Kolkata: The Child in Need Institute (CINI) commemorated a significant milestone as it celebrated 25 years of its flagship Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC), coinciding with CINI’s 50-year journey of empowering children, women and marginalized communities across India.
The commemorative ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including 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, who collectively acknowledged the remarkable evolution and national impact of ARC.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indrani Bhattacharyya highlighted the centre’s long-term transformative influence on young lives. “ARC has completed 25 years and today it stands as an important and essential centre. This event reflects on the transformation adolescents have undergone over the past 25 years and outlines our roadmap for the next 25 years. Parents must spend more time with the next generation. Despite busy lives and technology distractions, children need guidance, support and counselling—especially during adolescence,” she said.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Launched in 2000, ARC has become a cornerstone of CINI’s mission by advancing adolescent health, rights and leadership through interventions in:
- SRHR
- NCDs and mental health
- Education and nutrition
- Prevention of gender-based violence
- Community mobilisation and youth leadership
With its wide presence across several states, ARC has collaborated with government bodies, donors, NGOs and CBOs, contributing significantly to national-level programmes such as:
- Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
- School Health and Wellness Programme
ARC has also developed impactful training modules, IEC materials and adolescent-led advocacy platforms promoting youth participation and leadership.
Unveiling of Key Knowledge Documents
As part of the milestone celebration, the following publications were released:
- “Youthscapes – 25 Stories of Change” Case Study Booklet
- “Empowering Girls: A Decade of Achievement (2011–2021)” – Impact Report of the SAG & KP Convergence Programme
- ARC Visionary Document
