Dy CM Parida engages with adolescents at Advika Barta event

Bhubaneswar: Adolescent girls and boys from across the state got an opportunity to interact with eputy CM Pravati Parida on Tuesday. They shared their aspirations, concerns and suggestions on issues affecting their lives through Advika Barta, an initiative of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.The programme, organised by the state govt in partnership with Unicef as part of the Raja festival celebrations under the theme ‘A Day for Children’, brought together adolescents from all 30 districts for a dialogue with policymakers. “The future of Odisha lies with its young people. Their ideas, aspirations and perspectives are essential in shaping policies and programmes that respond to their needs,” she said.Participants raised issues related to education, health and nutrition, digital safety, menstrual hygiene, skill development, child protection, mental well-being and opportunities for meaningful participation in community development. Parida responded to their queries and assured them of the govt’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for children and adolescents.Prasanta Kumar Dash, chief of field office, Unicef Bhubaneswar, said platforms such as Advika Barta provide adolescents with safe and meaningful spaces to express themselves and participate in decisions affecting their lives. “When adolescents are given opportunities to share their views, they can become powerful agents of positive change in their families and communities. Such platforms help nurture confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills,” he said.OSCPCR chairperson Babita Patro highlighted the importance of institutional mechanisms that enable children and adolescents to engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers.