In addition to commemorating its own 50-year milestone of strengthening women, children, and underprivileged communities throughout India, Child in Need Institute (CINI) is commemorating 25 years of its flagship program, the Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC).

The programme was graced by esteemed guests like Dr Indrani Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer, CINI, Smt Tulika Das, Chairperson, WBCPCR, Smt Ananya Chakraborti Chatterjee, Advisor, WBCPCR, Dr Swapan Soren, Director of Health Services, Dr Kunal Kanti De, ADHS Adolescent Health, Government of West Bengal, and Dr Monzur Hossein, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF West Bengal.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Indrani Bhattacharyya stated that after 25 years, ARC is still a vital and significant organization. “In today’s session, we primarily address our roadmap for the next 25 years and reflect on how much adolescents have changed over the past 25 years. In my opinion, parents need to allow the following generation some time. Spending as much time as possible with children is crucial, even when everyone is preoccupied with their own lives, television, and cell phones. They require appropriate counseling, direction, and assistance. We must pay attention to them, stay by them, and offer them support during adolescence,” said Dr. Bhattacharyya.

Since its founding in 2000, ARC has grown to be a key component of CINI’s mission to advance adolescent health rights and empowerment through comprehensive interventions in SRHR NCDs, mental health education, nutrition, prevention of gender-based violence, leadership development, and community engagement, reaching youth and young adults.

With a significant presence in several states and partnerships with government agencies, funders, NGOs, and CBOs, ARC has been instrumental in national initiatives, including the School Health and Wellness Program and RKSK Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. It has cultivated adolescent-led advocacy platforms that enhance youth involvement and leadership, as well as produced effective IEC and training materials.

Important documents unveiled were:

•         Youthscapes 25 Stories of Change Case Study Booklet of ARC

•         Empowering Girls: A Decade of Achievement 2011- 2021 Impact Report of the SAG KP Convergence Programme

•         ARC Visionary Document

Thirteen teenagers were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments as part of the event, highlighting the potent results of consistent teenage involvement and leadership.

In the future, ARC hopes to develop into a Centre of Excellence in knowledge and innovation, strengthening its position as a government technical partner that influences both domestic and global policy. bolstering research-driven programming that tackles new issues like digital literacy and climate change, as well as improving program design, monitoring, and scaling up for long-term, evidence-based impact that benefits young people in India.

Priyanka Dutta