IPL 2019: Ben Stokes bats for eliminating child labour in 'Pink City'

English cricketer Ben Stokes has shown interest in eradicating child labour during his stay in Rajasthan for the ongoing Indian Premier League. The Child Labour-Free Jaipur initiative is a multi-stakeholder partnership set up with the support of the British Asian Trust (BAT). Stokes paid a visit to Taabar, a shelter home for rescued child labourers, one of BAT’s project. Not only that, the all-rounder watched a street play about child labour at Gyan Ashram School in Mansarovar. The play is one of the primary tools which is used in Jaipur to spread the word about the abolition of child labour in our nation. These projects are also backed by state and district authorities, local businesses and civil societies. Another aim of these activities is to increase the number of certified child labour-free products in our country. At the school, the all-rounder interacted with the students and also presented them with Rajasthan Royals’ caps. He even invited some of them to watch their home match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"People need to come together to achieve lasting and sustainable positive change for children by reducing child labour, which will eventually help their families and community as a whole," said the Englishman after his visit to the school in the ‘Pink City.’ Stokes had a brief session with the children where he revealed his dreams and aspirations, quizzed them about their favourite cricketers, gave them valuable advice and even demonstrated some of his favourite shots. He said, "These kids are the future. It's only logical that we try and create opportunities for them to lead a better life.” It is a great sign that the cricketer has been able to squeeze in some time from his busy schedule and visit the school. Rajasthan Royals is scheduled to play the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this Sunday.