Page 12 - NAMAH-Apr-2019
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Protecting innocence



        Lopa Mukherjee


        Abstract
        This article discusses the delicate nature of childhood, in particular the various kinds of abuse and trauma
        classified under Adverse Childhood Experiences. It dives deep into the most painful form of abuse — child
        sexual abuse. It explores it from different perspectives — psychological, physiological, sociological, and
        judicial. The various governmental and non-governmental measures taken to counter this form of abuse
        in India are discussed as an example. The legal process is critiqued and some improvements are suggested.
        Crime and a poor childhood are shown to be linked. The Mother’s childhood experiences and how they helped
        her formulate a vital education programme are discussed. In conclusion, the importance of child welfare and
        protecting childhood is upheld as the foundations for a sane life in a sane society.




        As students of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, we  are assuming you have a modicum of peace
        are called to engage with life, summarised in  yourself. The first objection we get from the
        “All Life is Yoga”. Does it mean we should  sceptic self in our head — and the many
        stand in the frontline of a battlefield, and take  sceptical voices outside — is this,“How does
        lives? Even if we think open combat is the  activism help? Change should come from
        wrong way to tackle problems? Are we doing  within, not from outside. Be the change you
        it to boost self-esteem, to support our family,  want to see in the world.” Really? If I start
        love our nation? What about activism? Are we  riding a bicycle, does it solve the problem
        to picket in front of a nuclear power station  of cars polluting the air?
        or a factory disgorging chemicals into a river?
        Are we to fight against human trafficking,  All problems stem from bad human behaviour,
        or the economic oppression of developing  we know that. In addition, some say human
        countries, or global terrorism? If we spend  nature is like a dog’s tail. Does it mean that yoga,
        an hour looking at the news from around the  self-transformation, personal development
        world, we will find enough causes to fight  are all chimeras? Certainly not; and now
        for that will last us a lifetime. So we have  materialists also agree. Even two decades
        to choose our battles. No ivory tower yoga  back neurologists thought the brain stopped
        for us, no excuse of bringing down peace  growing after reaching adulthood. But now
        by being peaceful ourselves. Of course, we  it has been proven that neurogenesis occurs

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