St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Child Rights and You (CRY), organised a day-long workshop titled “Making Systems Responsive to Adolescents: Law, Media, and Governance” on March 30, 2026. The programme drew active participation from postgraduate students, faculty members, and representatives from CRY.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address. He underscored adolescence as a critical phase shaped by both promise and vulnerability. Father Felix Raj stressed the need for responsive legal and social frameworks that protect and empower young people.

Ms. Trina Chakrabarti, Director-East of CRY was the Chief Guest. Besides sharing her experience, Ms. Chakrabarti highlighted the urgency of building systems that recognise adolescents as rights-bearing individuals and discussed practical solutions to bridge systemic gaps.

A panel discussion followed, offering cross-disciplinary perspectives from experts in law, media, and governance. The distinguished panel comprised Dr. Manali Bhattacharya (Mass Communication), Dr. Gitu Singh (Law), Mr. Manoj Kumar Roy (Probation-cum-Aftercare Officer, South 24 Parganas), Ms. Mahua Sur Ray (Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Kolkata), Ms. Priyanka Biswas (State Lead, British Asian Trust), and media professional Ms. Chandrima S. Bhattacharya.

The panel examined how media narratives and legal processes shape public perceptions of adolescents, the need to shift from strict enforcement to relationship-based approaches, and the role of ethical journalism in preventing stigma. Discussions also addressed structural constraints faced by communities with limited opportunities, such as tea garden regions where adolescents often encounter early marriage or migration pressures.

Students participated in an activity-based workshop conducted by CRY representatives. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and merchandise to all participants.

Dr. Dipparna Jana