Farheen Saifi, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: With her face veiled to conceal her identity, Priya (name changed) enters the Society for Participatory Integrated Development (SPID) shelter to meet her two children. They have been living here for the past two years, shielded from the harsh realities of the life Priya has suffered for the last nine years as a sex worker in Garstin Bastion Road, Delhi’s infamous red-light area.
Priya is one among the countless women who are forced into the sex trade, an intergenerational cycle of exploitation and survival. She made the difficult decision to place her children in a shelter, hoping for a chance at a better future, rather than keeping them in an unsafe environment.
Amid the bustling chaos of Delhi’s streets, filled with the sounds of rickshaw pullers and street vendors, the SPID shelter offers a glimmer of hope to children born into the shadow of the red-light area. The NGO, established by Lalitha S.A. in 1988, claims to have transformed the lives of over 3,000 children, rescuing them from the bleak prospects of life within brothels.
“In India, brothel-based prostitution is not a choice,” says SPID founder Lalitha. “Women and girls are bought and sold into sex slavery. The children born into these circumstances often face an uncertain future, but we work to break this cycle.”
Lalitha began her journey with just five children, driven by her conviction that education is the most powerful tool for change. “For me, the best way to heal these kids is through learning. When a child understands their worth and potential, they grow beyond their circumstances,” she says.
From her humble beginnings, the SPID has grown into a 24/7 shelter registered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The shelter provides rescued children with food, clothing, medical care, education, counseling and skill-building opportunities. Today, 125 children live in the shelter. Its three centers in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi collectively support its mission.
Educating Beyond Basics
“Our approach is holistic,” explains Lalitha. “We do not just provide education but equip the children with life skills. Many of our children have grown to become nurses, engineers, teachers and even software developers. Some have even taken their mothers out of the brothels.”
The shelter runs remedial classes in English, Hindi, Social Science and Mathematics. Lalitha explains the importance of extracurricular activities. “We use art, music, dance and even puppet shows to build confidence in these kids. It is important for them to express themselves and feel safe.”
Many children, after completing their education, are supported in securing admissions to diploma and professional courses.
Mental Health, Emotional Support
A key aspect of SPID’s work is its focus on mental health. “Many of these children come with deep emotional scars,” Lalitha says. “We provide intensive counseling to help them heal. They learn that their lives are not defined by where they were born.”
Priya, whose children are now thriving in the SPID shelter, says, “My daughters are learning things I could never dream of. They have a future, thanks to Lalitha and her team. I am grateful beyond words.”
Challenges, Perseverance
“There are financial struggles and societal pushbacks, but when I see these children smiling, learning and dreaming, it is worth every challenge. These kids deserve a chance to rewrite their stories,” says Lalitha.
She credits the dedication of SPID’s volunteers and staff for the organisation’s success. “It is a team effort,” she says. “Every teacher, counselor and caretaker here is part of our family. Together, we ensure these children feel loved and supported.”