Sudam Babu|  State Bureau Chief Odisha

Bhubaneswar, November 1: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) celebrated its 16th Foundation Day with a special programme at Kalinga Convention Hall, Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar, highlighting the importance of child safety, children’s rights and their overall development.

The event brought together several prominent dignitaries, including Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Smt. Surama Padhy, Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, OSCPCR Chairperson Smt. Babita Patra and Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Smt. Shobhana Mohanty, along with other members of the Commission.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Surama Padhy underlined that protecting children and safeguarding their fundamental rights must remain a collective responsibility. She observed that children represent the future of the country and deserve an atmosphere that is safe, hygienic, supportive and conducive to their physical, mental and emotional development.

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj encouraged young participants by presenting prizes to children who took part in various competitions. He stressed that strong moral values, family responsibilities and opportunities for personal growth should be integral to children’s upbringing. He also cautioned against sacrificing children’s present happiness and development in the pursuit of future achievements. According to him, children should receive the encouragement and freedom necessary to develop their abilities and demonstrate their potential internationally.

OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra spoke about the Commission’s activities and initiatives during her tenure. She recalled that the first year’s programme was organised under the theme ‘Batsalya’, while the second year’s initiative was named ‘Adyasha’. On the occasion, she reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to acting as a responsible watchdog for children’s rights.

She further highlighted the need to recognise children’s opinions, pay attention to their problems and educate them about their entitlements. She emphasised that children must have meaningful opportunities to communicate their concerns and participate in discussions concerning their lives.

An important attraction of the Foundation Day programme was the organisation of essay-writing and drawing competitions, which provided children with a platform to demonstrate their creativity, imagination and communication skills.

A special interactive session titled ‘Adyasha – Hope of Childhood, Voice of the Future’ was also conducted. The discussion focused on building an encouraging environment in which children can pursue their aspirations, develop confidence and contribute their opinions without hesitation.

To ensure meaningful participation, children were invited to submit their views in writing on four significant subjects: online safety, education, child marriage and family-based care. Students enthusiastically participated and shared their observations, highlighting issues that directly affect their safety, education and well-being.

The programme also placed considerable emphasis on spreading awareness about child protection support systems. Participants were informed about Child Helpline 1098 and the Child Rights Protection Helpline 18003454494, both of which provide important channels for seeking assistance and protection.

The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening child protection mechanisms, promoting awareness of children’s rights and ensuring that every child has access to a safe, supportive and opportunity-rich environment.

Through its 16th Foundation Day observance, OSCPCR reiterated the importance of placing children’s voices at the centre of policy discussions and collective efforts towards building a society where every child can live with dignity, security and hope.