It seems strange that there ever should arise a need to raise this matter. For most people their children are the best part of what will survive them, the legacy they leave. Of course, we owe them the best. Unfortunately there is evidence galore that a lot of people and many nations around the world, including our own, are failing to do a lot that is necessary for the children to have a healthy childhood and to eventually grow into capable and responsible citizens that will make the world a better place than the one to which they were born. In our Special Report this week we seek to point out some of the ways in which the situation can start improving.

At the heart of the problem are certain attitudes towards children. A significant number of parents and close relatives seem to view children as means of their own happiness and prosperity. Many feel little or no responsibility, leaving the children to either their fate or the state, which does a poor job of planning and providing for the citizen’s needs, in particular those of marginalized and vulnerable segments, including children.

Food is by far the most fundamental need. The prevalence of malnutrition resulting in low weight and stunting across the country, even in regions with no documented famine, is scandalous.

We also have a poor record of preventing childhood diseases through vaccination and immunisation and by ensuring adequate hygiene. At the curative stage, the number of medical professionals available for children is barely adequate in large cities and perilously low in smaller towns and remote rural areas. In times of emergencies, natural or man-made, these problems get aggravated.

Schooling, fortunately is a need around which there is lot of awareness and acknowledgment by the state. Unfortunately, the good news ends there. Lip service, even legislation declaring basic education a fundamental right, has not resulted in consistent policies or commitment of resources needed for the burgeoning population that state and government leaders continue to brag about as an asset without investing in it.

The need to protect children from abuse – physical, sexual, online – is finally getting acknowledged. There is still a lot of confusion about who should do what and how to make the society a safe place for children without too much regimentation.

Most importantly many of our young adults appear to be ill prepared for work, relationships and responsibilities. This is true even for the segments of society where more basic needs like nutrition and childhood protection have been provided for relatively well.