‘Ensure conducive environment for kids to thrive’: Round Table on ‘A Promise to Children’ held

Special Correspondent

NewsBits.in

INDORE: Dignitaries including cricket icon Mithali Raj and senior government functionaries highlighted the need of providing conducive environment to ensure wholesome development of children, especially girl children, during a round table held on October 18 at Indore.

Raj pledged support for the ‘A promise to Children’ campaign for which the UNICEF India has collaborated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the ongoing women’s world cup.

A round table on the theme ‘A Promise to Children: Prioritizing Anaemia and Protection of Children’ was organised under this collaboration on the eve of India-England world cup match at Indore scheduled for October 19.

The gathering brought together the senior government officials, civil society representatives, media, and young change makers to strengthen collective action on two critical issues impacting children in Madhya Pradesh —anaemia and child protection.   

Delivering the keynote address, Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, commended the state’s commitment to promoting gender equality, improving nutrition, and protecting children’s rights, “When children are well nourished, protected, and supported to learn and play, they thrive - and that is the promise we must deliver on. Focused efforts to reduce anaemia, prevent child marriage, and promote girls’ education are drivers of change,” said McCaffrey.

“Our partnership with the International Cricket Council uses sport to build resilience, confidence, and life skills in children — especially girls. Creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can grow, lead, and shape their future is essential to building stronger, more equitable communities,” she added.

Sheo Shekar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Tourism and Culture), highlighted the state’s initiatives for women’s empowerment and commended the roundtable’s collaborative efforts in advancing child rights, especially in Indore that boasts of a historical female icon like Ahilyabai Holkar  

Dr. Sudam Khade, Divisional Commissioner of Indore, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for girls.

Highlighting the state’s focus on multi-departmental convergence and local implementation, he said, “Our government remains deeply committed to ensuring that every child in Madhya Pradesh, especially every girl, has access to nutrition, protection, and opportunity. We are determined to make our flagship schemes more impactful at the last mile.”

Dr. Khade lauded the collaborative efforts between UNICEF, ICC, and various government departments, noting that such partnerships play a vital role in accelerating community awareness and mobilizing local leadership for child and adolescent well-being.  

The round table was joined by cricket icon Mithali Raj, ICC Ambassador and former Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, who spoke passionately about the power of sport to inspire and empower girls.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “When we invest in girls’ health and opportunities, we give them the confidence to dream without barriers.” She urged young participants to believe in themselves and use their voices and talents to drive change in their communities.

She likened the first 1000 days of children’s lives to the first 10 overs of power play in cricket that shape the entire game. Health, nutrition and other support during the first 1000 days of children’s lives helps in proper mental, physical and psychological growth.

Among young inspiring voices who spoke on the occasion was Gauranshi Sharma, UNICEF India Youth Advocate from Madhya Pradesh, who, despite being speech and hearing impaired, won gold for India in badminton at the 2021 Deaflympics in Brazil.

Speaking through sign interpretation, she said, “Disability does not define what a girl can achieve. With the right support and equal opportunity, every girl can fly high and make her country proud.”  

Other youngsters who are working for prevention of child marriage, climate action, gender sensitization and such issues also spoke. Also, young people’s representatives including the youngest female sarpanch in Madhya Pradesh and the youngest district panchayat members shared their thoughts.

The even focused on a drive community-led action toward a Suposhit and Samarth Madhya Pradesh — a nourished and empowered state where every girl can learn, grow, and lead.