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 projectβs 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 YCDAβs commitment to shaping a brighter future through child-centered development.
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.
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. YCDAβs 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 YCDAβs 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.
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 YCDAβs 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 messageβhealthy eating begins with valuing our local crops. YCDA, through the CDP project, continues to inspire communities toward sustainable and nutritious food practices.