International Volunteers’ Day Celebrated in Odisha Capital

International Volunteers’ Day was celebrated at CYSD in the Odisha capital today with street plays, documentary films, music, dance and inspirational speeches by distinguished guests.

Supported by UNDP, and under the aegis of RCDC, CYSD, and Bakul Foundation, more than 250 youth congregated to pledge their support to the cause of development and “Make Change Possible”.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of VSO Praveen Kumar informed the audience that there are over 5 crore volunteers who are engaged in the social development sector to reach out to the inaccessible backward areas of the country and looking after the education, health and development needs of the excluded populations.

State Programme Officer of UNDP Ambika Prasad Nanda; Executive Director of RCDC  Kailash Chandra Dash, and former Information Commissioner and eminent social worker Jagadananda also addressed the audience.

The programme was facilitated by Sujit Mahapatra the Chief of Bakul Foundation, the leading volunteer based organization in the state. Twelve volunteers including Swati Das ,Pramod Pradhan, Bijaya Pradhan, Manorama Pani, Gopi Pattanayak were felicitated for their contribution towards ameliorating the suffering of people through evacuation, rescue and relief efforts during the Cyclones Phailin and Hudhud.

It may be noted that, International Volunteers’ Day, celebrated every year on December 5, provides a unique opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations to work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups and the private sector.

In the year 2014, the Day highlights the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grassroots in decision making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to: stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.