CINI Celebrates 25 Years of Adolescent Empowerment and Advocacy

News Desk, News Nation 360 : The Child in Need Institute (CINI) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship initiative, the Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC), as well as its own 50th year of strengthening children, women, and marginalised communities across India. The programme was graced by esteemed presenters, including Dr Indrani Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer, CINI Tulika Das, Chairperson, WBCPCR, Ananya Chakraborti Chatterjee, Advisor, WBCPCR Guest of Honour, Dr Swapan Soren Director of Health Services Dr Kunal Kanti De ADHS Adolescent Health Government of West Bengal and Special Guest Dr Monzur Hossein Chief of Field Office UNICEF West Bengal who joined to acknowledge ARCs journey and its transformative contribution to adolescent development. Dr Indrani Bhattacharyya, who spoke at the event, stated that ARC has been in operation for 25 years and is now recognised as a crucial facility. That day's session focuses on how much transformation has occurred among adolescents over the last 25 years, as well as their roadmap for the next 25 years. She would want to stress that parents must devote time to the next generation. Everyone is preoccupied with their own lives, including television and mobile phones, but it is critical to spend as much time as possible with children. They require appropriate advice, direction, and counselling. During adolescence, they must listen to them, stand by them, and encourage them. The Adolescent Resource Centre, one of the key programs under CINI, has been a prospective partner for national adolescent health initiatives such as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and the School Health and Wellness Programme. ARC’s work ranges from developing effective IEC and training materials to fostering adolescent-led advocacy platforms that help in strengthening youth participation and leadership. As part of recent celebrations, ARC released key documents comprising the "Youthscapes: 25 Stories of Change" case study booklet, the "Empowering Girls: A Decade of Achievement 2011–2021" impact report from the SAG KP Convergence Programme, and the ARC Visionary Document. Thirteen adolescents were felicitated for outstanding achievements, symbolising the success of sustained adolescent engagement and leadership. ARC works collaboratively with donors, government bodies, NGOs, and CBOs, reaching millions across states and continuously advancing adolescent health, empowerment, and education.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu