A large number of students and activists on Thursday participated in an awareness campaign on child abuse conducted by two child rights activists at WildWest Cafe in Avinashi Road.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Thirumurugan of Noble Foundation said their mission was not only about creating an awareness among the public about child abuse but also highlighting other issues faced by children in the society. “We need to create a better society for the next generation,” he said.

Dr. Thirumurugan and Veeresh Babu, head of Sri Charitable Trust, a Bengaluru-based NGO, are currently on a mission to create awareness among public about child abuse and also about other issues faced by children. In the last five days alone, they have met around 400 people in eight districts in Tamil Nadu.

After Tamil Nadu, the two intend to travel across Karnataka and spread the message. “We want to cover the entire country. But funds are a problem,” said Veeresh.

“The abuse is usually seen only from the physical perspective. But nobody realises the psychological and mental trauma the child goes through,” Thirumurugan said and urged the parents to come forward to complain about incidents of sexual abuses.

“Do not hide it fearing social stigma. Children will lose their confidence and self esteem, which might even drive them to kill themselves,” he said.

According to Thirumurugan, the cases related to sexual abuse of children are moving at a snails pace in courts. “Investigation is often delayed, thereby affecting the trial.”

He appealed to the public not to encourage child begging. “Kids are being exploited in every way. They are forced to beg, trafficked and kidnapped by gangsters involved in selling organs. India stands at number one spot in child trafficking,” he said and suggested that even new borns should be provided with Aadhar numbers so that illegal adoptions be prevented.

Dr. Thirumurugan and Veeresh would meet students and activists at Theni, Dindigul and Madurai and conclude their mission in the State at Tiruchi on Monday.