Foreword 

The issue of street children in India is one of the most urgent and complex humanitarian crises of our time. It is a topic that not only demands our attention but also compels us to reconsider the very fabric of our society. For these children, life is a daily battle for survival, marked by hunger, exploitation, and neglect. Yet, they remain largely invisible to the mainstream consciousness.

In Shadows Of The Street: India's Street Children, Dr. Venkat Potana has crafted a profound and insightful exploration of this subject, offering readers an unflinching look at the harsh realities faced by millions of children across the streets of India.

What sets this book apart is its holistic approach to understanding the plight of street children. Dr. Potana draws from years of dedicated research, social work, and advocacy to paint a picture that is not merely about despair but also about hope and transformation. He offers not just an analysis of the socio-economic factors that push children onto the streets but also presents a vision of rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal change.

The book is meticulously researched, yet written with a deep sense of compassion that brings the stories of these children to life. Each page invites readers to see beyond the statistics and instead focus on the humanity of these young lives, whose potential is being stolen by poverty, violence, and systemic neglect.

This book goes beyond traditional academic discourse, weaving in spiritual and moral reflections that highlight our collective responsibility toward the most vulnerable members of our society. As James 1:2 reminds us, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Dr. Potana grounds his work in this ethical mandate, calling for readers to engage not only intellectually but also emotionally and spiritually with the issue at hand.

Through this book, he challenges us to take meaningful action—to advocate, to volunteer, to donate, and to raise awareness—because the future of India’s street children is inextricably linked to the moral conscience of its people.

Shadows Of The Street is not just a book for social workers or policymakers; it is for anyone who believes in the transformative power of empathy and justice. Whether you are a student, an educator, a religious leader, or a concerned citizen, this book offers both a critical understanding of the crisis and a blueprint for action. It is a reminder that, while the challenges are great, the potential for change is even greater.

As you read through these pages, I encourage you to reflect on your own role in shaping a better future for these children. Through collective effort, driven by compassion and a commitment to justice, we can help bring them out of the shadows and into a brighter future. 

Mr. Tirupathi Rao

Project Officer, World Vision India