August 28, 2019: Prakash Javadekar, Minister, Information & Broadcasting, inaugurates the Seventh National Community Radio Sammelan on 28th August at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This year’s theme is “Community Radio for SDGs” (Sustainable Development Goals).

Saying that the government is committed to its mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, the minister added, “It is important to realise the importance of community radio in this direction. This stems from the belief that community radio can play an important role in development through people’s participation. Community radio is an instrument of the future and there cannot be a better idea to provide listeners the right to information and knowledge than this medium.”

He also gave away National Community Radio Awards for 2018 and 2019 in five categories - Best Thematic programme, Best Community Engagement Initiative, Best Programme for Promoting Local Culture, Best Innovative/ Creative Programme and Best Sustainable Model for Community Radio. A total of 30 awards were given for two years. Photo: OneWorld South Asia

June 3, 2019: In order to bring a positive change in the society, Reena Thakur organised a beauty pageant for the LGBT community.

Transgender men and Trans Girls from across the country displayed their talent as they competed for the crown at a beauty pageant in New Delhi. The Winner, Aneey Dutta, was given a prize money of 1 lakh besides trophy, certificate and crown.

The finale winner Aneey Dutta said that by giving such a huge fashion platform was very encouraging for them.

April 3, 2019: IIFL Finance, a non-banking finance company, along with IIFL Foundation, recently launched a new community connect program to organize initiatives with social impact and to give back to the community.

The topics were “A Healthy India”, “Educated Girl Child” and “Water Conservation” and more than 39,200 citizens across age-groups participated in the contest. It not only tested and rewarded their creativity, but also spread awareness on social causes.

Sumit Bali, CEO of IIFL Finance, said, “Through “Rangon Ka Milan”, we have contributed towards raising awareness on issues related to environment, education of girl child and good health .”

January 9, 2019: The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, visited Primary and Upper Primary schools in village Nithora, Ghaziabad district, 35 km away from Delhi. Solberg, accompanied by Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF India Representative, congratulated the government, school authorities, and community members for making the school an inspirational model, providing quality education and facilities for handwashing, toilets and safe drinking water.

Interacting with children at the school, Solberg, said, “It is inspiring to meet the school girls and boys, teachers and parents in village Nithora. I view education as fundamental to sustainable development. Access to quality education is a universal human right and is the key to unlocking opportunities for all, so that everyone can enjoy a better life. India is making impressive strides in education, and I applaud the work that the local community and UNICEF are doing.”

She added, “We believe that the right to sanitation is an essential component of the standard of living. Sanitation and health are part of ensuring that girls are safe and they stay in school.”

June 13, 2018: A worrying trend has surfaced from the figures released by Government of India on child labour.

Karnataka, a south Indian state has witnessed a steep increase of 56 percent in working children over the last decade as the Census 2011 data suggests. More than 45% of the working children in the state are girls, and the capital city of Bangalore leads the total number of working girls in Karnataka.

The state of Karnataka has nearly half a million working children between the ages of 5-14 years which is the school-going age for elementary education. With around 29069 number of girl children, Bangalore leads the trend followed by the districts of Raichur and Bellary.

From the data available it is seen that 80% of child labor in India is concentrated in rural regions, however Karnataka has shown a growth indicating that urban centers supporting child labour to a greater extent. Representational Photo: Vineet Malik