National News 2025-11-24

South Asian University Launches its CIRCLE – The Centre for Inspiring the Rights of Children for Learning and Empowerment

South Asian University (SAU) has inaugurated its pioneering child rights centre, CIRCLE (Centre for Inspiring the Rights of Children for Learning and Empowerment) under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) K. K. Aggarwal, President, SAU, on the occasion of International Child Rights Day i.e. 20 November 2025. The centre will function under the Faculty of Social Sciences, as stated by Dr. Dev Nath Pathak, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU.

The opening remarks were made by Dr. Daksha Sharma, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Legal Studies, SAU who stated that under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) K. K. Aggarwal, President, SAU, CIRCLE aims to become a hub for research, advocacy, policy formulation, training, and community outreach on child rights.
Dr. Dev Nath Pathak welcomed the dignitaries and emphasised the centre’s interdisciplinary relevance. Ms. Stuti Narain Kacker, Chancellor, Subharti University and Former Chairperson, NCPCR, gave the ‘Guest of Honour’ address and highlighted SAU’s unique positioning as a SAARC initiative, making CIRCLE a potential regional platform for shared learning across eight nations.

The Chief Guest address was given by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Member, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi and Former Chairperson, NCPCR. He congratulated SAU for establishing the Centre on Child Rights and stressed the need for deeper international engagements on child rights. Also, he acknowledged Government of India’s efforts and key government’s policies supporting child welfare, protection and development. Dr. Balram Prasad Raut, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Legal Studies, SAU delivered the formal vote of thanks.

A panel discussion on ‘Voices of the Future for Child Participation and Protection in South Asia: Vision of CIRCLE’ was also organised on the same day and it featured the eminent experts in the field of child rights and protection namely, Mr. Amod Kanth, Advocate Shashank Shekhar, Ms. Vijayalakshmi Arora (UNICEF, India), Dr. Vikram Srivastava (SAIEVAC, Nepal), Paresh Shah (NCPCR) and Prof. Biswajit Das. The sessions under the panel discussion were chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Ritu Gupta, Professor, SAU and Dr. Dhananjay Tripathi, Associate Dean, Faculty of International Studies (SAU).

The event concluded on a strong note, reaffirming SAU’s commitment to advancing child rights and childhood studies across South Asia and beyond.