PADMA SHAKTI FOUNDATION

I am thrilled to share that I secured the silver position in the Business Ideation Competition at the JMA "Management Olympiad", held at the prestigious Center for Excellence, Jamshedpur! As a social scientist who believes in a "human-first" approach, the idea of making a business out of social issues once felt alien. However, this competition challenged my perspective and reinforced that sustainable solutions often intersect with social impact and entrepreneurial vision. This recognition is a testament to the power of using innovation and empathy to address pressing social challenges. It’s a step toward my dream of seeing Jharkhand shine as a hub for meaningful entrepreneurship. Thank you to #JMA, Jamshedpur Management Association and the incredible panel for this opportunity. Here's to driving change, one idea at a time! 🌟 A Silver Lining in Business Ideation! 🌟 Share your thoughts/Perspectives. Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी) #BusinessWithPurpose #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #inclusion #sustainability #Jamshedpur #HumanFirst #Jharkhand

In our previous post, we highlighted the poor condition and inaccessibility of the One Stop Center (OSC) in East Singhbhum.         Issues such as its location on the third floor without a lift or ramp and the lack of round-the-clock functionality were barriers preventing survivors from accessing the critical support they need. Taking this forward, we decided to bring these challenges to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of East Singhbhum through a memorandum.  The DC assured us of necessary action to address these concerns and committed to making the OSC fully functional 24x7 and accessible for all survivors of violence. This effort reflects our commitment to ensuring that support systems like OSCs deliver on their promise of providing dignity, safety, and integrated services to survivors. Accessibility and effective functionality must remain at the heart of such crucial initiatives. We look forward to seeing these changes implemented and will continue advocating for inclusive services in our community. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable world. Let’s ensure no one is left behind. Your thoughts Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी) #OneStopCenter #AccessibilityMatters #AdvocacyForChange #srhr #CollaborationForImpact #EastSinghbhum #Jamshedpur #Jharkhand

On the night of December 16, 2012, the brutal gang-rape of a young woman in Delhi shook the nation.          Known as the Nirbhaya case, this tragedy exposed glaring gaps in systems meant to protect women and sparked widespread calls for action. The legacy of this case lives on through initiatives like the One Stop Center (OSC) Scheme, launched to ensure survivors of violence have access to comprehensive support. As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a district-level seminar in Jamshedpur brought together stakeholders to assess and strengthen such systems. A study on the OSC in East Singhbhum revealed troubling issues including accessibility. Making it nearly impossible for some survivors to access services they urgently need. The OSC Scheme is a key initiative under the Nirbhaya Fund, established in 2013 to enhance women’s safety. OSCs aim to provide integrated services—legal, medical, psychological, and shelter support—under one roof, empowering survivors to seek justice and rebuild their lives. At the seminar, stakeholders resolved to seek the district administration's intervention to address these gaps.  This aligns with the spirit of the Nirbhaya case, which highlighted the urgent need for inclusive and survivor-centric systems. Let us honour Nirbhaya’s legacy by ensuring that facilities like OSCs truly serve as lifelines for survivors. Accessibility and dignity must be at the heart of all support systems. Key Takeaways: 🔸 Accessibility is a non-negotiable aspect of survivor support systems. 🔸 Collaborative action is essential to addressing gaps and strengthening services. Together, we can create a safer and more equitable world for all. I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to YUVA Youth Unite for Voluntary Action bringing us together for the #CAUSE. Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी)     #GenderBasedViolence #OneStopCenter #16DaysOfActivism #AccessibilityMatters #Jamshedpur #Jharkhand #AdvocacyForChange  

Recognizing and addressing these gaps is essential for fostering a culture where every individual,            irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel valued, safe, and empowered. India's labour laws have made significant strides toward inclusivity, but there’s still a long road ahead to integrate the Rainbow workforce into our workplaces truly. In this spirit, a workshop on Indian Labour Law and the Rainbow Workforce was recently conducted in Jamshedpur, bringing together a host of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), advocates, and changemakers. The event was an eye-opener for many, underscoring the urgent need for sensitization and action to ensure workplaces are inclusive for all. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Don Hasar for your excellent session on Gender, Transgender Inclusion at Workplaces and Related Issues.  Your insights and expertise shed light on practical steps we can take to create more equitable work environments. Gratitude also to Shramajivi Mahila Samity for uniting us all on one platform and spearheading this much-needed conversation. The collective energy and determination in the room were truly inspiring. Let's continue to collaborate, advocate, and act toward building workplaces that honour diversity and uphold dignity for everyone. Together, we can break barriers and create a future where the Rainbow workforce isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated. Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी) DM for training/workshop/Orientation/Project Evaluation #Inclusion #RainbowWorkforce #DiversityAndInclusion #LabourLaws #GenderEquality #WorkplaceInclusion #Jamshedpur #Jharkhand

On this World AIDS Day, as we focus on the theme "Take the Rights Path", let us spotlight the crucial role of empowering adolescents, especially in rural India, in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Adolescents in rural regions face numerous challenges—limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education, stigma surrounding HIV, and inadequate healthcare services. These gaps increase their vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which often go unnoticed or untreated due to a lack of awareness and resources. To truly take the right path, we must: - Strengthen Awareness Campaigns: Educate adolescents about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment through culturally sensitive programs. Awareness fosters informed decisions and reduces the stigma that isolates those living with HIV. - Integrate SRH Education in Schools: Comprehensive sexuality education can help adolescents understand their rights and equip them to protect their health. It's a critical step toward breaking the cycle of ignorance and vulnerability. - Improve Rural Healthcare Access: Expand the availability of adolescent-friendly health clinics that provide testing, counselling, and treatment for HIV/STIs. Such services must be confidential and accessible to build trust within communities. - Promote Community Engagement: Work with local leaders and organizations to foster acceptance and create support systems for youth living with or affected by HIV. For adolescents, particularly those in rural areas, the road to health and rights begins with community and policy-level interventions. By ensuring access to education, healthcare, and support systems, we can empower this generation to thrive and contribute to the global goal of ending AIDS. Let us use this day to reaffirm our commitment to equity and rights, making the theme "Take the Rights Path" a reality for every adolescent in India and beyond. Your thoughts Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी) #WorldAIDSDay2024 #TakeTheRightsPath #AdolescentHealth #SRHR #Inclusion #Jharkhand #Jamshedpur

Yesterday, November 13, 2024, I exercised my voting rights for the Jharkhand assembly elections. This was not just a democratic duty but a deeply personal moment, interwoven with years of dreams, hopes, and hard work in this land I’ve called home since I was born and brought up here. It was November 15, 2000—the very day Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar, as a new state.   The same year, fresh from MG Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, and filled with the boundless enthusiasm of a young development professional, I stepped into Jharkhand.  A land rich with culture, history, and untapped potential, Jharkhand held within it the promise of transformation and the yearning for growth. In those early days, working for NGOs in Jharkhand, I faced challenges that tested my patience, resilience and resolve.  But each hurdle deepened my connection with the people here—the communities who, like me, carried their dreams for a better future. My journey was not just about bringing change to Jharkhand but about building change within Jharkhand.  Together, we worked on initiatives to empower marginalized communities, ignite hope in youths, and unlock the entrepreneurial spirit of those often overlooked. Voting yesterday brought back those memories. My ballot reminded me of the responsibility we all share to build the future we envision. I have learned that leadership, isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about empowering others to reach their potential, fostering opportunities where there seem to be none, and believing that small actions taken today will someday lead to large-scale transformation.   Let's connect to build Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी)   #Jharkhand #VotingRights #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DreamBig #inclusion #Jamshedpur #Bihar

For anyone interested in innovation, growth, and building connections, an entrepreneurs’ meet can be a catalyst for personal and business success.         One of the main reasons I attend entrepreneurs' meets is the unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from experienced business leaders. Hearing from those who’ve been through the ups and downs of building something meaningful isn’t just inspiring—it’s invaluable. They offer a window into what works, what doesn’t, and what to avoid, providing us with tools to sidestep common pitfalls and accelerate our own growth. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey; we have a whole community of pioneers paving the way, and we can tap into their wisdom to shape our own paths. 💡 Thank you, NAVISHKAR - India's Largest Young Innovators Initiative for organising such a meet in #Jamshedpur, where successful entrepreneurs openly shared their insights, strategies, and lessons gathered along their journeys. What about you? What would be your reason for joining an entrepreneurs' meet? Your thoughts! Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी)     #Entrepreneurship #Networking #GrowthMindset #Jamshedpur #Jharkhand #Bihar #Inclusion

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child... But What About an Adolescent?       They say, "It takes a village to raise a child," but raising an adolescent requires a whole village—and a lot of stakeholders! Adolescence is a critical phase, a bridge between childhood and adulthood where dreams, ambitions, and vulnerabilities unite. This is a time when young minds are bursting with energy but often lack the right guidance to channel it. Making any adolescent-based project successful requires much more than just a single mentor or educator. It takes parents to provide understanding, love, and the space to grow. It takes teachers to impart knowledge that empowers, and community leaders to offer a safe and nurturing environment. The involvement of peer groups fosters togetherness, while healthcare providers ensure the physical and mental well-being of these youth.  Non-governmental organizations, policy makers, and law enforcement must come together to create an ecosystem that supports growth, awareness, and the protection of adolescent rights.  It's not just a program but a collective effort, involving parents, educators, healthcare workers, social workers, and policymakers, all working together to build a future where these young individuals can thrive. Adolescents need a platform for expression, and they need to know that their voices matter. Only with this robust support system can they transform into self-reliant adults who can, in turn, become the torchbearers of the next generation. This realisation resurfaced when I was invited to evaluate a project for adolescents in the West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand.   So yes, raising an adolescent is more complex than raising a child—it takes a village, an ecosystem, and a hell lot of stakeholders to make it work!   Your Thoughts! DM for training, workshops, orientation and project evaluation. Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी)   #Adolescents #CommunitySupport #StakeholderCollaboration #inclusion #srhr #Jharkhand #Bihar

Non-compliance could harm an NGO’s credibility, attract legal penalties, and raise red flags with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during FCRA audits.       - While POSH non-compliance isn't directly linked to FCRA cancellation, consistent violations of national laws can risk FCRA suspension, impacting foreign funding. - The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013 is crucial for fostering safe workplaces and not just for corporations. - NGOs in India, especially those under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), must also comply. NGOs with 10+ employees are required to: - Form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) - Develop policies to prevent sexual harassment - Conduct awareness and training programs - Submit annual compliance reports For NGOs, maintaining POSH compliance is not only a legal requirement but also essential to upholding integrity and protecting funding relationships.   Happy to conduct one such training for a reputed NGO working in India   Thank you to everyone who made this possible!   Your thoughts! Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी)     DM for training/workshops/orientation/formation of IC in your organization.   #POSHCompliance #NGOs #FCRA #WorkplaceSafety #Governance #LegalCompliance #Jharkhand #Bihar #Inclusion    

CSOs Leading the Charge for Safer Workplaces!       In the fight against workplace sexual harassment, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are pivotal in empowering Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. - By offering training, capacity-building programs, and continuous support, CSOs help LCC members address complaints more effectively and foster gender-sensitive environments. - They also ensure awareness reaches even the most marginalized sections, enabling victims in informal sectors to voice their concerns. I recently had the opportunity to participate in an initiative to strengthen LCCs in Jharkhand, working closely to empower workplaces to uphold dignity and justice for all. Thank you, everyone, who made it a success. Together, we can create a safer, harassment-free work culture! Your thoughts! DM for training/Workshop/Orientation / IC Formation support. Padma Kumari (पद्मा कुमारी) #POSH #GenderEquality #CSOs #WorkplaceSafety #LCC #SexualHarassment #SafeWorkplace #Jharkhand #Bihar #Inclusion