Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida graced as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the two-day Kishori-Kishor (Adolescent Girls and Boys) Conclave, organised by the Women and Child Development Department at Kalinga Stadium.
Addressing over 127 young participants from 27 districts, Parida emphasised the critical role of mental health and talent exploration during adolescence, urging families to foster open environments for emotional expression.
In her keynote speech, Parida stressed that balancing academics with personal interests is key to achieving excellence in any field. “Every individual can attain peak performance by nurturing their unique passions alongside studies,” she said. She advocated for creating a free and supportive family atmosphere where adolescent girls can openly share their thoughts and challenges. “Emotional exchanges and strong interpersonal relationships resolve many issues,” Parida added, highlighting how such dialogues build resilience.
The Deputy CM also spotlighted ongoing initiatives like the Adwika program, implemented through Anganwadi centres to safeguard children’s mental health, enhance skill development, and combat violence against them. Launched on International Girl Child Day, October 11, 2020, the program has been successfully executed by ICDS officials across the state, leading to the formation of 1.5 lakh Adwika groups. Praising the dedication of Anganwadi workers and officers, Parida revealed that nearly 30 lakh adolescent girls have received skill training, while around 4 lakh Sakhi bands—peer support groups—have been established.
“With holistic development in mental, physical, and innate qualities during adolescence, individuals can become established pillars of society,” Parida remarked. During interactive sessions with participants aged 10-14 and 15-19, she encouraged young women to match men’s contributions to economic growth. “In this era, women are equally capable of driving financial progress,” she noted. For a developed Odisha, Parida called for collective effort across all sectors, viewing obstacles as opportunities. “Embrace challenges, seize new possibilities, and you’ll reach your goals,” she advised, while underscoring the responsible use of technology and smartphones.
The conclave featured vibrant competitions in music, dance, story reading, short video reels, and drawing, with winners receiving cash prizes and certificates. Esteemed guests, including Principal Secretary of the department Smt. Subha Sharma, ICDS Director Smt. Monika Banerjee, film star Pinky Pradhan, Olympian Anuradha Biswal, Hamara Bachpan Trust’s Smt. Rina Rani Behera, Smt. Seema Shradhanjali, and World Skill Centre Director, joined to motivate the youth, celebrating their talents and fostering a spirit of inspiration.
