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Odisha's Youth Revolution: How Balanced Growth Transforms Teen Mental Health

Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is championing a holistic approach to adolescent development. She emphasizes that balancing academics with personal interests is key to achieving excellence. The government's Advika programme has been successfully promoting mental health and skill development among teenagers. This initiative has already reached nearly 30 lakh adolescent girls across the state.

Key Points: Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida on Teen Mental Health and Growth

  • Deputy CM stresses balancing academics with personal interests for excellence
  • Advika programme promotes mental health and skill development
  • Open family environment crucial for adolescent girls' expression
  • 30 lakh girls provided skill education through government initiatives
  • 1.5 lakh Advika groups formed across Odisha districts
  • Women equally capable of contributing to economic development
2 min read

Odisha Deputy CM stresses balanced growth and mental well-being among adolescents

Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida emphasizes balanced academics and mental well-being for adolescents, highlights Advika programme success reaching 30 lakh girls.

"The development of mental, physical, and inner qualities during adolescence helps one achieve success in life. - Pravati Parida"

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday stressed the need for teenagers to balance academics with their personal interests to achieve excellence in their chosen field.

Addressing the gathering at a function -- ‘Kishor-Kishori’ Smabesh -- in Bhubaneswar, Parida, who also holds the portfolio of the Women and Child Development department, emphasised the importance of mental health during adolescence and the need to explore the hidden talents among adolescents.

She said that by focusing on their interests along with academics, every teenager can achieve excellence in the respective field chosen by him or her. The Deputy CM also stressed that there must be an open environment in families where adolescent girls can freely express their thoughts and share the problems they face.

Emotional exchange and a good mutual understanding, she said, help resolve many issues. Parida stated that the flagship Advika programme is being implemented at various Anganwadi centres to promote children’s mental health, develop their skills, and protect them from violence.

The Advika programme has been operational since October 11 (2020), the International Day of the Girl Child.

Similarly, she also said that around 1.5 lakh Advika groups have been formed in Odisha, while the ICDS officers across the state have been successfully implementing this initiative.

On this occasion, Deputy CM Parida highly appreciated the efforts of Anganwadi workers and officials, stating that nearly 30 lakh adolescent girls have been provided with skill education. Around four lakh Sakha-Bandhus (male peer leaders to assist girls in preventing child marriage) have also been created. She said that the development of mental, physical, and inner qualities during adolescence helps one achieve success in life.

While interacting with adolescents, the Deputy CM remarked that in today’s era, women, along with men, are equally capable of contributing to economic development.

Emphasising the vision of a developed Odisha, she said that everyone’s cooperation is essential and that people must progress in every field.

Deputy CM Parida added that despite facing various challenges, if one accepts them as opportunities and moves forward, they can surely achieve their goals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative by Odisha government! The focus on balancing academics with personal interests is much needed. In our education system, we only focus on marks, not overall development. Hope other states follow this model.
A
Ananya R
As a college student, I wish we had such programmes when I was in school. The pressure to only focus on studies made me ignore my passion for art. Good to see things changing for the younger generation! 🎨
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the initiative, I hope the implementation is effective. Often such programmes look good on paper but fail at ground level. The 1.5 lakh Advika groups is impressive - hope they're actually making a difference.
S
Sarah B
The Sakha-Bandhus concept is brilliant! Engaging boys as allies in preventing child marriage and supporting girls' education is a progressive approach. This could be a model for other states dealing with similar issues.
K
Karthik V
Mental health awareness in schools and colleges is the need of the hour. Too many young people are struggling silently. Hope this programme includes proper counseling services and not just awareness sessions.

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