The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, Mar 19 ,2025 : In a groundbreaking display of unity, over 30 faith leaders from 10 religions convened in New Delhi to launch a national interfaith forum dedicated to making India child marriage-free by 2030. The initiative, led by India Child Protection (ICP) in collaboration with Just Rights for Children, aims to harness religious influence to combat child marriage, enforce laws at all levels, and foster interfaith collaboration.
The national dialogue, held on July 22, 2024, saw faith leaders from nine religions agreeing that no religion endorses child marriage, and they pledged not to solemnize such unions. Less than a year later, representatives of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Baha’i, Buddhism, Jainism, Brahma Kumari, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, along with Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, gathered to strategize on eradicating this social evil.
Bhuwan Ribhu emphasized the need for collective action against child marriage, calling it both illegal and immoral. “Child marriage is child rape—an exploitation disguised as tradition and faith. This initiative has now sparked a global movement for a Child Marriage-Free India and ultimately, a Child Marriage-Free World,” he declared.
Shri Swami Kripakarananda (Ramakrishna Mission) called child marriage an ancient evil that must be eradicated through education and awareness. Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara (Diocese of Faridabad) stressed that marriage is a responsibility, not just a tradition, advocating for marriage registration and global advocacy to end child marriage.
Islamic scholars Shri Imam Faizan Muneer (All India Imam Organisation) and Shri Mufti Aslam (Principal Madarsa) reiterated that Islam does not permit child marriage, urging parents and communities to reject the practice. Brahma Kumari Sister Hussain (Om Shanti Retreat Centre) highlighted the power of faith in eliminating deeply embedded social evils like child marriage.
To accelerate the movement, faith leaders agreed to establish regional and local chapters in high-risk districts, conducting awareness campaigns and engaging communities at the grassroots level. 250 NGOs under Just Rights for Children are already running campaigns in 416 districts, using posters and wall paintings at temples, mosques, and churches to spread awareness. The network has successfully prevented over 2,50,000 child marriages across India.
The Interfaith Forum’s Advisory Council will comprise child rights experts, legal professionals, social workers, and religious scholars. Their role will be to align religious teachings with child protection laws, share best practices, and provide legal guidance.
India has been at the forefront of combating child marriage, with the Supreme Court issuing guidelines for the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006. The formation of this national faith leaders’ forum reinforces India’s commitment to eradicating child marriage by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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