“Udaan – Adolescent Empowerment Programme” Workshop Held At MP High Court Gwalior Under NALSA Scheme
A one-day workshop titled “Udaan – Adolescent Empowerment Programme” was organized at the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Bench at Gwalior, under the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024. The programme was conducted under the leadership of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Patron-in-Chief of the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA), and under the guidance of Justice Vivek Rusia, Administrative Judge and Executive Chairman, MPSLSA, in collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Committee of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative aimed at sensitizing and empowering adolescents by creating awareness about their rights, responsibilities, career opportunities, child protection laws, health, digital safety, and overall well-being.
Justice Anand Pathak, Administrative Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Bench at Gwalior, and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Gwalior, attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the inaugural address. He observed that the age group of 13 to 18 years is a defining phase in life where aspirations take shape and personality is moulded, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and counselling in directing students towards constructive goals.
Prior to the workshop, a poster-making competition on themes of girl child empowerment and environmental protection, along with street play (nukkad natak) competitions, was conducted among school students to promote awareness on social issues. Winners were felicitated during the programme.
The workshop saw participation from around 400 students from nearly 20 Government Higher Secondary Schools in Gwalior, along with their teachers.
During the technical sessions:
Dr. Neelam Tandon, Founder and Managing Director of Wellbeing Shiksha, addressed students on career counselling and financial literacy, encouraging savings.
Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA, spoke about the role and initiatives of the Authority in ensuring access to justice.
Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Consultant with UNICEF, discussed child safety and provisions of the POCSO Act.
Ms. Vidita Dagar, Additional Superintendent of Police, addressed cyber safety and digital awareness.
Dr. Dharmendra Richharia highlighted the importance of nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mental well-being.
The programme was also attended by Justice Ashish Shroti, Justice Amit Seth, Justice Pushpendra Yadav, Justice Anand Singh Bahrawat, and Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta.
Among other dignitaries present were Shri Pawan Pathak, President, High Court Bar Association, Gwalior; Shri Zakir Hussain, Principal District Judge (Inspection), Gwalior; Shri Shivkant, Chairman, STAT; along with senior registry officers including Shri Rajeev K. Pal, Principal Registrar; Shri Naveen Kumar Sharma, OSD/Registrar; and Shri Aniruddha Jain, Deputy Secretary, MPSLSA, besides senior members of the Bar.
The programme was organized as part of the continued efforts of MPSLSA, following a similar “Udaan” workshop conducted at Jabalpur on 13.11.2025.
Teachers and officers of the School Education Department also participated actively, with emphasis on continuing engagement with students at the school level to ensure follow-up and sustained impact.
The workshop concluded with a focus on holistic development, informed decision-making, and responsible citizenship among adolescents.