Duty of every Indian to ensure children live in a better India: President Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said it is the duty of every Indian to provide children the opportunity and experience of being citizens of a better India, and ensure every child receives education and achieves his or her full potential with freedom and dignity.

President Kovind was addressing the closing ceremony of the Bharat Yatra for a 'Surakshit Bachpan-Surakshit Bharat', organised by noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi's NGO, Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President praised the Yatra for, calling it a big step towards providing safe environment for children in the nation.

"It is the duty of every person in the country to connect with the objectives of this Yatra and provide our children the opportunity and experience of being citizens of a better India," Kovind said.

Through the 'Bharat Yatra', Kovind said that millions of people from South to North have been made aware of the policies and laws that ensure the rights of children.

President Kovind also commended the Kailash Satyarthi for his 40-year long contribution to the cause of human rights of children, and for rescuing over 85,000 children from atrocities.

President Kovind added that the country must follow the objectives of Satyarthi's foundation, and come together to ensure every child receives education and achieves his or her full potential with freedom and dignity, while being healthy and secure.

He also lit a symbolic Diya - 'Bal Suraksha Jyoti' at the event.

At the occasion, Kailash Satyarthi described the Bharat Yatra for 'Surakshit Bachpan-Surakshti Bharat' as a non-violent war on sexual abuse, rape and trafficking of children.

He further urged all to light a lamp in the name of protection of children, on Diwali.

The noble laureate actively advocates for children's rights, and protection against child labour and abuse.