Bhubaneswar: The Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birla Global University (BGU), Bhubaneswar, on Thursday at Women & Child Development Conference Hall.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor, Birla Global University along with senior officials of the Department and members of the BGU faculty. Dr. Mrinalini Darswal signed the MoU on behalf of the Department and Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor on behalf of Birla Global University.
The Government of Odisha launched ADVIKA – “A Path to Adolescent Empowerment” to unlock the potential of adolescents aged 10–19 years. It reached them through life-skills education and awareness-generation sessions held every Saturday.
The MoU with BGU was signed to further strengthen the capacities of ADVIKA adolescent girls and Peer Leaders. It brought together the academic expertise of the University and the grassroots outreach of the Department.
Under the MoU, it was agreed that BGU would conduct a six-day residential training programme for 50 ADVIKA adolescent girls at its campus in Bhubaneswar. This would give the girls exposure to a university environment and intensive, hands-on learning. It was also agreed that a four-week community-based training programme would be organised for 50 ADVIKA Peer Leaders in Nimapada Block of Puri district. This would equip them to guide and support fellow adolescents in their communities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary highlighted the importance of preparing adolescent girls for a digital and knowledge-driven world. She noted that such skills would help them make informed choices and become agents of change in their communities. She also appreciated BGU for partnering with the Department in this effort. Vice Chancellor, Birla Global University, expressed the University’s commitment to the initiative and assured quality training and mentorship for the participants.
In the event, Sumitra Pattnaik, Additional Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, delivered the welcome address. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Jitendra Kumar Patra, Deputy Secretary, Women & Child Development Department.
