Social reformer Ajay Oli from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand has been walking barefoot for over a decade to raise awareness about children’s rights. The 33-year-old activist reached Guwahati on Friday as part of his month-long awareness campaign across Northeast India, urging people to join the fight against child labour and child begging.
Oli stopped wearing footwear in 2015, taking a personal pledge to continue his barefoot journey until every child is given access to education, dignity and a safe childhood instead of being forced into labour or begging. Through his campaign, he encourages communities to ensure that children remain in schools and are protected from exploitation.
During his visit to different parts of the Northeast, Oli is conducting awareness walks, interactive counselling sessions and community outreach programmes to sensitise people about the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and promoting education.
Over the years, he has travelled across 21 states and more than 155 cities, carrying his message to people from all walks of life. As part of the initiative, he has organised more than 4,000 awareness and counselling programmes, engaging nearly four lakh young people on issues related to child rights, education and social responsibility.
