As the event drew close, Prof Swain offered a resonant final thought: “Justice for children cannot remain an idea. It must become a delivered right. We are here to make that happen – not just in Odisha, not just in India, but anywhere and everywhere.”
Experts advocate treating care as essential social infrastructure. Expanding services, redistributing unpaid work through policy, and challenging norms that sideline educated women could unlock significant gains.
This 2026 event arrives after earlier haor region floods earlier in the year, underscoring recurring pressures. Migration to urban centres and climate adaptation efforts remain critical long-term challenges.
Experts advocate treating care as essential social infrastructure. Expanding services, redistributing unpaid work through policy, and challenging norms that sideline educated women could unlock significant gains.