LUCKNOW, Nov. 14 -- Many children who have escaped the hardships of child labour are now embracing a brighter future filled with dreams. They look forward to the joys of books, classrooms, laughter, and the simple right to be children again. This Friday, they will celebrate their first official Children's Day. Among these hopeful children is Krishna Soni, a 10-year-old who was involved in rag-picking for as long as he remembers. His days began at the crack of dawn, and often didn't end until sunset. While watching others his age head to school, his eyes sparkled with the dream of learning. But everything changed for Krishna when he was rescued last year by the Diya Bati Foundation, a local NGO dedicated to helping children transition from labour to education. In April, thanks to their support, Krishna's dreams took flight as he was enrolled in school. As the excitement builds for Children's Day on Friday, Krishna can hardly wait to experience his very 'first celebration'. "When I first shared my wish to study, my parents were not supportive. But eventually, they agreed. Now, each day at school fills me with happiness, and I aspire to become a police officer one day," Krishna shared with a smile. His journey is a testament to hope and resilience, lighting the way for countless others like him. As per data, 198 children and adolescents from Bahraich (maximum in the state) have been rescued by the labour department between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2025 while 169 children and adolescents from Lucknow were rescued in this period. In total, 3,340 children and adolescents had been rescued in the last five years while 32,888 children and adolescents were identified being involved in child labour. Kavita Kashyap, 11, who was pushed into working as a domestic help for years, will also be celebrating her first Children's day. She began going to Study Hall Prerna school for underprivileged kids in April this year. "I was admitted to school with help from Shaleen sir (who works with an NGO). Initially, he taught me, but later got me admitted to LKG. My parents support me when I study, and now I wish to pursue education to become a teacher one day," she added. Similarly, Priyanka (name changed) worked as a domestic help and then at a ration shop. She was rescued last year by the Diya Bati Foundation and is now in the hostel at Study Hall school. The child, who allegedly suffered abuse while growing up with a relative after her parents abandoned her in the early years of life, has begun studying in class 1. "I had a bitter childhood but now I feel secure when I study in a safe environment," the girl said....