Who We Are
Children leading change
Shaishav—meaning “childhood”— was founded in 1993, dedicated to empowering children from marginalised communities. With operations in marginalised communities of Bhavnagar and remote tribal villages of Narmada district of Gujarat, Shaishav works alongside children to create safe, child-rights centric spaces using play as a medium to meaningfully engage and empower them to take charge of their futures.
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Vision
A loving, safe, equitable, enabling, and self-driven childhood for every child.
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Mission
Co-create inclusive child friendly spaces and opportunities to unlock children’s potential for a liberated childhood and holistic development, ensuring a happy, healthy and sustainable society.
Our Story
Shaishav began it’s work with working children and slum communities in Bhavnagar—a small city in Gujarat, home to renowned educationists, yet also grappling with challenges in quality of education.
In 1995, Shaishav conducted a landmark survey that revealed an astounding 12,813 children working in 106 occupations in Bhavnagar city alone.
Removing children from child labour and reintegrating them into the formal education system became the starting point of Shaishav’s interventions. Over time, Shaishav further expanded into the remote tribal villages of Narmada district, expanding its scope to address a wide range of challenges, including quality of education, restrictions on freedom of expression,
child marriage, discrimination, abuse, and exploitation.
We always shared the belief that true, sustainable change must begin with society’s youngest members- children.
– Parul & Falgun Sheth, Founders
Programmes
Balsena
A membership-based, democratic children’s collective run and led by children, for children.
Aaranyak
An Alternative Education Model for Empowering Tribal Children of Narmada District, Gujarat
SETU
Shaishav’s Child Rights Training and Resource Centre (CRTRC)
Children’s Voices
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Yashpal
A young boy who dared to dream big. Through focussed hard work, Yashpal turned his dream of serving in the Indian army into reality.
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Sonal
Once a child labourer making plastic ropes to survive, Sonal is now a change-maker, weaving stories of courage and leadership.
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Kowshik
From a childhood marked by hardship to leading Balsena as President, Kowshik found strength in a safe space.
Read More
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Khushal
From shy child to confident leader, Khushal found his voice through Bal Sena. Today, he is pursuing medicine with purpose and resilience.
Read More
Well Wishers Speak
“Shaishav has been a catalyst in India’s child participation movement. Its child-centred approach has empowered thousands to lead with dignity. A tree is known by its fruit — and Shaishav’s impact speaks for itself.”
“Shaishav is something to treasure for a lifetime — holding the essence of childhood and humanity. Parul and Falgun have kept alive the rare culture of truly listening to children. Child rights and adult responsibility go hand in hand — Shaishav embodies this truth.”
“Shaishav is not just an organization — it is an idea, a movement, a social necessity. For 25 years, Parul and Falgun have led it with sensitivity, integrity, and imagination. India needs a child-rights institution as pioneering and rooted as Shaishav.”
“For 25 years, Shaishav has given children and youth a powerful platform to express and grow. Their courage and commitment through every challenge is inspiring. May these young voices grow into tomorrow’s compassionate leaders.”
Donors & Partners
