Childhood is a foundational phase where the trajectory of an individual's life is set. When this period is interrupted by forced work, the repercussions extend far beyond the immediate physical strain. The long-term consequences of child labour create a ripple effect that stifles personal growth, erodes economic potential, and traps families in a persistent cycle of poverty. At CRY India, we believe that understanding these enduring impacts is vital to advocating for every child's right to a bright and liberated future. The Educational Vacuum The most direct victim of child labour is education. When a child enters the workforce prematurely, they aren't just missing classes; they are losing the ability to develop critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy. One of the gravest consequences of child labour is the high dropout rate. Once a child leaves the structured environment of a school to earn a meager wage, the barrier to re-entry becomes exponentially higher.…