Adolescents from across Odisha voice their aspirations directly to deputy Chief Minister at Advika#Barta

By Akshaya Rout

Bhubaneswar, June 17: In a first-of-its-kind effort to improve adolescent participation in governance, the Government of Odisha, in partnership with UNICEF, brought together adolescent girls and boys from across the State for a face-to-face conversation with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida through Advika#Barta, an initiative of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), convened on Tuesday.

The programme on the occasion of “A Day for Children” as a part of Raja Festival, provided a unique platform to the adolescents from all the 30 districts of Odisha to interact with the Deputy Chief Minister and share their aspirations, concerns, experiences and suggestions on issues affecting their lives.

 While addressing to the participants, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted on the need to listen to the young voices and ensure that children and adolescents are active partners in Odisha’s development path. She inspired teens to dream big, get an education, develop leadership abilities, and make a great impact on their communities.” The future of the State is with the young people of Odisha. Their ideas, objectives and perspectives are critical in designing policies and programmes that actually respond to their needs,” she added.

During the interactive session, adolescents highlighted a wide spectrum of topics such as education, health & nutrition, digital safety, menstrual hygiene, skill development, child protection, mental well-being & chances for meaningful participation in community development. Their queries were answered by the Deputy Chief Minister, who assured them that the Government is committed to establishing an enabling environment for every child and adolescent to thrive.

Prasanta Kumar Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bhubaneswar, said, “When adolescents are provided safe and meaningful spaces to express themselves, they become powerful agents of positive change in their families and communities. Platforms like Advika#Barta help nurture confidence, critical thinking, and leadership among young people while reinforcing their right to participate in decisions that shape their present and future”.

Babita Patro, Chairperson, OSCPCR stressed upon the significance of institutional platforms, which provide an opportunity for children and adolescents to interact directly with the policymakers and the decision makers

Adolescent representatives joined virtually from district headquarters in the presence of District Collectors and district authorities at the event, while a set of teenagers joined in person from Bhubaneswar.

Advika#Barta was envisioned as a bi-annual platform and will continue to be held during Raja Festival and World Children’s Day to create continued chances for teenagers across Odisha to connect directly with the State leadership and help shape a more inclusive future.