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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state...

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state between 2021-2024.   When asked for his reactions, Fadnavis told media-persons in Nagpur that he had not read the letter, but the issue raised is important and he would reply to it. Fadnavis stated that the NCRB has also provided the reasons why the kids go ‘missing’, how they return and the period, ranging from 3 days to 18 months.   Dwelling on the sufficiency of the NCRB figures, he contended that they reflect only complaints formally registered by the police and thousands of cases may never be reported.   On the ‘rescue, return and reunion’ of such missing children, he pointed to the sheer psychological trauma they may have suffered and sought to know how such child-lifter networks continued to thrive openly and blatantly.   The MNS chief targeted what he claimed was the “state’s lack of proactive measures to identify and dismantle child-begging rackets” as many juveniles can be seen begging at railway stations, bus stands, traffic signals, often accompanied by adults with doubtful authenticity.   “If some woman claims to be the child’s relative or guardian, should the government not order a thorough probe? Is it inappropriate to consider even a DNA test in suspicious cases,” Raj Thackeray demanded.   Slamming the government and the Opposition, he lamented how both sides failed to prioritise such urgent social issues in the legislature where discussions centre around partisan sparring.   The letter also mentions attempts by the Centre to coordinate with states on the ‘missing or trafficked children’, regretting how political upmanships and symbolic debates prevent meaningful action on the ground.   The NCRB said that Maharashtra has consistently ranked among states with the highest number of ‘missing children’, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.   Simultaneously, experts, child rights NGOs and activists have warned about trafficking networks that exploit poverty, migration and weak law enforcement and low convictions, despite official rescue missions or rehab efforts.   In his appeal, Raj Thackeray called upon Fadnavis to take concrete, visible measures rather than discussions and conventions. “Maharashtra expects decisive steps from you, not speeches. Jai Maharashtra,” he signed off.     In October 2023,Sharad Pawar red-flagged ‘missing girls-women’ This is the second major social cause by a political leader, two years after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar had red-flagged nearly 20,000 ‘missing women and girls’ from the state between Jan-May 2023.   In the present instance, Raj Thackeray said that “behind the statistics lies a far more disturbing reality involving organised, inter-state gangs that kidnap children, physically abuse them and force them into begging rings”.   “Little kids are assaulted, made to beg and shifted across states. Groups of children disappear suddenly, and the government appears unable, or unwilling, to grasp the seriousness of what is happening,” said Thackeray in a strong tone.

The Transformative Power of Spirituality

Can spirituality answer life’s biggest questions—providing inner peace, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with the universe?

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In a broader perspective, spirituality is a search for the inner self, something beyond the earthly world. It encompasses self-discovery, mindfulness, introspection, self-compassion, meditation, prayers, and connecting with something larger than oneself.


Spirituality is a personal quest to explore meaning and purpose in life. It is very much individualistic. It refers to belief in a higher power, not specifically to a specific deity.


Conversely, being religious is a structured belief system and rituals involving the worship of a deity or deities.


Well, it is considered a divine calling, a deeper invitation to explore deeper concepts, which leads to a life full of purpose and meaning, thereby to have a fulfilling journey. This is referred to as "Spiritual Awakening".


It includes being drawn towards the purpose of life, the search for the very existence of individuals, and interconnection, reduced desires towards worldly things, peace seeking, meditation, and prayers. Although the calling is unique for each individual based on their values, beliefs, and karmic accounts of the past and present.


Impact of spirituality

It impacts an individual profoundly, making a significantly noticeable change in a sense of reduced attachments to materialistic possessions, increased sensitivity, a questioning mindset, and increased inclination to supreme power. Appreciation for simpler things in life begins, and greater awareness of one's intuition aligns with emotions and thoughts. Practices like yoga, meditation, and prayer enhance the ability to overcome grief or sickness.


Helps to develop a sense of acceptance and to make peace or come to terms with the facts of life. Emphasises the significance of relationships with the partner and to build harmonious relations with one and all, underlining the strengthening of bonds.


Spiritual communities offer support and belongingness to individuals, which is highly valuable. It helps to connect with our faith emotionally and psychologically, facilitating peace and acceptance at the end of life. It nurtures values like compassion, empathy, and forgiveness while emphasising service to society and a sense of interconnectedness with the world. At the same time, it encourages the practice of gratitude, a powerful tool for liberation.


One learns not to hold on to grudges, anger, hatred, and bitterness, and to release suppressed negative emotions, thus feeling lighter and liberated.


It helps us overcome the fear of loneliness, teaching that solitude can be enjoyable. This fosters self-sufficiency, reduces dependency, and encourages us to explore life independently. It can have a huge positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and depression.


De-cluttering on the mental level begins systematically. Spirituality is a lifelong process of learning, growing, and connecting with the divine. Although highly religious and following practices and rituals as meticulously as possible, I turned to Spirituality when life threw unlimited challenges, and I hit rock bottom, mentally drained. This was the time 'Spiritual Awakening ', so-called "Divine Calling'' occurred, and where I found changes happening within me as an individual.


I started practicing yoga, meditation, self-compassion, forgiveness, and releasing negative emotions and thoughts, while religiously praying daily.


It has taught me that nothing is permanent; we come alone and leave alone. Hence, enjoy the journey called "life", go with the flow, and deliver your duties and responsibilities to the optimum. I feel extremely light and liberated, having a sense of attainment of 'Nirvana'.


Today, I stand strong and fearless and have emerged a better human being who can calmly say and embrace the quotes of the Bhagavad Gita, "Detachment from the results of action (karma) is the path of liberation and spiritual growth."


The higher power decides it's payback time for all the positive karmas made in the past. So keep an attitude of gratitude. Have the wisdom to know the effects of karma and navigate positively. Stay strong and stay blessed. Let divine blessings be showered on each one of us.


(The author is an educator based in Thane.)

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