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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,

Educators Need Education Too — About Menstruation

By Soumyashree Mohanty Imagine getting your first period and being told to sit outside the exam hall to write your paper. Shocking, right? But this actually happened. A young Dalit girl from a private school in Tamil Nadu was forced to sit outside the exam hall during her exam because

Empowering women to create their own businesses

Mahindra Accelo’s innovative initiative is transforming the lives of women by empowering them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business. Through this impactful project, women are gaining the confidence and tools to take charge of their futures, leading to greater financial independence and self-reliance. Manisha Bhalerao,

Migration and Urbanisation: Dynamics of Exclusion and Exploitation

Dr. Kuldeepsingh Rajput Urbanisation in India is a defining feature of the country’s economic and social transformation, with cities emerging as ’Growth Engines. Cities have long been considered the driving force of economic, social, and cultural development. They are hubs of innovation, commerce, and opportunity, attracting people from diverse backgrounds

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

Refusing to Disappear: The Journey of a Marginalized Youth

Prites Kamble, Head Inclusion Unit, CYDA “For the first time in my life, I feel independent and respected,” says Chand, a young gay man who spent years facing rejection, loneliness, and poverty. His life was shaped by the triple challenge of being queer, orphaned, and poor. Like many LGBTQIA+ individuals

Reviving Rural Agriculture: A Young Farmer’s Journey from Scarcity to Sustainability

By Milind Patil, Project Coordinator, CYDA In the Indian economy, agriculture plays a pivotal role. To ensure food security and drive inclusive economic growth, it is essential that more people-especially the youth-actively engage in agriculture. However, recent surveys, including the 2024 State of Rural Youth Employment Report and the Economic

Manu’s Journey through Art and Empowerment

Collective action, sustained commitment, and meaningful partnerships can accelerate positive change in society. The transformative journey of Manu stands as a powerful example of this. Through the Entrepreneurship Development Program, Intel, in collaboration with CYDA, helped uplift the lives of marginalised individuals. Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at

The Price of Being a Woman: The Pink Tax and Gendered Consumerism

The article is written by Soumyashree Mohanty, Research and Documentation Unit, CYDA. Discrimination is a word we’re all familiar with. It shows up in many forms-through caste, colour, class, and gender. While policies have been created to reduce inequality, some forms of discrimination continue silently. One such example is the

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

Hygiene and Dignity Restored: The WASH in Schools Impact at Ambethan

By Wasim Shaikh, Program Coordinator (WASH Unit) According to the World Health Organization, clean water and proper hygiene in schools are essential for children’s education, health, and equality. They help every child attend school, reduce sickness and child deaths, and promote gender equality. Inadequate sanitation facilities affect all students. However,

International Youth Day – Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond

The article is written by Soumyashree Mohanty,Research Associate, CYDA August 12 is celebrated worldwide as International Youth Day. This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” shines a light on the power of young people to create change in their own communities. It reminds us that small,

Beyond the SDGs: Inclusive Development Goals (IDG) to Ensure No One Is Left Behind by 2050.

Written by Mathew Mattam Founder CYDA and Soumyashree Mohanty, Research Associate, CYDA. At the dawn of the 21st century, the United Nations adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) a set of eight global targets focused on reducing extreme poverty, improving education, promoting gender equality, and addressing urgent health and environmental

Soft Skills Training Helped Women Reclaim Their Identity

By Swati Shirtar, Asst. Director What truly makes someone stand out from the crowd? It’s not just education or technical know-how but also the personality, the attitude to bounce back from difficulties, and the confidence to create your own identity. These are called soft skills, and they are just as

Cry for Care – Changing Health Realities in Rural Nandurbar

By Wasim Shaikh, Program Coordinator, CYDA Nandurbar district in Maharashtra faces many challenges- poor roads, limited access to healthcare, and low awareness about health. Malnutrition, poor maternal care, and low birth weight in newborns are common. In several villages, home births are still preferred, and fear of hospitals often stops