Warm greetings from the CINI family!

The world continues to face considerable uncertainty, with conflicts persisting across several regions. Yet, amidst these challenges, life goes on. The monsoon rains have continued to nourish our planet over the past three months, and amidst the uncertainty and challenges, countless individuals and organisations remain committed to working for the well-being of others. Their dedication reminds us that compassion, solidarity and collective action can make a real difference in people’s lives.

As I sit down for the first time to write this column, From the Secretary’s Desk, for CINI’s quarterly newsletter, I do so with a deep sense of humility and responsibility. Our Founder and former Secretary, Dr Samir Chaudhuri, fondly remembered as our Daktarbabu, wrote this column for over half a century. It is an honour to carry forward his legacy and continue this cherished tradition.

The past quarter offered me two exceptional opportunities for engagement and dialogue. I
attended the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal at Lok Bhavan. I also had a fruitful discussion with Smt. Malati Rava Roy, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, and the sitting MLA from Tufanganj Assembly Constituency. Such interactions are valuable opportunities to share perspectives and to strengthen our collective commitment to the well-being and protection of women and children.

In early September, CINI, in collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand, organised Prarambh: State Consultation on Preconception Care (PCC). The consultation reaffirmed the importance of integrating preconception care into existing health, nutrition and family planning programmes. We believe that investing in care before pregnancy is a vital step towards improving maternal and child health outcomes and giving every child a healthier start in life.

Another encouraging development was the interaction between young people from Kolkata,
many of them Street Champions trained by CINI, and Shri Ajay Kumar Nand, Commissioner
of Police, Kolkata Police invited to share their perspectives on making the city safer and more inclusive, the young people spoke about their lived experiences, safety concerns and
recommendations for improving urban spaces. The Commissioner appreciated their contributions and assured them that their concerns and suggestions would be taken forward
for discussion. This interaction was an encouraging step towards recognising young people
not merely as beneficiaries of programmes, but as active partners in shaping a safer, more
inclusive and child-friendly city.

On 25 July, CINI observed World Drowning Prevention Day under the theme “Unite to Turn the Tide.” Drowning remains a silent epidemic, claiming lives and deeply affecting communities, often without receiving the attention it deserves. CINI continues to work towards preventing drowning through community engagement, awareness-building and collaborative action. This year, our efforts brought together the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, WHO India, Kolkata Police, community members, young leaders and other stakeholders reinforcing the importance of collective action to prevent drowning and
save lives.

Another significant highlight of the quarter was the observance of Poshan Maah, or Nutrition Month, across CINI’s units in September. Nutrition has been central to CINI’s journey since its inception, when our Founder began working to address malnutrition among vulnerable children. This commitment remains as relevant today as it was then. We continue to work closely with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address malnutrition in all its forms and to promote better nutrition and healthier lives for mothers and children.

In my new role as Secretary, I am conscious that CINI’s journey over the past five decades
has been made possible by the trust, encouragement and contributions of many like-minded
co-travellers. Our partners, well-wishers, supporters, government institutions, civil society organisations, colleagues and, above all, the communities we work with have all played an important part in this journey. I look forward to continuing this shared endeavour with your support and cooperation.

Together, let us continue to work towards a healthier, safer and more equitable world in
which every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and realise their full potential.

With warm regards and gratitude,

Dr Indrani Bhattacharyya
Secretary & CEO
Child in Need Institute (CINI)

“A truly inclusive society is not one where everyone is merely allowed to belong, but one
where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, lead and thrive.”
At Child in Need Institute (CINI), gender inclusivity is not simply a statement of intent; it is a value that reflects organisational work culture, programme implementation and community engagement. Gender is not a standalone concern at CINI; it is a cross-cutting dimension of its work. Through its gender-responsive approach, CINI promotes safer, more inclusive urban environments in Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Ranchi.

Inclusivity in Community – An equitable world of work begins with an inclusive society. Hence, CINI has established Inclusive Learning Centres (ILCs) in 3 vulnerable urban communities in these cities, to discuss rights, education, safety and government schemes, fostering empathy towards gender diversity through street plays, dramas and awareness initiatives. CINI also trains transgender communities in dignified livelihood practices and sensitizes educational institutions, hospital professionals for a gender-responsive behavior.

Community transition to world of work- Recognising economic independence as a pathway to empowerment, CINI supports vocational training, personality development, non-traditional careers and entrepreneurship. Women and transgender groups have established enterprises in paper plate making, masala grinding, women auto drivers, phenyl production, tailoring, challenging gender-stereotyped occupations across organised and unorganised sectors. The change we seek must begin within. CINI promotes staff sensitisation, non-discriminatory communication, safe workplaces, gender-diverse professional opportunities and gendersensitive policies.

Moving towards to broader aspect-Extending the conversation beyond its own organisational boundaries, CINI also organises seminars on “Advancing Gender Equality in the World of Work”, consultative meeting with Mayor, corporators and Bhubaneswar development authorities for building a gender safe city and capacity-building training on the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013—the POSH Act, bringing together experts from diverse sectors.

CINI continues to illuminate the path towards safe and inclusive spaces for all genders, where the prism of equality brings every colour of humanity together to flourish in harmony. Yet, the journey towards a truly equitable world continues.

The workshops also support preparations for the upcoming CINI Children’s Film Festival,
envisioned around the theme “Films by the Children and on the Children.” Through theseefforts, CINI continues to create meaningful platforms for children and adolescents to share their stories and voices.

The event featured presentations on CINI’s Integrated Data Management System (IDMS),
Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Framework, From Risk to Resilience, and Tales and
Trails. It also showcased the Institute of Economic Growth’s findings on livelihoods, disease burden and occupational health risks in rural India, alongside a presentation by Ms. Subrata Chakraborty on CINI’s engagement with Panchayati Raj Institutions to strengthen health and nutrition outcomes.

The event highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, digital innovation and evidence-based approaches in strengthening community health and nutrition and advancing sustainable, community-led development.

The consultation brought together government officials, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)
representatives, civil society organisations, academia, development institutions, media and
community stakeholders to discuss barriers to accessing digital public services and social
security schemes.

Discussions highlighted challenges related to digital literacy, awareness, documentation, connectivity and last-mile service delivery, emphasising the need for stronger community digital capabilities, improved outreach and collaborative action to ensure inclusive access to essential services.

Through interactive activities and open discussions, participants reflected on societal expectations of men, traditional gender stereotypes, emotional expression and gender roles. The session provided a safe space to promote respect, empathy, equality and accountability, encouraging peer leaders to become advocates for healthier relationships and gender-equitable communities.

Drawing on CINI’s community-based work across Assam, the paper documents how CINI method’s participatory approaches can strengthen menstrual health by addressing
knowledge gaps, challenging stigma, strengthening local systems, and advancing menstrual
health as an issue of health, dignity and gender equity. The paper also highlights CINI’s fieldbased learnings that can inform rights-based and context-responsive programming, policy dialogue and implementation.

The publication is a reflection of the collective learning and efforts of CINI teams, partners and the communities we work with.

On World Nature Conservation Day 2026, the Child in Need Institute (CINI) launched its flagship project, “Green Catalyst: Youth-led Wetland Conservation & Urban Ecological Resilience in Kolkata,” aimed at protecting the critical ecosystem of the East Kolkata Wetlands. Supported by the Wipro Foundation and collaborating with the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the inaugural event brought together government officials, educators, and youth leaders to discuss strategies for urban ecological resilience. Key conversations focused on leveraging Eco-clubs under the Government of India’s Mission LiFE, the cultural and scientific importance of wetlands, and solid waste management in Kolkata. The initiative focuses on empowering young, underprivileged community members to become climate stewards, enabling them to share personal environmental stories and lead actions that safeguard natural resources and strengthen collective climate resilience.

In Rambagan, Kolkata adolescents participated in poster-making and an awareness session on “Mental Health & Hope,” exploring emotional expression, healthy coping and helpseeking. These activities reinforced the importance of listening without judgement, challenging stigma and creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking support.

In 2026, CINI strengthened anti-trafficking awareness and child protection initiatives across West Bengal and Jharkhand through community campaigns, school programmes, workshops and police training.

Awareness activities reached around 450 participants in Uttar Dinajpur and covered 15 blocks in Murshidabad, with special attention to vulnerable communities near the
international border.

In collaboration with Jalpaiguri District Police, CINI organised workshops on trafficking prevention, child protection and legal mechanisms, including a session at Maynaguri College under the KAWACH framework. Police training at Jibantala focused on child protection laws and child-friendly policing. CINI also participated in the PIB ‘Vartalap’ media workshop in Murshidabad, highlighting trafficking and substance abuse.
These initiatives promoted community vigilance, stronger institutional coordination and
collective action to prevent trafficking and safeguard vulnerable children.

From Information to Influence: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey of Change

Dipti joined the Mothers’ Group in 1 No. Tarungaon, Tamulpur, Bodoland Territorial
Region (BTR), Assam seeking information to support her family. Initially a listener, she had limited opportunities to discuss and share health-related information.

Through CINI’s regular Mothers’ Group meetings, Dipti participated in discussions on health, nutrition and hygiene. She began sharing her learning with other women, participated in Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) meetings and cross-learning sessions, and gained confidence to speak and encourage others. She also encouraged her daughter to join the Adolescent Group.

Dipti progressed from receiving information to sharing and influencing others. She now
supports VHSND activities and promotes health-service uptake, while her daughter participates in the adolescent group extending the impact from individual learning to family and community engagement.