Dialogue among Nagriks-By Deepak Dwivedi

Nagrik Foundation, an organization working for social development is dedicated to the cause of upliftment of the marginalized and has entered in the field of mass development communication. Nagrik Dialogue is the face of Nagrik Foundation’s communication skills that comes in the form of a monthly magazine. It will work as a bridge for those working at the grass roots level and those who support them in any form and manner.

In almost every country, certain groups are more disadvantaged than others. These include women and girls, rural population, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, indigenous people, migrants and refugees, older people and the marginalized communities. As per the 2016 Human Development Report, and the statement of UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, “the disadvantage they face is multi-dimensional”. Those born into disadvantaged families are more likely to suffer a situation where they may be less successful than other people throughout the life cycle. Those who have been excluded often face persistent barriers, resulting in unequal access to economic resources and mainstream participation. Envisaging rightly that global institutional reforms produce a fairer multilateral system, local initiatives and grass-roots level participation within the system are important for development to reach everyone.

The central goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the world leaders in 2015, focus on ending poverty, promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and people’s well-being while protecting the environment. Families remain at the centre of social life ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socializing children and youth and caring for young and old.

The Global Day of Parents (1 June) recognizes that the family has the primary responsibility for the full and harmonious development of children’s personalities. Children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. The United Nations underlines, in particular, that family-oriented policies can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (1 to 5) relating to doing away with poverty and hunger, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages; ensuring educational opportunities throughout the lifespan and achieving gender equality. The purpose of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June) is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. In conflicts and disasters, they are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and child labour. Human trafficking exploits women, children and men for numerous reasons including forced labour and sex, and every country is affected by it, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. The children of widows are often affected, both emotionally and economically. Widowed mothers suffer social marginalization even in countries where legal protection is more inclusive. Elder abuse, as we witness, is a global social issue that deserves the attention of the international community.

In a global Call for Action amidst the process of sustainable development, India has the tools and essentials required to provide its citizens with better health outcomes, water safety plans, sanitation and nutritional plans. What is needed is enhanced coordination and better alignment; then only the country can strive to achieve the 2030 Agenda. As rightly observed by Jeroen Nijsen, CEO Asia, Rabobank, “A growing demand for different types of food, concentration of demand in developing areas, and climate and resource limitations are some of the biggest challenges in achieving food security”.

“Nutrition”, to quote Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai,” “is a fundamental pillar of human life, health and development across the entire life span of the human being. From the earliest stages of foetal development, at birth, through infancy, childhood, adolescence at adulthood and old age, proper food and good nutrition are essential for survival, physical growth, mental development,  performance and productivity…” A nation- wide campaign on rural development and social harmony, “Gramoday Se Bharat Uday” was launched by the Indian Government on 14 April 2016 with an aim to make nationwide efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj and through it boost the social harmony in the villages, promote rural development, foster farmers’ welfare and livelihood of the poor. Nagrik Dialogue with honesty and dedication would provide proper space to those individuals and organizations working for the cause of social development and harmony.