Actor and UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visited Jalna, Maharashtra, to interact with children and communities benefiting from a UNICEF-supported Kinship and Community Care programme aimed at protecting children affected by seasonal migration.

Accompanied by a UNICEF India team led by Jesper Moller, Deputy Representative – Programmes, Khurrana met children, families, adolescent girls and community volunteers, along with government and NGO partners implementing the initiative.

Seasonal migration can expose children from vulnerable families to risks including child labour, child marriage, interrupted education, neglect and violence. The Jalna programme works with district authorities, Gram Panchayats, frontline workers and community organisations to ensure that children who remain behind with relatives or extended family continue to access education, healthcare, nutrition, immunisation and psychosocial support.

“Seasonal distress-driven migration is not a choice. It is the stark reality for many families. No child should have to lose their childhood because of circumstances beyond their control,” Khurrana said.

During the visit, he met young community leaders, including Shankar Asaram, a youth volunteer who gained community trust and was subsequently elected village Sarpanch. He also interacted with Balmitras—trusted young community leaders who support children's rights, safety and wellbeing and help prevent child labour and child marriage.

Khurrana highlighted the importance of India's child protection framework, noting that the Juvenile Justice Act completes 10 years in 2026. “What matters now is to make sure that these protective measures are felt by every child and family, including those living with the challenges of seasonal migration,” he said.

He also met Shilpa, an 18-year-old who had migrated with her family but has since completed school and enrolled in a vocational course. Khurrana said her journey demonstrates how education and support can help young people break the intergenerational cycle of seasonal migration.

The actor also visited a family providing kinship care to two young grandchildren while their father migrates for seasonal employment. With support from Balmitras and the wider community, the children continue to attend school and receive essential nutrition and immunisation services.

Jesper Moller, UNICEF India Representative a.i., said UNICEF is supporting the Jalna District Administration in creating safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable children. He stressed the need to strengthen last-mile child protection systems to identify risks early and connect families with essential services and social protection.

The visit highlighted how government systems, communities, families and civil society organisations can work together to keep children safe, in school and connected to essential services despite the challenges created by seasonal migration.