THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Deoghar (Jharkhand), March 15: In two separate villages of Jharkhand’s Deoghar district, two teenage girls recently showed remarkable courage by stopping their own child marriages with the help of emergency helplines and child protection organisations.
The girls, referred to here as Jhano and Phulo (names changed), independently reached out for help when their families arranged their marriages while they were still minors. Their actions not only halted the marriages but also brought attention to the importance of awareness and support systems for children at risk.
Jhano Dialled 112 to Stop Her Marriage
Fifteen-year-old Jhano, the eldest of three sisters from a poor tribal family, carried many responsibilities at home. Despite the challenges, she dreamed of completing her education and supporting her family in the future.
However, her parents arranged her marriage and fixed a date just a few days away.
Jhano tried to persuade them to cancel the wedding, explaining that child marriage is illegal, but her pleas went unheard.
What her parents did not know was that Jhano had attended child marriage awareness sessions organised by Chetna Vikas, a child protection organisation and partner of the Just Rights for Children network. During these sessions, she had learned about the law and emergency helpline numbers.
Remembering this, Jhano dialled 112, the national emergency helpline, and reported that her marriage was about to take place.
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The police immediately contacted Chetna Vikas, and officials intervened. Her parents were informed about the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which makes it illegal to marry girls below 18 and boys below 21.
After counselling and legal awareness, the family agreed to stop the marriage. Jhano is now back in school and preparing for her Class 10 board examinations.
Phulo Called Child Helpline 1098 for Help
In another village, 16-year-old Phulo, a Class XI student, was facing a similar situation when her parents arranged her marriage.
Determined to continue her education, Phulo decided to seek help. On her way to tuition, she stepped aside and called Child Helpline 1098, reporting that her marriage was about to be forced.
Rani Kumari, Director of Chetna Vikas, said Childline quickly coordinated with the organisation and local police to intervene.
“As soon as we received the information, we worked with the police and took immediate action,” she said.
Phulo’s parents were called to the police station and informed about the legal consequences of child marriage. They agreed to stop the wedding and signed a written undertaking that they would not marry her before she turns 18.
Initially hesitant to return home due to the emotional stress, Phulo stayed briefly in a shelter home. After counselling sessions with her family, she later returned home and resumed her studies.
Stories of Courage and Awareness
Today, both Jhano and Phulo are back in school, continuing their education and reclaiming their childhood.
Their stories highlight how awareness about child protection laws and helpline services can empower children to protect their rights.
By making a simple phone call, these two girls not only stopped their own child marriages but also became powerful examples of courage and resilience for many others.