Kaushik’s Journey with Balsena
Early Challenges
Kaushik, 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, Kaushik faced trauma and lacked support.
A Turning Point
When Balsena started in his basti, Kaushik 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
Kaushik 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, Kaushik 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, Kaushik 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, Kaushik now inspires other children to learn, lead, and dream.
Early Life in Indiranagar
Kaushik, 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.
Kaushik’s parents are both daily wage labourers. His father, an alcoholic, was unable to take care of responsibilities at home. Since childhood, Kaushik has faced considerable trauma and had no one to turn to.
Finding a Safe Space
When Balsena began its activities in Indiranagar, Kaushik 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
Kaushik’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
Kaushik’s leadership was also evident in emergencies. When a minor girl in Indiranagar faced a traumatic incident and the government helpline was non-functional, Kaushik 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, Kaushik 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, Kaushik 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, Kaushik 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
Kaushik’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.
