In a powerful story of transformation and hope, two children from Arunachal Pradesh who were once engaged in begging have been invited as special guests to attend the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The event will be held on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path, marking a significant milestone in their lives.
The students, identified as 10-year-old Nipul Modi and 13-year-old Samir Tati, are residents of Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh. Both children are currently enrolled in government schools and are continuing their education after being rehabilitated through government-supported initiatives.
Nipul Modi is studying in Class 2 at the Government Primary School in Nongtaw Shyam village, while Samir Tati is enrolled in Class 6 at the Government Upper Primary School in Kaisu village. According to officials, both children were previously living on the streets and had no access to formal education before intervention by local authorities and social organisations.
Their selection has been made under the SMILE Beggary Rehabilitation scheme, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The SMILE project focuses on identifying individuals engaged in begging, providing them with shelter, education, healthcare, and skill development, and reintegrating them into society with dignity.
The rehabilitation of the two students was carried out with the combined support of the Namsai district administration, the Social Welfare Department, and the Dhamma Aid Foundation. Officials involved in the programme said the children showed strong interest in education and adapted quickly to structured schooling environments.
As part of Republic Day 2026 celebrations, the Ministry has invited 100 individuals from across India who were successfully rehabilitated under the SMILE Beggary scheme. These individuals will attend the national parade as special guests, symbolising the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social justice.
The inclusion of Nipul Modi and Samir Tati among the invitees reflects the positive outcomes of coordinated welfare efforts at the grassroots level. Officials said their journey from begging to education serves as an inspiration and highlights the importance of sustained intervention, awareness, and community participation.
Republic Day celebrations often showcase India’s democratic values, cultural diversity, and progress. By inviting rehabilitated individuals to the parade, the government aims to underline the message that social upliftment and equal opportunity remain central to national development.
The story of these two students stands as a reminder that with timely support, access to education, and institutional backing, lives can be transformed. Their presence at the Republic Day parade will not only mark a personal achievement but also represent the success of rehabilitation policies aimed at restoring dignity and opportunity to the most vulnerable sections of society.
