Stories

POCSO Awareness in Shri Shikshaytan School

On 14th November we conducted an enlightening session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Shri Shikshaytan School. The event was graced by the presence of two distinguished speakers and attended by an engaged audience of teachers, school management and school staff.

Advocate Soumyajit Raha, a seasoned legal professional with over 22 years of experience in criminal law, served as the first speaker. He provided a comprehensive overview of the POCSO Act, shedding light on its legal framework and practical implications. Drawing from his extensive experience in handling POCSO-related cases as a Special Public Prosecutor for CID, West Bengal, and Kolkata Police, Advocate Raha explained how the law operates to safeguard children against sexual offenses. He emphasized the importance of understanding the act not only from a legal standpoint but also in applying its provisions effectively in real-life scenarios.

The second speaker, Ms. Jhilam Roy Chowdhury, a social development professional with over two decades of experience, took a different yet equally vital approach. She delved into the social and psychological dimensions of child protection, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and awareness when addressing such issues. She also highlighted the significant role of teachers as first responders and caretakers in creating a protective environment for children. Understanding the demanding nature of their responsibilities, Ms. Roy Chowdhury underscored the importance of self-care for the attendees, providing insights into managing stress and emotional well-being while performing their duties.

To ensure that the key takeaways were reinforced, the session concluded with an interactive activity led by Advocate Raha. The activity helped recapitulate the learnings from the session, engaging the audience in a meaningful and participative manner.

The event was both informative and impactful, equipping the attendees with essential knowledge and tools to better understand and address issues related to child protection. P.L.A.N remains committed to fostering awareness and empowering individuals through such sessions, ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for children.

Cyber crime awareness program at Akshar

On 21st August, we had the privilege of visiting Akshar School for a Cyber Crime Awareness Program. Our speakers for the day were Advocate Soumyajit Raha, who brings diverse experience in criminal law, and Jhilam Roychowdhury, who has over two decades of expertise in the social development sector. The enthusiasm of the students, ranging from classes 9 to 11, was truly heartening. Their active participation made the interactive session both engaging and enriching, offering them valuable insights into the growing concerns of cybercrime and safety.

Panel Discussion on Child Rights

The Child Rights Panel Discussion at Jadavpur University, held on 10th August 2024, was a key event focusing on the advocacy and protection of child rights. The discussion was moderated by Jhilam Roychowdhury, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the social development sector.

The panel featured prominent speakers including Ashim Ghosh from Child Rights and You (CRY), Dr. Sougata Talukdar, a law academician, and Lily Chakraborty from Aarohan. They delved into critical topics such as the gaps in child protection laws, the importance of inclusive education, and the vital role civil society organizations play in advocating for child rights.

An interactive Q&A session followed, where the audience engaged deeply with the speakers on the practical challenges of ensuring that rights of the children are upheld, particularly for those in vulnerable and marginalized communities. The event reinforced the importance of collective action and ongoing advocacy to ensure every rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

Cyber crime awareness program at Calcutta Business School

On 3rd August 2024, we conducted an insightful session on Cyber Crime Awareness at Calcutta Business School, Joka, for the first-year students. The session featured an expert panel, including Inspector Atanu Bandyopadhyay, SI Sanjay Paul, Shri Souvik Ghosh, and Arijit Das, Head – Nodal & Security Compliance at Bharti Airtel Ltd. The experts shared their real-life experiences dealing with cyber threats and offered practical advice on safeguarding personal information online.

The interactive session encouraged students to ask questions and delve into the evolving challenges in cyberspace. The panel emphasized the need for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure online security. By the end, students left equipped with a better understanding of how to navigate the digital world safely, making the session both informative and impactful.

Cyber Crime Awareness Program at Swarnim School

On the 24th of July, 2024, at Swarnim International School, Baruipur, we organized an enlightening session on “Cyber Crime Awareness and its Psychological Impact.” This pivotal event, aimed at students from Classes 7 to 9 and their teachers, was led by seasoned experts from the Baruipur Cyber Crime Police Station and Ms. Jhilam Roychowdhury, who brings decades of extensive experience in the social development sector.

The session delved into the pressing issue of cybercrime, highlighting its potential dangers and the profound psychological effects it can have on young minds. Through an interactive format, students were encouraged to actively participate, voicing their concerns and asking questions, which not only enriched their understanding of online safety but also empowered them to navigate the digital world with greater awareness and caution.

This session is yet another step in our ongoing mission to educate and protect the next generation in an increasingly digital age.

Session on cyber crime awareness at Footsteps Foundation

Our visit to Footsteps Foundation brought together participants from varied socio-economic backgrounds, emphasizing that while our circumstances may differ, our lives are equally bound by the internet. During the session, we focused on the importance of online safety through an interactive activity on “How Strong Should Your Password Be?” This hands-on exercise demonstrated the significance of creating secure passwords, helping participants of all ages better protect their digital identities.

The session underscored a crucial message: nobody is above the law, not even children below 18. In the digital age, cyber laws apply universally, and understanding them is key to navigating the online world safely. By engaging the audience through discussions and activities, we aimed to foster a deeper awareness of how to stay secure online and respect the legal boundaries of the internet.

A collaborative event with Rotary Club of Megacity

We were part of an event organized by Rotary Club Megacity which aimed at spreading digital awareness.

In house study circle on the New Criminal Laws

We organized two in-house study circle on New Criminal Laws involving the civil society groups with special emphasis on “Offences against Women and Children under the New Criminal Laws”

A Visit to Prameya Foundation

We visited Prameya Foundation at the forest village named Dhotrey in Darjeeling District. We conducted day-long informal session that included basic discussions on the laws protecting the environment. Building on this successful collaboration, we plan to organize day-long workshops and cultural programs in July or August for the local children and other residents. These activities will also focus on child rights and women’s empowerment, aiming to educate and empower the local community. The workshops intend to cover various topics, including legal rights, personal safety, and mental health, providing valuable knowledge and skills to the participants. The cultural programs will celebrate local traditions and talents, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Interview with Kolkata Police

On 22nd March, we conducted an insightful interview with Kuntal Siddharth, a cyber-crime expert from Lal Bazar. This interview provided a comprehensive understanding of the current cyber-crime landscape and effective strategies for prevention. The knowledge gained from this discussion will shape our future endeavours and collaborations with the Kolkata Police on Cyber Crime Awareness. It highlighted the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of staying informed and vigilant to protect oneself from potential cyber-attacks. The interview

also emphasized the role of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime and underscored the importance of ongoing partnerships and successive collaborations with Kolkata Police and other stakeholders for future endeavours.

International Woman’s Day

During the first week of March, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of interviews featuring three distinguished women from different sectors. Sumana Bagchi, a mental health expert and academic mentor; Somlata Acharya, a renowned singer and professor; and Jhilam Roychowdhury, senior director at Rotary India Literacy Mission, shared their views on women’s empowerment. These interviews provided deep insights into the challenges and achievements of women in their respective fields, highlighting the importance of mental health, cultural contributions, and educational initiatives in empowering women. The event aimed to inspire and motivate others by showcasing real-life examples of empowered women who have made significant contributions to society.

Child Rights Awareness Programme

In February, we collaborated with Sree Colony Samaj Sangha Club for a Child Rights Awareness program. This initiative aimed to educate children about their rights through a creative and engaging sit-and-draw competition. The event provided a platform for children to express their understanding of their rights and responsibilities, fostering a sense of awareness and advocacy from a young age. The competition was not just a fun activity but a strategic approach to instill important values and knowledge about child rights, encouraging children to be more conscious and informed citizens.

Sipping Cyber Insights

In today’s digital era, cybercrime looms large, posing a significant threat to an individual’s mental well-being. Recognizing the importance of online safety measures, our inaugural event, “Sipping Cyber Insights,” delved into the intricate world of cyber threats and their impact on emotional and psychological health. Hosted on 3rd Feb, 2024 at Sabeki Cafe, we were honoured by the presence of Tanmoy Maity from Kolkata Police; Sumana Bagchi, academic mentor and mental health professional, and RJ Raai from 92.7 Big FM, as our eminent speakers. This event marked our first step in raising awareness about the multifaceted challenges of cybercrime, extending beyond financial and data-related concerns in today’s world.