The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) marked its 16th Foundation Day with great fervour on Friday at the Kalinga Convention Hall in Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar.
The commemorative event brought together leading state dignitaries to reaffirm their collective commitment to the safety, rights, and holistic development of children across the state.
The ceremony was graced by prominent leaders including the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Surama Padhy; Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj; OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra; and Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Shobhana Mohanty.
Addressing the attendees, Speaker Surama Padhy underscored that safeguarding child rights remains a primary, non-negotiable responsibility of society. Calling children the fundamental architects of the nation’s future, she advocated for creating secure, clean, and conducive environments that allow young minds to grow and progress with unwavering confidence.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who felicitated young competition winners, spoke on the necessity of instilling robust moral values. He urged elders not to sacrifice the present happiness of children in the race to secure their futures, advocating instead for nurturing environments that allow young talents to eventually shine on the global stage.
Reflecting on the Commission’s journey, Chairperson Babita Patra highlighted key initiatives, noting the progression from the first year’s ‘Batsalya’ programme to the current ‘Adyasha’ initiative. She reiterated the OSCPCR’s mandate as a vigilant guardian, stressing the vital importance of actively listening to children’s voices.
The celebration featured engaging essay and drawing competitions, alongside a special deliberation session titled ‘Adyasha – Hope of Childhood, Voice of the Future’. This dynamic platform encouraged children to share written submissions on pressing contemporary themes, including online safety, child marriage, education, and family-based care.
To further empower the youth in attendance, officials conducted a vital awareness drive on emergency support systems, highlighting the national child protection helpline (1098) and the dedicated Child Rights Protection Helpline (18003454494). The event concluded with a strong call for widespread community awareness to ensure children always know where to seek help.
