In 2024, the Child in Need Institute (CINI), a nationally recognized non-governmental organization, commemorated 50 years of devoted service to mothers, children, and underprivileged communities. The organization is getting ready to commemorate the 25th anniversary of one of its most significant flagship programs, the Adolescent Resource Center (ARC), which has been crucial in promoting adolescent advocacy, health, and empowerment throughout India.

ARC, which was established in 2000 and focuses on adolescent health, rights, leadership, and general well-being, is a pillar of CINI’s activities.

In the last 25 years, ARC has been instrumental in advancing

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
• Non-Communicable diseases
• Education & mental health support
•  Leadership development
• Substance misuse prevention
• Gender-based violence awareness
• Nutrition Advancement
• Community Engagement and Youth Advocacy

In order to ensure holistic development and the improvement of critical life skills, ARC has expanded its focus throughout time to include youth and young adults.

Since its founding in 1974 by Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, CINI has always fought to support marginalized communities. Currently serving over 10 million people across West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Jharkhand, the organization has won two National Awards for Child Welfare.

ARC works with funders, government agencies, NGOs, and CBOs as a fundamental component of CINI. It is a nationwide partner of the School Health and Wellness Programme and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK). In order to elevate the voices of adolescents, ARC also conducts research, promotes policy advocacy, creates effective IEC materials, and fosters youth-led platforms.

Priyanka Dutta