Workshop on Prevention of Child Marriage Held
Puri, 21/4 – On the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a day traditionally associated with many auspicious events, a workshop on the prevention of child marriage was organized in the chamber of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Puri. Speaking at the event, ADM Pradeep Kumar Sahu emphasized that child marriage, though illegal and harmful, is still practiced in some regions and communities. He noted that many people still consider Akshaya Tritiya an ideal time for such marriages. He stressed that widespread awareness is essential to put an end to this social evil.
Presiding over the session, ADM Sahu stated that just as nature operates based on natural laws, society must function within legal and constitutional frameworks. If children are married only after reaching the legal age, it can help avoid numerous social, psychological, and health-related problems. He called for collective and continuous efforts at all levels to eliminate child marriage.
Additional District Magistrate for Revenue, Kailash Chandra Nayak, described child marriage as a social disease that causes long-term harm not just to the family but also to society and future generations. He urged stronger preventive measures.
Other dignitaries present and contributing to the discussion included Dr. Ajit Kumar Mahapatra, Chairman of the District Child Welfare Committee; Santosh Kumar Sethi, District Information and Public Relations Officer; Bikash Kumar Mohanty, District Social Welfare Officer; Mamta Mishra, Additional District Education Officer; Manoj Kumar Tripathy, District Child Protection Officer; DSP Tilottama Raut of HRPC; and Ranjita Dash, District Coordinator for Child Marriage Prevention.
Program Officer Sharmistha Hota conducted the workshop. Participants included CDPOs, Anganwadi supervisors and workers, members of self-help groups, temple priests, and representatives from Childline and One Stop Centre. The program focused on starting a district-level awareness initiative aimed at making Puri a child marriage-free district.
Discussions were also held on how to spread awareness from the district level down to village communities about the negative consequences of child marriage. Special attention was given to how the “Advika” program for adolescent boys and girls can be promoted and prioritized across the district as a key part of this initiative.
