The initiative, unveiled this week across multiple cities, seeks to deepen India’s volunteer culture by urging people to dedicate “a million hours of volunteering for India’s children.” CRY plans to channel this participation into sectors critical to child rights including education, nutrition, health, protection and child-led engagement.
A symbolic centrepiece of the campaign, the Wall of Change, is emerging as a gathering point for students, professionals and community members willing to pledge their time. CRY CEO Puja Marwaha said the platform is designed to “convert intention into concrete action” and build a visible community of citizens working for long-term impact.
The initiative is already gaining traction on the ground. In Delhi-NCR, colleges and neighbourhood groups are engaging with the Wall of Change alongside community football events designed to make volunteering more accessible. Bengaluru’s Church Street has turned into a high-footfall zone for pledge-taking, with additional activities planned at Cubbon Park, Commercial Street, Brigade Road and leading academic institutions.
Eastern and northeastern cities are broadening the network further. Kolkata’s Loreto College, IP Memorial School, IIT Guwahati, TISS Guwahati and St. Xavier’s College are extending outreach from major metros to semi-urban clusters. Western centres, including Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai, will host activations between December 5 and 7.
Volunteers say the effort is reshaping their understanding of civic responsibility. A Bengaluru participant noted that “giving time today strengthens tomorrow,” while a Delhi student recalled beginning her volunteering journey in Class 10 to support vulnerable children.
CRY says the growing momentum lays essential groundwork for 2026. The organisation expects the campaign to help build resilient community partnerships and mark the upcoming volunteer year as a milestone for child rights in India.
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