UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana Calls for Safer Childhoods for Children

Celebrated Actor and UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visited Jalna, in Maharashtra and interacted with children and communities as part of a UNICEF-supported Kinship and Community Care programme helping protect children affected by seasonal migration through family and community-based care.

Khurrana was accompanied by a UNICEF India team including the Representative a.i., Jesper Moller. The mission was supported by government and NGO partners.

For many marginalized families, distress-driven seasonal migration is a recurring reality. For children, this can escalate the risk of child labour, child marriage, disrupted education, neglect and violence. While children who remain with grandparents or extended family may continue attending school and accessing health services, many face emotional distress, limited care and supervision, and increased household responsibilities.

UNICEF works with the Government of India to strengthen child protection systems that address these issues and help prevent violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect. In Jalna, the Kinship and Community Care programme, implemented with the District Administration and NGO partners, demonstrates how communities and government working together can keep children safe, in school and connect them to services such as education, healthcare, nutrition and psychosocial support while helping reduce the risk of child labour and child marriage.

“Seasonal distress driven migration is not a choice. It is the stark reality for many families,” said Ayushmann Khurrana, after meeting children and community members “No child should have to lose their childhood because of circumstances beyond their control. In Jalna, I saw communities coming together to protect children affected by migration and keep them connected to family, care and support. Kinship care does more than provide a safe home. It preserves relationships, restores confidence and gives children hope for a better future.”

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Khurrana met young community leaders, including Shankar Asaram, whose work as a youth volunteer earned him community trust and led to his election as village Sarpanch. He also met Pratiksha, a Class 12 student and a Balmitra, who has seen how migration affects adolescent girls.

The Balmitras are trusted and powerful role models for children and their communities. By supporting children’s rights, safety and wellbeing, they help children stay in school and prevent child labour and child marriage, so that every child has the support and opportunity to grow, learn and thrive. “India has strong laws to protect children, including the Juvenile Justice Act, which completes 10 years this year. What matters now is to make sure that these protective measures are felt by every child and family, including those living with the challenges of seasonal migration,” said Ayushmann Khurrana.

By bringing together Gram Panchayats and frontline service providers, the programme creates a safety net that connects children to education, healthcare, nutrition and psychosocial support. Khurrana met adolescent girls, children and families to understand how the programme supports children at village level.

Reflecting on his interaction with adolescent girls, Khurrana said, “I met 18-year-old Shilpa, who once migrated with her family. Today, she completed school and joined a vocational course that hopefully can help her break the intergenerational cycle of seasonal migration. Girls’ dreams can be fulfilled when children grow up educated, healthy and safe.”

Khurrana also met a family providing kinship care to two young grandchildren while their father migrates for seasonal work. With support from Balmitras and the community, the children remain in school and continue receiving nutrition and immunization services.

Reflecting on his visit, Khurrana said, “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving and nurturing family environment. While the government provides legislations and schemes to protect children, I am proud to see UNICEF, the Government of Maharashtra, the district administration and village communities coming together so every child is safe and cared for.”

“UNICEF is proud to support the Jalna District Administration in providing a safe and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable children,” said Jesper Moller, UNICEF India Representative a.i. “Violence against children is preventable. As the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 marks 10 years, we must strengthen last-mile systems to identify risks early and connect families to essential services and social protection. UNICEF greatly appreciates Ayushmann Khurrana for lending his voice and influence to this important cause and championing every child’s right to safety and care.”

Khurrana and Moller also met the District Collector, Jalna, and appreciated the programme’s impact on children and families.