A small initiative launched by seven government school teachers in 2012 to curb child labour has grown into a full-blown movement, with doctors, lawyers, principals, industrialists, artists and other professionals joining in.Under Navchetna, more than 50 children have so far received medical treatment, while support has also been extended to over 30 girl students. Its latest initiative, Navchetna Healing Hands, has now brought 13 specialist doctors on board to provide free medical consultation and treatment to needy children from both government and private schools.The initiative was started by Sukhbir Singh Sekhon, head teacher at the Government Smart Primary School, Moti Nagar. His experience during a raid to check on child labour led him to look beyond conventional rescue efforts. During one such operation, six to seven children were rescued from a factory. Shortly after that, Sekhon noticed another couple of children rummaging through a garbage dump. When he sought help, he was told that the task force’s mandate was limited to rescuing children from factories and shops. The incident stayed with him, and the Navchetna Child Labour Welfare Committee was formed in 2012.The group gradually expanded and now has several wings, including the Women Front, Senior Citizen Council, Artist Wing, Youth Wing, Junior Wing and Healing Hands.Sukhwinder Singh, head teacher at Government Primary School, New Subhash Nagar, said more than 50 children had received medical assistance through the initiative. “Our responsibility goes beyond the four walls of a school,” he said.The Healing Hands team organises health check-ups and awareness camps and connects children requiring specialised treatment with doctors. Among those being supported is Gursimran Kaur of Dashmesh Senior Secondary School, who has anaemia and a haemoglobin level of 6.5. Aradhya Singh of Government Primary School, Moti Nagar, has a congenital disorder and requires an artificial limb; her case is being processed. Sobhageya, a DAV school student suffering from asthma and emotional distress, is receiving counselling from DMCH’s Dr Mamta Singla. Another asthma-affected child is being treated by chest specialist Dr BK Gupta, while Dr Gurbaksh Kaur is treating a girl with anaemia.More than 30 girls have also been supported by the group. The initiative provides education-related assistance and looks after the students’ other basic needs. It is funded through contributions by its members. An eye check-up camp will be conducted on September 26 by Dr Gurwinder Kaur. The group plans to provide free spectacles to children requiring them.