“Mukti” – A Movement Against Harmful Social Practices and Child Exploitation

“Mukti” – A Movement Against Harmful Social Practices and Child Exploitation

In several parts of society, certain harmful traditional practices continue to affect the lives of children, taking away their childhood, education, dignity, and future. Practices such as Waghya-Murli, Devdasi, Devdas, Jogtin-Jogti have historically been linked with systems where children are pushed into exploitative roles under the name of tradition and social acceptance.

In many cases, children from economically vulnerable and socially marginalized communities—especially from SC, ST, NT, and OBC backgrounds in India—are disproportionately affected. Lack of education, poverty, and social pressure often make them more vulnerable to such systems.

In some situations, children are forced into activities such as singing, dancing, begging, and other forms of exploitation. In the worst cases, this leads to organized exploitation and trafficking-like conditions, where childhood itself is completely taken away. Social acceptance or silence around these practices makes the issue even more complex and deeply rooted.

To address this long-standing issue, [Riddhi Siddhi Sanstha](https://www.riddhisiddhisanstha.org has been actively working since 2022 under its program called “Mukti”. The initiative focuses on Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, working directly with affected communities to challenge and prevent such harmful practices.

The work includes community awareness, identification of at-risk children, intervention support, engagement with families, and coordination with child protection systems and government authorities. In several cases, children have been successfully supported to exit exploitative environments and reconnect with education and safer life opportunities.

The core purpose of “Mukti” is not only intervention, but transformation—changing the mindset that allows such practices to continue. Real freedom comes not only from rescue, but from breaking the cycle of social acceptance that sustains exploitation.

“Mukti” stands as a movement for restoring childhood, dignity, and safety—ensuring that no child is forced into exploitation in the name of tradition.