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From Heartbreak to Hope: CYDA’s Lifeline in the Devastating Punjab Floods

Vaishnavi’s Path Shaped by Her Father’s Effort

By Puja Matre , Gender Expert , CYDA Standing up for one’s rights and speaking out is essential in today’s world, especially for girls and women. While society is progressing and many liberal ideas are promoted, traditional expectations still hold a strong influence. From an early age, many girls are

Standing With Flood Hit Communities in Jammu and Kashmir

Between June and early September 2025, relentless monsoon rains and sudden cloudbursts triggered devastating floods across Jammu and Kashmir. As of now, at least 65 people were killed in Kishtwar district alone following a cloudburst in Chasoti village, with over 100 injured and 200 missing in that disaster. The disaster

From Heartbreak to Hope: CYDA’s Lifeline in the Devastating Punjab Floods

In the harrowing dawn of September 4, 2025, as relentless floodwaters tore through the districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar, the lives of countless families in villages like Shahzada, Ghonewala, Machhiwala, Jattan, and Singhoke were shattered. Homes were swallowed, fields buried, and dreams drowned in the merciless deluge. Amid this overwhelming

From Freedom to Future – Celebration of Independence Day with Adolescents and Youth

By Pramodini Naik,Assistant Director, CYDA The Independence Day is not only a milestone in India’s journey of freedom, but also a reminder of our responsibility to uphold the democratic values, rights, and duties that define our nation. At Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), this day is an opportunity

From Dreams to Success: An Inspiring Journey to Financial Independence

Ajay Mahadev Gurnule’s journey showcases the transformative power of dedicated support from United Way Hyderabad and the leadership of Pritesh Kamble, Unit Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA. Through a structured framework that includes targeted skill-building workshops, essential financial assistance through microloans, and ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals, CYDA

A Journey from freelance to full-time success in Makeup Artistry

United Way Hyderabad created a meaningful social change in backing initiatives that uplifted marginalized groups, particularly those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Pritesh Kamble, who leads the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, has been a guiding force for many individuals. In a world where pursuing one’s passion often comes with significant challenges,

Stories are windows to the soul. They offer a glimpse into other lives, spark our imaginations, and foster empathy. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a poignant drama, or a heartwarming tale, stories have the power to transport us, teach us, and inspire us. So, make time for reading and discover the magic that unfolds within each page.

Recent Stories

Courage to Become Different

By Pritesh Kamble, Inclusion Unit -Head, CYDA Supported by Intel Shivshankar Dattatray Yemmewar, a resident of Urmi block in Nanded, belongs to the LGBTQIA community. From a very young age, he faced discrimination and social stigma in his village. People often called him with hurtful names like bayla, chakka, and

Aditya’s Journey of Finding Himself

By Ankita Sutar, Project Coordinator, Youth Unit, CYDA Supported by Yardi Software Pvt. Limited The Ramtekdi slum community in Pune is home to thousands of migrant families, most working as unskilled workers. Houses are small and crowded, with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water and healthcare. With no

Forging Identity Through Adversity

By Pritesh Kamble, Head of Inclusion Unit, CYDA Supported by United Way Hyderabad In India, the transgender community continues to face severe challenges in gaining equal opportunities, dignity, and acceptance in mainstream society. Even though legal recognition has progressed over the years, daily life for many remains marked by discrimination,

Humanitarian Response to Maharashtra Floods

September 2025, heavy rains brought widespread devastation across Maharashtra. The state recorded nearly double its usual rainfall, leading to overflow of rivers such as Sina, Bhima, Man, Terna, and Manjara. This caused significant flooding in several districts, including Solapur and Dharashiv (Osmanabad). What began as continuous rain soon turned into

Courage to Become Different

Aditya’s Journey of Finding Himself

Forging Identity Through Adversity

Humanitarian Response to Maharashtra Floods

How a School in Ozarkarwadi Became a Model for Water Conservation

Vishal Linge, Technical Expert – Water Conservation at CYDA, shares an inspiring story of how a small rural school in Ozarkarwadi turned a challenge into an opportunity through innovative water conservation practices. Supported by Microsoft, the initiative demonstrates how simple yet effective interventions can transform not only a school’s water

Identity Is Not a Barrier

By Pritesh Kamble, Head Inclusion Unit, CYDA Dnyaneshwar Dongave lives in Bhavsar Chowk, Nanded, with his wife and two children. He is originally from Hingoli district and works as a vegetable vendor. He is a bisexual man who believes in living with dignity and providing for his family. In 2019,