In a significant step toward adolescent empowerment, the Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birla Global University (BGU), Bhubaneswar, on Thursday at the Women & Child Development Conference Hall.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the W&CD Department, and Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor of Birla Global University, alongside senior department officials and university faculty members.
Strengthening the ADVIKA Initiative
Launched by the Odisha government, ADVIKA – “A Path to Adolescent Empowerment” is designed to unlock the potential of adolescents aged 10–19 years through structured life-skills education and weekly awareness sessions held every Saturday.
The newly minted partnership bridges academic expertise with grassroots administration to amplify capacity-building and research frameworks for adolescent girls and community leaders across the state.
Key Highlights of the MoU
Under the collaborative framework, BGU will spearhead specialized training programs aimed at leadership and digital readiness:
- Residential Training Program: BGU will host a comprehensive six-day residential training camp on its Bhubaneswar campus for 50 ADVIKA adolescent girls, offering intensive, hands-on learning and exposure to a university environment.
- Community-Based Leadership: A four-week specialized training initiative will be organized for 50 ADVIKA Peer Leaders in the Nimapada Block of Puri district, equipping them to mentor and guide fellow peers within their local communities.
Fostering Agents of Change
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mrinalini Darswal emphasized the critical need to prepare young girls for a digital and knowledge-driven global economy, enabling them to make informed life choices and act as catalysts for community transformation.
Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni reaffirmed BGU’s institutional commitment to the cause, pledging top-tier academic mentorship and high-quality training sessions for all participating youth.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Additional Secretary Sumitra Pattnaik and concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Deputy Secretary Jitendra Kumar Patra.
