Ahead of International Volunteer Day, CRY mobilises its 10,000+ volunteers to build a nationwide movement for children
New Delhi: As India prepares to observe the International Year of Volunteering in 2026, Child Rights and You (CRY) has launched a nationwide campaign celebrating the transformative power of volunteerism. Supported by its vibrant force of 10,000-plus volunteers and interns, the organisation aims to channel purpose, passion and perseverance into improving the lives of children across the country.
Anchored by the campaign tagline — “a million hours of volunteering for India’s children” — CRY seeks to inspire young people, professionals, homemakers and senior citizens to commit their time and energy to the Changemakers@Work initiative, strengthening India’s culture of volunteerism.
The campaign reiterates CRY’s belief that every individual has the power to bring about real and lasting change in a child’s life.
Central to the initiative is “The Wall of Change”, an interactive activation encouraging people to step forward and pledge their volunteering hours. Explaining the concept, Puja Marwaha, CEO, CRY, said, “The Wall of Change is our way of bringing people along on our journey. It’s a simple yet powerful platform — a space where anyone can pledge their volunteering hours, share their intent to give back, and see themselves as part of a wider movement of Changemakers@Work. As these pledges grow, they ignite the momentum needed to turn aspirations into action.”
The celebrations are gathering pace across major cities, each reflecting its distinct local spirit. North India – Delhi NCR – The Wall of Change is drawing students, youth groups and local communities. Football matches and interactive engagements have added a dynamic and fun twist to civic participation.
South India – Bengaluru – Church Street is now dotted with messages of commitment from volunteers. Bigger activations are planned across Commercial Street, Cubbon Park, Brigade Road, CMR College and New Horizon College.
East India – Kolkata & Northeast – Institutions like Loreto College (Kolkata), IP Memorial School (Howrah), TISS Guwahati, St. Xavier’s College and IIT Guwahati are joining hands, helping CRY expand from metropolitan areas into semi-urban communities.
West India – Maharashtra & Gujarat – Between December 5–7, 2025, celebrations are being held at the Centre of Excellence, Ahmedabad, Symbiosis College, Pune, and SNDT University, Juhu, among other locations.
As momentum builds, powerful stories from volunteers continue to emerge. A Bengaluru volunteer said, “Giving time for children today means building tomorrow stronger.” A student from Kirori Mal College, Delhi shared her journey of teaching at an orphanage and beginning her volunteer work in Class 10 to support her family and her sister with autism.
The campaign is fast becoming a launchpad for the International Year of Volunteering (2026), encouraging community partnerships and grassroots action that strengthen child rights. The movement is spreading rapidly across physical and digital platforms, illustrating how collective effort led by volunteers, CRY and its partners can drive meaningful, sustainable change.
Concluding on an optimistic note, CEO Puja Marwaha said, “We believe this growing movement will inspire citizens across India to step forward and help make 2026 a landmark year for volunteerism — and for investing in the nation’s future.”
