Hyderabad, Nov. 14 -- Who robbed them of their innocence? Where have the carefree days of childhood gone? On Children's Day, these questions are not just disturbing - they demand serious introspection. Somewhere along the way, infancy itself seems to have become a casualty of a rapidly changing world.

Children are often described as the world's most precious resource and its greatest hope for the future. Yet, the manner in which societies treat their youngest citizens frequently contradicts this noble sentiment.

It was a time when childhood was synonymous with innocence, simplicity, and boundless imagination. Gilli-danda, kabaddi, hide-and-seek and making little mud houses (gharaondas) were favourite pastimes. Children returned home wit...