While Echoes of the Lost is a fictional tale, the crisis it reflects is painfully real.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of children go missing—some run away, others are abducted, and far too many are never found.
Behind each number is a name. A story. A family still waiting.
Missing Children: The Global Picture
– Over 8 million children are reported missing globally every year (ICMEC).
– In the United States, over 337,000 child entries were recorded by the FBI’s NCIC in 2023.
– The NCMEC assisted in over 28,000 cases last year, with 91% being endangered runaways and 1 in 6 likely victims of child trafficking.
The Crisis in India
– India reports over 100,000 missing children annually (NCRB).
– A child goes missing every 8 minutes.
– States like Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu report high numbers.
– Many of these children are never traced—often lost to trafficking, labor, or abuse.
Why It Matters
These numbers are not abstract.
They reflect a deep crisis—one that often goes unnoticed in daily headlines.
This is why stories like Echoes of the Lost exist.
To give voice to the voiceless.
To make us pause and ask: Are we doing enough?
What We Can Do
– Raise awareness: Share stories and statistics.
– Support NGOs focused on rescue and rehabilitation.
– Teach children safety—both offline and online.
– Support community programs that protect vulnerable children.
Final Thoughts
Echoes of the Lost is a novel. But the emotions that shaped it are real.
Behind Ari’s mission, behind Shiva’s mentorship, and behind every chapter, lies a simple truth:
The world cannot afford to forget the missing.
Let’s remember them. Let’s speak for them.
— Chandraish Sinha
