The bonded  child labourers rescued by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, who are undergoing training in Bal Ashram have added another feather to their cap. The week long 16th International Children’s Film Festival that commences in Hyderabad from November 14 has one of our children in the jury that would honour the best cinematic works and more than ten children participating in the festival that would screen as many as 70 films from various countries.  

Speaking on this joyful occasion, founder of the movement and recipient of recent Defender of Democracy award, Mr. Kailash satyarthi said, “It’s a matter of great pride and happiness for BBA family that Manan Ansari, a rescued child labourer from Bal Ashram has been selected as a jury member in this Children’s film festival. This is for the first time that any child has been included in the team that decides on the best cinematic works from an international platform.”

The 14 year old Manan is jubilant with honor. Rising from an obscure village in Jharkhand’s poverty Stricken Koderma, he has even addressed a gathering at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, 2009. An elated Manan says, “Working in the mica mines was anything but pleasant. It was tough work and inspite of that, the residents of my village cling to it tenaciously because that was their source of livelihood. I was fortunate enough to reach BBA, they gave me a new life. I am a different person today and I owe all my success to them”.

Nandita Das, Chairperson, Children Film Society of India , who has been associated with BBA for many years now said, “I have worked with BBA on many occasions before and have been in constant touch with the children of Bal Ashram. Manan is a very deserving child. I congratulate him and Bachpan Bachao Andolan on this outstanding achievement”.

The festival, which is jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government and Children’s Film Society of India (CSFI), would be inaugurated by Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Lalita Kala Thoranam. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ambika Soni would be the chief guest and noted filmmaker, writer, poet, lyricist Gulzar would be present on the occasion among other prominent personalities. The movies would be screened at eight venues including Imax theatre in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.