The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1993 with the mission to create sustainable improvements in the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Led by a team of experienced and trained social workers in various fields, YCDA focuses on key program areas, including Education and Child Protection, Youth Development and Livelihood Promotion. The organization’s headquarters is located in Baunsuni village, Boudh district, Odisha, where all activities are managed. To ensure effective program implementation, cluster and project offices have been established at the field level. YCDA collaborates with like-minded organizations, foundations, corporate bodies, and various government departments to fulfil its mission.
YCDA CEO, Mr. Rajendra Meher, visited the Two Feet Ahead Together Project at Belpada, engaging with children, teachers, and stakeholders. During the visit, he appreciated the project’s efforts in empowering young minds and fostering meaningful youth participation. Mr. Meher highlighted how the initiative is helping children build resilience and develop life skills to face everyday challenges with confidence. The project is also creating strong community support systems, enabling children and youth to grow in a nurturing environment. His interaction inspired participants, reaffirming YCDA’s commitment to shaping a brighter future through child-centered development.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 – A Grand Green Success! 
. Mr Sambidhan Bhue (AHO Loisingha) Mr Sudesh Kumar Choudhury (DDH Bolangir) Mr Rajendra Meher (Secretary-cum-CEO – YCDA)
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Patnagarh hosted a vibrant Millet Food Festival at the ADO Office, where the Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA), under its Shree Anna Abhiyan project, showcased the importance of millets in ensuring nutrition and food security. YCDA’s specially arranged millet stall became one of the key attractions, drawing the attention of distinguished dignitaries and community members alike.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri K.V. Singhdeo, Balangir MP Smt. Sangeeta Singhdeo, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Niranjan Bishi, and District Collector & District Magistrate Shri Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar graced the event and visited the YCDA stall. They savored a variety of millet-based dishes prepared to highlight the nutritional value, taste, and versatility of these traditional grains. All the guests appreciated the efforts of YCDA in popularizing millets as a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to mainstream crops.
The Millet Food Festival not only celebrated the cultural heritage of millets but also emphasized their role in sustainable agriculture. Millets are climate-resilient, require less water, and are rich in nutrients, making them a vital crop in addressing both health and environmental concerns. Through the Shree Anna Abhiyan, YCDA is working closely with farmers and communities to revive millet cultivation and integrate millet-based food into daily diets.
The event reaffirmed YCDA’s commitment to promoting healthy eating habits, supporting smallholder farmers, and contributing to long-term food security. By encouraging millet consumption, the organization envisions building healthier communities while sustaining traditional farming practices that align with ecological well-being.
The first day of the Teachers Training on Joyful Learning concluded successfully with the active participation of 70 teachers representing 65 schools. The program, jointly organized under the Family Focused Village Development Program (FFVDP), Star School, and the Two Feet Ahead Together (TFAT) project, aims to transform classroom environments by introducing joyful, innovative, and child-friendly learning practices.
The training provided teachers with practical tools and methodologies to make learning more engaging, inclusive, and effective for children. By equipping educators with these skills, the initiative seeks to create classrooms that encourage curiosity, creativity, and resilience among students.
The event highlighted a shared vision of empowering teachers today to ensure a brighter, happier, and more meaningful learning experience for children in the future.
Mundapada Gram Panchayat in Boudh Block came alive today with a vibrant Cooking Competition organized under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) project of YCDA. The event, held in Cluster-5, was designed to promote healthy eating practices and highlight the importance of non-paddy crops such as millets, pulses, and vegetables in everyday diets.
The competition brought together enthusiastic participants who showcased their culinary creativity by preparing a variety of innovative dishes. Each recipe emphasized the nutritional richness and cultural flavors of locally available crops, reinforcing the idea that traditional foods can be both healthy and delicious. From millet-based delicacies to protein-rich pulse recipes and seasonal vegetable preparations, the competition served as a reminder of the diversity and benefits of local produce.
The event received strong support from government officials, with CDP Scheme Officers, the Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO), District Level Manager (DLM) CDP, and Village Agricultural Workers (VAW) gracing the occasion. Their presence encouraged participants and underscored the importance of promoting crop diversification and sustainable food systems.
Speaking on the occasion, officials appreciated YCDA’s efforts in mobilizing communities and reviving interest in nutritious, climate-resilient crops. They highlighted how such initiatives contribute to better health, food security, and sustainable livelihoods for rural families.
The Cooking Competition at Mundapada GP not only celebrated culinary talent but also carried a strong message—healthy eating begins with valuing our local crops. YCDA, through the CDP project, continues to inspire communities toward sustainable and nutritious food practices.
YCDA Bolangir Empowers Farmers Through Livestock Promotion Under APC Project
Bolangir, Odisha —
In a significant move to enhance rural livelihoods, the Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) in Bolangir has initiated a livestock promotion drive under the APC (Agriculture Production Cluster) Project. This initiative is aimed at enabling local farmers to adopt livestock rearing as a sustainable and supplementary source of income.
Through comprehensive training, the provision of necessary resources, and continuous handholding support, YCDA has been instrumental in transforming the economic landscape for many farming households in the region. Farmers who once relied solely on seasonal crops are now diversifying their income sources, leading to increased financial stability.
"The results are already visible," said a YCDA project coordinator. "Farmers are not only earning more, but they also have better access to nutrition for their families, and the ripple effect is seen in stronger, more resilient rural communities."
The initiative is part of YCDA’s broader mission to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve the quality of life for marginal farmers in Odisha. With livestock promotion gaining momentum, the APC Project is emerging as a model for integrated rural development.
The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1993 with the mission to create sustainable improvements in the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
On the occasion of Children's Festival "PATANGI"-2024, I extend heartfelt wishes to all children and commend YCDA's efforts in creating a vibrant platform that celebrates creativity, inspires growth, and brings joy to Puintala's young generation. Jai Hind!
Looking back at 25 years of cooperation with YCDA, We honor your invaluable commitment that has led to i to the improvement of the lives of Communities, Children and most importantly to the enrichment of the lives of thousands of children. No words can express the impact you made by Investing in the improvement of education, participation, and resilience of countless children. We sincerly hope to continue our cooperation in the future for children In Odisha, In India and in the whole world!
