Category: News

In the small village of Baberi, situated amidst the rolling hills of Rayagada District in Odisha, a young girl named Rekha Bushikha (Name changed) begins her day with a determination that belies her tender age. At just 11 years old, her heart brims with aspirations of becoming a doctor who tends to the sick and soothes their pains. Each morning, as the sun peeks over the horizon, Rekha rises with a sense of purpose that propels her forward. Living with her parents in Baberi Village, she embarks on a journey of knowledge—a 2-kilometer trek along winding sand-filled roads—to reach Rasikhola Model School in Rasikhola village.

The 4th River Conference for Regeneration of Riverine Ecosystems held at Hotel Ashiana Hill View conference hall on March 21-22, 2024 drew attention to the pressing need for action on World Water Day 2024. Aligned with the International Day of Action for Rivers and World Water Day, the event gathered 150 participants from diverse organizations and locations, including 52 partners committed to river conservation efforts worldwide. The conference organised by Water Initiatives Odisha and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) was co-partnered by Caritas India under the Global Program, spearheaded a momentous gathering focused on the restoration of riverine ecosystems.

Last week, the Geology Department of Patna University served as the vibrant backdrop for a transformative event aimed at fostering resilience and empowerment within communities. The We4Resilience Conclave Youth Conclave, organized under Caritas India's Global Program, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including esteemed academics, dedicated volunteers, and passionate youth leaders. Held on the 16th and 17th of March 2024, this event marked a significant step towards building a more resilient society, highlighting the crucial role of youth in mitigating disaster risks, and promoting social inclusion.

In the lush delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers lies the Sundarbans, a region of immense natural beauty and biodiversity. However, beneath this picturesque landscape lies a harsh reality for its inhabitants, particularly its farmers. Vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, including embankment breaches, salinization, and cyclones, these farmers face constant threats to their livelihoods.

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, have long-term consequences, especially for children and pregnant mothers in rural areas, impacting brain development and physical growth. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, Caritas India has implemented a comprehensive strategy involving the training of front-line health workers, Community Resource Persons of Mission Shakti (CRP), and members of Self-Help Groups (SHG), with a special focus on pregnant and nursing mothers.

To address the critical issue of lightning hazards in India, the National Conference on Lightning Resilience was recently concluded at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna. The conference was an outcome of the collaboration between Caritas India, the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC), the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), which brought together experts, stakeholders, and organizations committed to developing effective strategies to reduce mortality due to lightning.

Balanced nutrition is a global perspective that transcends geographical boundaries, recognizing the underlying link between health, well-being, and the consumption of a diverse and nutrient-rich diet. In a world facing both undernutrition and the escalating burden of diet-related diseases, the global perspective on balanced nutrition underscores the imperative of collective action. Governments, international organizations, and communities collaborate to foster nutritional literacy, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security on a planetary scale. This perspective is a holistic approach to public health, acknowledging the interplay between dietary choices, cultural nuances, and socioeconomic factors.

In the development arena, the concept of resilience is weaving its way into the forefront, emerging as a cornerstone for sustainable progress. This narrative of resilience-building is particularly vital for marginalized communities – indigenous groups, smallholder farmers, displaced persons, women, and those with disabilities. Battling challenges posed by climate change, socio-politico-cultural factors, and the struggle for access to essential social protection programs, these communities find themselves at the forefront of a transformative journey. This journey calls for multi-sectoral collaboration, urging civil society organizations, community-based groups, and policymakers to harness local capacities and traditional wisdom. At the heart of this narrative is Caritas India Global Program, a dedicated agent of change, employing a nuanced and comprehensive approach at Micro, Meso, and Macro levels.

The Nutri Clinic initiative emerges as a proactive response to the critical health needs of women and children in selected rural areas of Bihar, covering 75 villages across Patna, Munger, Saharsa, Purnea, and Kaimur districts. Primarily focusing on communities belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, grappling with challenges like landlessness, economic deprivation, and low literacy rates.

Caritas India's Global Program is making significant strides in empowering women to enhance their resilience, particularly in regions where marginalized populations face ongoing challenges. The program focuses on improving food security, strengthening resilience to natural disasters, and fostering social inclusion. In India, women bear a disproportionate impact during disasters, facing higher risks of harm and reduced access to relief measures. Caritas India recognizes the multifaceted challenges faced by women, especially those in lower socio-economic groups in rural areas, where traditional cultural practices and limited resources hinder their ability to adapt to climate change.