Kolkata Event Highlights Critical Need for Parental Engagement
In Kolkata, a significant gathering marked two important milestones: the 25th anniversary of the Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC) and the 50th anniversary of the Child in Need Institute (CINI). The joint celebration brought together leading figures in child rights and public health to address one of the most pressing issues facing today's youth.
Indrani Bhattacharyya, the Chief Executive Officer of CINI, delivered a powerful message that resonated throughout the event. She emphasised the urgent need for parents to dedicate quality time to their children, highlighting the challenges posed by a world saturated with digital distractions like television and mobile phones.
Experts Call for Active Parental Support
The event saw participation from key officials, including Tulika Das, Chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR), and Monzur Hossein, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF West Bengal. They joined other dignitaries to support the cause of adolescent well-being.
Bhattacharyya articulated the core message clearly. "I would like to say that parents must give time to the next generation," she stated. "Everyone is busy with their own lives, busy with television and mobile phones, but it is important to spend as much time as possible with children. They need proper guidance, direction, and counselling." She further stressed that during adolescence, it is crucial to listen to them, stand beside them, and support them.
A Legacy of Empowering Adolescents
Since its inception in the year 2000, the Adolescent Resource Centre has become a fundamental part of CINI's mission. Its work has profoundly impacted young lives through comprehensive programs focused on:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
- Mental health and nutrition
- Education and prevention of gender-based violence
- Leadership development and community engagement
ARC's influence extends beyond direct intervention. It has successfully collaborated with various government departments, non-governmental organizations, and community-based groups. Furthermore, it has made substantial contributions to national initiatives like the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and the School Health and Wellness Programme.
The event also served as a platform to honor achievement, with thirteen adolescents being felicitated for their remarkable accomplishments, showcasing the positive outcomes of sustained support and leadership opportunities.
Looking to the future, ARC aims to evolve into a Centre of Excellence in knowledge and innovation. Its forward-looking strategy includes deepening its role as a technical partner to the government, influencing policy at national and international levels, and tackling emerging challenges such as climate change and digital literacy to ensure a sustainable, evidence-based impact for the youth of India.
