CYSD

I began my journey with CYSD as an intern on 25th September 2024, driven by a desire to explore the social sector. CYSD stood out as an exceptional organization, renowned for its invaluable contributions to social transformation. Operating across multiple thematic areas—livelihoods, child education, women’s empowerment, disaster management, and climate action—it has become a driving force in fostering sustainable development.

This organization provided me with a dynamic platform to acquire knowledge and skills. My journey started in the HR department, where I worked on updating the employee master file, operating Pocket HRMS for new employees, and designing contract letters. This experience broadened my understanding of HR operations and introduced me to new learning opportunities.

Next, I spent a few days with the Skill Enhancement Unit, gaining insights into CYSD’s efforts in providing entrepreneurship training to vulnerable youth in apiculture and mushroom cultivation. Interacting with beneficiaries and learning about their self-employment journeys was truly enriching, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and growth they experience. Though my time in this unit was brief, it highlighted the critical role of skill training in building sustainable livelihoods.

Lastly, I worked as a research intern on a Coastal Ecosystem Project. My research coordinator was incredibly supportive, providing me with valuable exposure to the research domain. This project not only refined my research skills but also deepened my understanding of the crucial role of mangrove restoration in mitigating natural disasters like cyclones. I gained insights into how restoring these ecosystems enhances coastal resilience, minimizes the impact of extreme weather events, and promotes environmental sustainability.

Working across multiple sectors over five months has significantly enriched my knowledge and honed my skills. Each experience provided unique learning opportunities that I can apply meaningfully in the future.

I am deeply grateful to my mentors in the HR and Research wings for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my internship. Special thanks to Jagadanand Sir for giving me the opportunity to be part of CYSD—his dedication to creating positive change has been truly inspiring.

The work environment at CYSD is filled with positivity and collaboration. Everyone is compassionate and supportive, making my experience incredibly fulfilling. This organization not only provided me with professional growth but also enabled me to build meaningful relationships. Being a part of CYSD has been a truly rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons, friendships, and opportunities it has offered.

Shreya Patra, Young Professional

Santosh Pamolu, a 29-year-old diploma holder in civil engineering, has become a driving force for social change in his village of Badapadia, under Suri Panchayat. His unwavering dedication to community welfare has led to several impactful initiatives, improving the lives of villagers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Santosh played a key role in ensuring 100% vaccination in his tribal-dominated village. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness and motivate hesitant villagers, helping protect the community’s health.

Beyond healthcare, Santosh has helped villagers access government entitlements, such as old age pensions, widow pensions, and labour cards. Recognizing the bureaucratic challenges, he facilitated document verification processes at the Jana Seva Kendra, leveraging his network of local officials and leaders, including the Sarpanch and Gram Rozgar Sahayak (GRS).

Santosh believes that lack of awareness prevents many from benefiting from government schemes meant for the poor. “Most people here are illiterate and don’t know about these schemes,” he says, highlighting his role in bridging this information gap and empowering his fellow villagers.

However, Santosh’s endeavours extend beyond administrative facilitation. Recognizing the need for better infrastructure, he collaborated with the Sarpanch to oversee the construction of a vital road network in the village.

His commitment to community development has led him to partner with the horticulture department. Together, they planted cashew trees across ten acres of community land, promising economic sustainability and environmental conservation.

Santosh Pamolu claims that these initiatives have helped reduce migration from the village. Despite facing obstacles, he remains a steadfast social engineer for change, embodying the transformative potential of grassroots activism.

Punjisil village, in Mujanga Gram Panchayat of Dasmantpur Block, Koraput District, is a tribal settlement reliant on rainfed agriculture, cultivating millets, coffee, vegetables, and paddy. Despite stream-fed irrigation, water scarcity during the Rabi season hampers productivity.

Dora Badanayak exemplifies resilience amid adversity. His farm pond, built two decades ago by the Soil Conservation Department, had silted up, reducing its water capacity. This led to irrigation challenges, resulting in crop failures and financial losses. Last year, he lost half an acre of chili worth ₹5,000 due to water shortages.

During the Village Development Plan (VDP) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises conducted by CYSD, his plight was prioritized. Through community discussions, Dora’s pond was selected for renovation under CYSD’s Parivartan Project, ensuring year-round water availability.

Dora’s farm pond had become nearly obsolete due to heavy silt accumulation, limiting water retention and affecting irrigation during the Rabi season. In the community, only 46 acres of land had access to irrigation, while 135 acres remained entirely dependent on rainfall. This imbalance in water availability posed significant challenges for farmers, limiting their ability to cultivate crops during the dry season and affecting overall agricultural productivity.

In March 2024, the Parivartan Project undertook its renovation to enhance water availability and agricultural resilience. Key steps included de-watering, de-silting to restore storage capacity, embankment dressing to prevent erosion, and grass turfing for sustainability. This intervention revitalized the pond, ensuring reliable irrigation and improving livelihoods for Dora and the broader farming community.

The Parivartan Project enhanced the farm pond renovation by integrating the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model. With support from government departments, Dora diversified his farming practices. The Agriculture Department provided a vermicomposting unit, improving soil fertility, and enabling Dora to plant banana on the bunds to prevent erosion. Fish farming was introduced with the provision of fingerlings, creating an additional income source. Through PMKSY, the Horticulture Department supplied a 1.5 HP submersible pump, ensuring year-round irrigation from the renovated pond and Punjisil stream, sustaining Dora’s 2 acres of farmland during the Rabi and Zaid seasons.

The intervention brought transformative outcomes for Dora’s agriculture and financial stability. The renovated farm pond ensured reliable water availability, reducing crop failure risks. Dora cultivated tomato and chili seedbeds during Rabi, expecting ₹10,000 in income. Fish farming provided an additional revenue stream, while vermiculture and water-efficient irrigation promoted sustainability. This support restored his pond’s functionality, diversified his farming, and improved productivity.

Dora expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply thankful to the CYSD Parivartan team for their invaluable support in overcoming my challenges. With improved water storage, reliable irrigation, and new income opportunities, I now see a secure and prosperous future in sustainable agriculture.”

In the tranquil village of Sisiaguda, a remarkable tale unfolds—one of resilience and dedication. Meet Jemi Khosla, a young woman whose journey through hardship and perseverance has made a lasting impact on her community.

Jemi’s story stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of determination and compassion. Despite financial struggles that forced her to stop her formal education after completing her Plus Two in Science, the 23-year old girl has emerged as a guiding light for over 50 students in her community.

Despite limited resources, Jemi turned her adversity into an opportunity to make a profound difference. Recognizing the dire need for educational support in her panchayat, she began offering private tuition to children from Class 1 to Class 8. But her efforts go beyond academics; she actively tackles the issue of school dropouts by motivating students and engaging with parents in tribal community.

Jemi’s approach to teaching is simple yet effective. She understands that small rewards can make a big difference, often encouraging her students with chocolates and biscuits.  This small gesture not only keeps them engaged but also helps them develop a love for learning. Talking about her journey, Jemi’s unwavering resolve shines through.

“Whatever situation I have faced in my life; I don’t want others to experience the same hardships. Education is the key that unlocks doors to a brighter future,” she asserts with conviction. Her words reflect her deep belief that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right that empowers individuals to overcome barriers.

Jemi’s journey is intertwined with personal sacrifice and family responsibility. After losing her father to health ailments, she took on the role of the eldest sibling, prioritizing her siblings’ education over her own aspirations. Her 19-year-old sister is close to completing her graduation, while her 16-year-old brother has started his Plus Two studies.

Through her selflessness, Jemi proves how education can drive progress and uplift families. Fuelled by a strong sense of purpose, Jemi collaborates with teachers and the school management committee to amplify her efforts. Together, they lead awareness programs about the power of education through workshops, outreach initiatives and community engagement, fostering a culture of learning in the panchayat. Jemi stands as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for generations to come.

Kesabaguda, a quaint village in Podagada Panchayat, lies 23 km from Koraput’s district headquarters. Agriculture is the backbone of the community, with farmers cultivating vegetables like beans, tomatoes, chilies, and brinjals during the Rabi season using diversion irrigation. The village has fertile lowlands for paddy and medium lands for millets and Niger crops.

Dhanpati Muduli, a smallholder farmer, faced significant challenges with 0.5 acres of his 3-acre land due to severe undulation and soil erosion, rendering it unfit for cultivation. Previously, this land generated around ₹20,000 annually from millet farming, but middlemen’s low offers and declining productivity forced him to seek alternative incomes, including carpentry.

CYSD’s Parivartan Project, supported by Ashraya Hastha Trust, identified his degraded land through a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and prioritized its restoration. A grid survey mapped the topography, followed by rough grading to address undulations. Precision levelling ensured uniformity, while final smoothening optimized water retention and ease of ploughing. Proper drainage systems were established to stabilize the land and improve water management.

For the Rabi season, Dhanpati planted beans and tomatoes using last year’s seeds and canal irrigation, with technical support from the Parivartan team. He followed improved cultivation practices, ensuring soil enrichment and proper care. The project also provided guidance and a package of practices to maximize productivity and sustainability.

At the onset of the season, Dhanpati sowed seeds on his rehabilitated land, enriched with organic manure, ensuring proper care and intercultural operations. He plans to sell the harvest in nearby markets while keeping some produce for family consumption and next year’s crop.

This intervention has not only revitalized Dhanpati’s land but also significantly enhanced his livelihood prospects. With restored productivity, he is poised to regain or even exceed his previous earnings. Beyond benefiting his household, the project has inspired other villagers to adopt similar land management and restoration practices, fostering a culture of sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Dhanpati’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging sustainable farming and improved land management for a better future.

Kauguda village, located in A. Malkanagari Gram Panchayat, Dasmantpur Block, Koraput district, has emerged as a model for sustainable agriculture and enhanced farmers’ income. This transformation has occurred under the Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) Project led by the CYSD during FY 2024-25.

The Maa Pata Khanda Producer Group, consisting of 32 members, has taken the lead in cultivating strawberries over 20 acres of land, receiving significant support from the Department of Horticulture and other stakeholders.

The Department of Horticulture, Koraput provided 4,20,000 strawberry plants and essential infrastructure, including drip irrigation and mulching, with an investment of approximately ₹1 crore. Irrigation needs were addressed through a combination of solar and electric systems, supported by the Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC), with a total capacity of 5HP solar and 5HP electric motors. CYSD played a pivotal role in cluster selection, planning, and ongoing monitoring to ensure project success.

Strawberry cultivation was introduced to promote crop diversification and double the income of small and marginal farmers. A wire boundary currently secures the cluster, with plans to install live fencing in alignment with agro-ecological principles. Land preparation was meticulously managed to ensure optimal conditions for the new crop.

The marketing strategies to sell the strawberries were developed by Dangarani Producer Company Limited (DPCL). The strawberries are marketed locally within Koraput district and are slated for supply to Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a partnership with Reliance Retail to secure daily supply contracts, ensuring stable income for farmers.

The project’s impact extends well beyond agriculture. Kauguda village has long suffered from poor road connectivity. Frequent visits by government officials, including the Collector and Block Development Officer (BDO), led to the approval and construction of a road, significantly improving accessibility and enhancing the villagers’ quality of life. The initiative also attracted media coverage, amplifying awareness and support for the transformation. This infrastructural development has not only made it easier to transport produce but has also helped improve the overall development of the region.

Undoubtedly, CYSD’s effort has improved farmers’ livelihoods and set a precedent for holistic rural development. This initiative underscores the power of collaboration and strategic planning in transforming underdeveloped regions into thriving agricultural hubs.

Eminent educationists emphasized the importance of integrating population and development issues into higher education curricula, aligning with the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This view emerged during a roundtable on Integrating Population Dynamics in Higher Education, jointly organized by CYSD and UNFPA on 18th January 2025.

The roundtable brought together representatives from 11 academic institutions, including Vice Chancellors from three prominent universities, highlighting the urgency of embedding population and development discourse into academic frameworks to foster informed and responsible citizenship.

Key Takeaways:

Bridging Academia and Community

• NEP 2020 fosters community-based participatory research, positioning communities as co-researchers rather than subjects.
• Higher education institutions should develop diverse programs—short-term, mid-term, and long-term courses, refresher programs, faculty development initiatives, and community immersion programs—to enhance their understanding of population dynamics.
• Knowledge products for policymakers, civil society, media, and local governance can drive informed decision-making and align local action plans with ICPD goals.

Challenges and Opportunities in NEP 2020 Implementation

• Despite its multidisciplinary vision, so far NEP 2020 implementation largely focuses on infrastructure rather than core educational reforms.
• Breaking disciplinary silos by integrating history, politics, geography, economics, and biology is essential for a comprehensive knowledge framework.
• A stronger emphasis on critical thinking and future-oriented skilling is needed to prepare students for emerging societal challenges.
• Education must cultivate social responsibility, ensuring students and faculty engage with societal issues rather than remaining isolated.

Evolving Population Trends and Policy Implications

• The discussion traced population studies’ evolution, linking gender roles, reproductive rights, and global political shifts to contemporary policymaking.
• Declining fertility rates, changing societal norms, and movements like South Korea’s “4B movement” highlight emerging global demographic transitions.
• Universities play a crucial role in fostering critical perspectives and social responsibility among students and educators.

Way Forward:

Academic institutions in Odisha should lead efforts to integrate ICPD principles into curricula through Certificate and diploma programs, Undergraduate and postgraduate courses and Faculty development and immersion programs.

CYSD and UNFPA reaffirm their commitment to supporting these initiatives through government channels. The roundtable concluded with a call to action for academia to champion an interdisciplinary, socially responsible approach to education, aligning with evolving population dynamics and development challenges.

In the village of Patraput, Dunduli Panchayat, Kolnara Block, Rayagada district, 21-year-old Jharana Musuka stands as a beacon of hope and change. A graduate in Sociology, Jharana is a passionate community leader dedicated to improving the lives of those around her.

Her journey began with an awareness program in her village, where she witnessed the challenges faced by her fellow villagers. This ignited her desire to make a difference. Jharana’s efforts were recognized when she received a certificate of appreciation from the Governor of Odisha for her outstanding service.

Using her academic background, Jharana tackled social issues like child marriage, actively working to protect children’s rights in her community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she distributed safety kits to the elderly, ensuring their well-being in difficult times.

As a community leader, Jharana mobilizes villagers for meetings and programs, fostering unity and collective action. She also played a crucial role in linking MGNREGS job holders to the Aadhar Payments Bridge System (ABPS) in late 2023, engaging beneficiaries, providing orientations, and facilitating the Aadhar linkage process.

Her dedication extends beyond her village. Jharana supported neighboring villages by accompanying beneficiaries to banks and helping them complete the ABPS conversion. She also volunteered to assist disabled children in applying for disability certificates and pensions, further demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity.

Through her selfless service and leadership, Jharana Musuka continues to inspire and uplift her community, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This quote captures the essence of community health workers in Sikharchandi, who are transforming lives with support from CYSD and WIPRO Cares. Paramedics have revitalized the Matru and Jaanch Committees, empowering them to enhance healthcare and nutrition services.

Initially, these committees existed only on paper, with members unaware of their roles. Paramedics conducted monthly meetings with Anganwadi workers, ASHA members, and slum representatives to identify and nominate active members. Persistent efforts, including home visits, convinced individuals to take up their roles. Members’ names were publicly displayed at Anganwadi centers to ensure transparency and accountability. CYSD further supported training sessions to educate committee members on their responsibilities.

Usually, the Matru Committee focuses on addressing malnutrition among children, overseeing the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), promoting hygiene, and encouraging parents to send children to Anganwadi centers. The Jaanch Committee complements this by monitoring AWC services, supervising food quality, and ensuring eligible beneficiaries receive necessary support. Regular monthly meetings allow members to discuss challenges and allocate tasks.

Jyosna Rani Sahoo, President of the Matru Committee, shares, “Before CYSD’s intervention, I was unaware of these committees. Now, I actively work to improve healthcare and Anganwadi conditions.” The committees also address infrastructure issues, such as lack of drinking water, by raising concerns with local officials, supported by CYSD.

Through these revitalized committees, Sikharchandi has transformed its approach to healthcare. These efforts show that effective healthcare is about fostering trust, collaboration, and community ownership. The committees stand as a testament to what communities can achieve when inspired and empowered to take charge of their well-being.