling, and frequent gang fights. Surrounded by these influences, he could easily have gone down the wrong path. Around this time, Shaishav’s mobile van began visiting his school — a turning point in his life.

Finding Friendship and Shared Values
At first, children in his basti believed Hindus and Muslims could not be friends. But through Balsena, Haji formed a close bond with Manoj, breaking these barriers. In his words, “Shaishav and Balsena saved me from my social environment. Otherwise, I would have taken the wrong path.” He embraced values like gender equality and unity, and these changes also began to influence his family.

Change at Home and in the Community
Haji’s mother, from an orthodox Muslim family, initially hesitated to welcome his friends. Over time, she began supporting his involvement with Balsena and eventually became active herself, working to reduce child labour in their area and encouraging children to study.

Leadership and Growth
Haji rose to become Vice President of Balsena. He loved creative activities like Lego and Meccano, which taught him that with imagination and effort, anything can be built. While working at a mobile repair shop and a transport agency, he continued to act as a responsible citizen, spreading awareness in his neighbourhood about unity, equality, and education.

A Lifelong Connection
Though he studied only till the 12th standard and now works as a clerk/peon, Haji continues to remain connected with Shaishav and Balsena. He still attends events, supports children, and stands as an example of how values of citizenship, gender equality, and communal harmony can transform lives.

Manoj was known to be a mischievous boy, who often showed little interest in studies. His father ran a small tailoring shop, and Manoj spent much of his time in the neighbourhood. Everything changed when Shaishav’s mobile van began visiting his school. Drawn in by the games and activities, Manoj discovered his natural ability to connect with people. This strength, which he never recognised before, blossomed when he joined Balsena.

A Bold Voice for Participation
Manoj quickly became an active member and eventually rose to become President of Balsena. His most remarkable contribution was introducing ballot-based elections. After attending a Child Welfare Committee workshop in Bangalore, he returned inspired by the concept of children’s participation and suggested that Balsena adopt a transparent, criteria-based election process. The council agreed, and Manoj’s idea reshaped Balsena’s democratic culture — a system that continues today and is widely recognised as unique. His leadership was even covered in local newspapers, with the message: “Go learn from Balsena how to take responsibility.”

Fearless Advocacy
Manoj’s courage and clarity of thought stood out in public forums:

• At a public hearing in Rajkot, he stunned the National Commission team led by Justice Wadhwa by placing a tiffin box of a poor-quality midday meal on the table, demanding they taste it to understand children’s experiences.
• At Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi, during a programme attended by the Labour Minister, Oscar Fernandes, Manoj boldly interrupted to ask for translation when children couldn’t understand the English speeches — ensuring no child’s voice was left out.

Building Platforms for Children
In 2008, Manoj and fellow Balsena members initiated the first National Consultation on Child Participation, bringing together children’s collectives from across India. With no special budget, Manoj mobilised children to contribute old materials and small amounts to fund the event. This set the foundation for a fearless platform where children could freely share their views.

Sparking New Initiatives
Manoj also inspired one of Shaishav’s most impactful community programmes. One day at his shop, he encountered a lost boy who had run away from a hospital in Surat. Manoj’s quick action helped trace his identity and ensure his safe rehabilitation. This incident sparked the idea of a “Human CCTV” child safety net in Bhavnagar, creating a network of 2,000+ community members who keep watch over lost and estranged children and act swiftly to prevent harm. Many children have since been rescued within minutes thanks to this initiative.

Life Today
Though Manoj could not study beyond Class 12, his leadership transformed not only his life but also his family’s. He now runs multiple businesses — a computer technology Jan Seva Kendra and a medical store — and has built a new life in a posh area of Bhavnagar. Determined to uplift his siblings, he supported his sister to complete her MSW and his brother to pursue law (LLB). Manoj continues to stay connected with Shaishav as a Baldost, mentoring children and supporting programmes. His journey from a mischievous boy in a slum to a bold leader and successful entrepreneur shows the power of participation, courage, and opportunity.