In a heartening example of civic responsibility and student involvement, a first-year student from the Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) stepped up to assist the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in a critical moment.
The Unit, under the Department of Women and Child Development, was urgently seeking an Odiya-speaking individual to support a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. The task required not only language proficiency but also the ability to sensitively engage a three-year-old victim in guided conversation to help record her statement. Further, the translator would be expected to present the child’s version in court during the prosecution process.
Responding to a request made by Panambur Police Station, Ms. Isita Maharana, a BA (Honours) first-year student at NICO, volunteered without hesitation.
Recognising the importance of her role, the Department issued an official appointment order naming Isita as the translator for the case. Her responsibility included accurately translating the child’s Odiya statements for use in legal proceedings.
Speaking after the experience, a visibly moved Isita shared, “It was a unique and deeply satisfying experience. I’m glad I could support the district administration in a matter of such serious social significance.”
Her contribution highlights the potential of youth engagement in public service and the vital role of language skills in ensuring justice and child protection.
This article is based on Information contributed by Srinivasan Nandagopal, Co-Founder and Convener of the Centre for Integrated Learning (CIL), an educational NGO focussed on alternative learning based in Mangalore, Karnataka. Isita is his student.