Administrator
19 September 2025
UNICEF Jharkhand and Amity University Ranchi started their pro-bono collaboration, recognising young people as changemakers with the skills to bring positive transformation to their society. The collaborationfocuses on key thematic areas, including health, nutrition, education, communication, advocacy and partnership, and child protection etc.
The collaboration started today with a comprehensive session on child rights and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents and young adults, addressing the urgent need to engage youth in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from 123 students, including 98 girls and 25 boys, along with faculty members.
Dr. Ashok K. Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Jharkhand, extended his warm wishes on this occasion. The event was expertly anchored by one of Amity University's talented students and featured distinguished speakers from both organisations. Mr. Prabhakar Tripathi, Registrar of Amity University Jharkhand, addressed the gathering, emphasisingthat "a healthy body is one's own responsibility" and expressed his enthusiasm about the platform created by UNICEF Jharkhand and Amity University for students to understand, learn, and act upon disease prevention.
Dr. Abhishek Tripathi, Dean MAP, delivered the welcome address, stressing the critical importance of current eating habits in shaping future health outcomes. "Realising this at a young age is difficult, but as we get older, health issues start to surface. Our goal is to make you take a pause and make you rethink about your health choices through this session," he emphasised.
Ms. Astha Alang, Communication, Advocacy & PartnershipSpecialist at UNICEF Jharkhand, provided an insightful overview of UNICEF's key areas of work, particularly in Jharkhand. She outlined five core tenets for students to become part of UNICEF's mission: deepening understanding of children's rights, spreading awareness and advocating for vulnerable children, cultivating inclusive communities and fostering empathy, embracing responsible global citizenship, and leveraging education for future impact.
"UNICEF’s mission is rooted in advancing the rights of every child, and we know that young people are the true catalysts of change," said Ms. Astha Alang, Communication, Advocacy & Partnership Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand. "By engaging youth as advocates and leaders, we are not only strengthening the movement for child rights but also building a generation that is informed, empathetic, and ready to shape a more just and inclusive society."," Ms. Astha Alang stated.
Dr. Vanesh Mathur, Health Officer at UNICEF Jharkhand, conducted an extensive session on NCDs, describing them as "chronic but slow diseases that do not show up easily." He provided comprehensive information about various non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes (noting that India is the diabetic capital of the world), high blood pressure, obesity, mental health issues, and certain cancers and sickle cell anaemia, which is prominent in tribal areas of Jharkhand.
Dr. Mathur addressed various myths and facts associated with NCDs, backing his presentation with current data. He emphasised that "the only solution to reduce the burden of NCDs is to prevent them. The time to act is now."
Dr. Sapan Kumar Gupta, Head of Institute at Amity School of Communication, delivered the vote of thanks, lauding the collaboration and the platform it provides for students to leverage their knowledge and skills toward the combined mission of protecting children's rights.
The event was attended by several distinguished faculty members from Amity University, including Dr. Prabhat Tripathi, Dean Student Welfare; Dr. Nishant Mani, Dean Academic; Dr. Amit Datta, HOD Biotechnology Department; Dr. Jayeeta, Head of Institute; and Dr. Md Rashid Iqubal Siddique, Assistant Professor.
This strategic collaboration between UNICEF Jharkhand and Amity University Ranchi represents a commitment to empowering young minds to address critical social issues. The collaboration will continue with initiatives across multiple thematic areas, creating opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with UNICEF's mission while developing practical skills for social change.
The collaboration recognises that youth engagement is crucial for sustainable development and child welfare, positioning students as active participants in creating a healthier, more equitable society
