Event Report
February 23, 2024, P.D. Malaviya College of Commerce, Rajkot
Figure 1: Official Poster
Executive Summary
Change Fest (Samvad Se Samavesh) : Youth for Social Impact in Gujarat commenced on February 23, 2024, as a collaborative endeavour, operating within the framework of 'Viksit Bharat and Viksit Gujarat'.
Dedicated to fostering a positive social impact, the partnership was envisaged to facilitate a meaningful discourse on anaemia through an Anaemia Awareness and Testing Programme amongst adolescents and youth, aligning with the objectives of the national campaign on Anaemia Mukt Bharat. As a unified effort involving the NCC Group Rajkot, UNICEF, the Gujarat Health Behavioural Insights Lab (GHBIL) in SHSRC, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and the Social Action and Policy (SAP) lab at IIT Gandhinagar, this strategic partnership maximises the strengths and networks of each stakeholder.
Viewed from a broader perspective, this partnership prioritises the importance of youth as change agents contributing to the themes of health, education, nutrition, gender equality, climate action, and disaster mitigation. The overarching goal of the Change Fest is to synchronise these focal areas within the national and state-level flagship programs, such as Poshan Maah, Poshan Sudha, Pradhan Mantri Matrutva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and Anaemia Mukt Bharat, among others.
Introduction
Anaemia remains a major public health concern with high prevalence across the country and state irrespective of gender, age and geography. Higher prevalence exists amongst the adolescents and youth of the country. The morbidity and mortality risks associated with anaemia call for an urgent need to design effective strategies to address this public health problem.
Anaemia Mukt Bharat targets to reduce anaemia in vulnerable groups such as women, children, adolescents and pregnant and lactating women in the life cycle approach, providing preventive and curative mechanisms through 6x6x6 strategy including 6 target beneficiaries, 6 interventions and 6 institutional mechanisms for all stakeholders to implement the strategy. Anaemia plays a major role in affecting adolescents, especially girls. Under Anemia Mukt Bharat, the government launched T3 camps (Test, Talk and Treat) to celebrate the nutrition month Poshan Maah. The ongoing initiative emphasises haemoglobin testing, treatment and follow-up, community participation and real-time monitoring.
Social Action and Policy Lab, IIT Gandhinagar, set up in partnership with UNICEF, designed ‘Change Fest - Samvaad Se Samavesh’ to foster community engagement initiatives for all stakeholders in Gujarat. Through Change Fest, the aim is to strengthen community-based platforms and networks of civil society organisations, community radio groups, youth groups, faith-based leaders, private sector organisations, and others for social change and transformation. As part of Change Fest, to support the Anemia Mukt Bharat program, a state-level interactive workshop and session on awareness of anaemia deficiency and testing of anaemia was organised in partnership with National Cadet Corps (NCC) Rajkot group, in collaboration with Gujarat Health Behavioural Insights Lab (GHBIL) in SHSRC, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat and UNICEF.
The strategic partnership between these organisations will prioritise health, nutrition, education, gender equality, climate action, and disaster management aligning with the state-level flagship programs. The 1st edition of the Change Fest witnessed a vibrant kick-off at PD Malaviya College of Commerce, Rajkot, organised by 2 Gujarat Girls Battalion, NCC Rajkot group on 23rd February 2024. It drew particpation from nearly 600 participants.
In tandem with Viksit Bharat's and Viksit Gujarat's vision, the Change Fest tapped into the vibrant energy of NCC cadets in Rajkot, inspiring transformative changes in crucial domains to foster a resilient and progressive society. This vision strongly emphasises sensitising and motivating youth, encouraging them to actively create a positive impact by raising awareness on critical issues surrounding health, education, nutrition, gender equality, climate action, and disaster management.
Figure 2: Understanding Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Amrit Kaal Vimarsh
This event marked the initiation of the #AnaemiaMuktNCCRajkot initiative, specifically focusing on creating awareness and educating the participants. This collaborative effort is made possible through a strategic partnership involving the NCC, SAP Lab, UNICEF, and the Government of Gujarat Health Department.
The fundamental objective of the campaign was to address and alleviate anaemia while instilling awareness among the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets. The primary goal was to achieve an anaemia-free status among the cadets through a comprehensive approach that includes educational workshops, blood tests to assess anaemia status, and informative counselling sessions.
This event was facilitated by the Social Action and Policy (SAP) lab at IIT Gandhinagar. Adopting a robust approach that prioritises dialogue or 'Samvad,' the event became instrumental in raising awareness and promoting inclusion ('Samavesh') on the pressing issue of anaemia. This initiative lays a solid foundation for a healthier future for Gujarat by fostering a deeper understanding and engagement with the community on this critical health concern.
Figure 3: Images from the event day at P.D. Malaviya College of Commerce
Objectives
To enable NCC cadets to actively contribute to addressing anaemia as a critical health concern, empowering them to become influencers for change. This involves taking on a proactive role in their communities, spreading awareness, and contributing to positive societal and behavioural transformations.
To achieve an anaemia-free status among the cadets through a comprehensive approach that includes an interactive session (on the causes, effects, and preventive measures of anaemia, blood tests to assess anaemia status, and informative counselling sessions.
Key areas of focus
In Gujarat, this partnership centres around leveraging NCC cadets for impactful initiatives:
Health: Empowering NCC cadets to advocate for public health in Gujarat, actively participating in programs like Poshan Maah and supporting campaigns such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat.
Education: Integrating out-of-school youth into Gujarat's educational systems to address regional disparities and promote inclusive learning.
Nutrition: Focusing on Gujarat's unique dietary preferences, enhancing community awareness about iron-rich nutrition, and promoting dietary diversity for improved health.
Gender: Championing gender equality in Gujarat through targeted campaigns and educational efforts, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Climate Action: Educating and mobilising NCC cadets in Gujarat to actively engage in climate action and sustainable practices, aligning with the state's environmental priorities.
Disaster Management: Preparing NCC cadets in Gujarat for effective disaster response and risk reduction, ensuring the community is resilient in the face of potential challenges.
The main event emphasises prioritising health and nutrition perspectives in the context of Gujarat's specific needs and cultural nuances.
Agenda
Inaugural Address
Brigadier S Sanjay, Group Commander, NCC
Dr. Lalit Vansa, RCH officer, RMC
Vijay Shankar Kanthan, SBC Specialist, UNICEF
Momento
Brigadier S Sanjay, Group Commander, NCC presenting a memento to Vijay Shankar Kanthan, SBC Specialist, UNICEF
Interactive session
"Why is it important to diagnose Anaemia?" (Address by Dr. Saumya Dave, Nutrition Officer, UNICEF)
Testing and Counselling
Anaemia Screening/Testing for 900 NCC cadets
On-Site Consultations with Health Professionals and Counselors
Disbursement of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) pills.
Online Quiz
Menti-meter (moderated by Kumar Manish and Apoorvi Garg, UNICEF and SAPLAB Consultants)
Vote of Thanks
Captain Ritesh Singh, Commanding Officer, NCC
Inaugural Address
Brigadier S. Sanjay, Group Commander of the NCC, is spearheading a pilot project to address the lack of awareness regarding anaemia and its impact on growth. During the inaugural address, Brigadier S. Sanjay mentioned that this pioneering project is in conjunction with UNICEF and the state government and is set to extend to Saurashtra, with the 2 Gujarat boys battalion and 2 Gujarat girls battalion being the trailblazers.
“Today, we are organising Testing for all of you so that you know your Anaemia status. And, then you take the necessary precautions and medicines so that if you have anaemia, you can get rid of it yourself. Once you are anaemia-free yourself, it is very important that you spread this awareness through your community.”
“You would be trained to spread awareness, this is the aim of this event. How do you go out in the community and claim people? This will be done when you come for the CNGC, where normal classes will be conducted and you will certified to be an Anaemia Awareness Influencer”.
Figure 4: Brigadier S. Sanjay, during the Inaugural Address
Vijay Shankar Kanthan, SBC specialist at UNICEF, addressed NCC cadets, emphasising the key message of "Solid Body, Solid Mind." The speech encourages combining science and common sense in making lifestyle choices that moves away from traditional practices.
“The decisions we, as cadets, make regarding our dietary choices and our awareness of the world around us are crucial. We should consider how we can contribute to positive change in our surroundings through collaboration with the government. Given your current age, you are at a pivotal point where your actions can have a meaningful impact on NCC cadets and future generations. This is precisely why UNICEF is present here”.
“UNICEF actively engages with significant government programs and initiatives, aiming to enhance their effectiveness. The focus is on exploring ways to optimise and improve the impact of these large flagship programs”.
“The transformative influence each of you can wield, both on a personal level and as influencers in society, forms the essence of the well-known concepts such as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the vision for a developed India, Viksit Bharat 2047. The Prime Minister's vision specifically involves you as the foundational element, and envisioning 25 years ahead, some of you may share your experiences with the next generation”.
“Consider the actions you will undertake in this event. UNICEF seeks to collaborate with you on these initiatives, returning to facilitate the dissemination of community-specific messages to enhance your lives. The ultimate objective is to foster a widespread movement, encompassing all battalions in Rajkot”.
Figure 5: Vijay Shankar Kanthan, SBC specialist, during the inaugural Address (left), audience, during the inaugural address (right).
Interactive Session
Dr Saumya Dave, Nutrition Officer at UNICEF, was invited for an interactive talk. Dr Saumya highlighted the critical aspects of anemia, defining it as a condition with insufficient red blood cells to meet physiological needs. She outlined symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and lethargy and stressed the importance of diagnosing anaemia early due to its severe health impacts. Causes include low iron stores, poor dietary practices, and blood loss. Dr Saumya emphasised comprehensive approaches for addressing anaemia, including dietary diversification, iron supplementation, and public health measures such as improving sanitation and health education. The presentation also covered the AMB - 6x6x6 strategy for anemia prevention and management, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to combatting this condition.
Figure 6 : Dr. Saumya Dave, in an Interactive session with the Cadets.
Quiz Game Moderated by SAP Lab team
The interactive session was succeeded by an online quiz game conducted through Menti-Meter, aimed at gauging the underlying perceptions regarding anaemia. The objective of the quiz was to gain insights into participants' perspectives on their health and identify influential factors shaping their thoughts.
Figure 7: Quiz Game Moderated by SAP Lab team
Insights
Aspect | NCC Cadet Boys | NCC Cadet Girls |
Role Models in Health and Fitness | High-profile athletes (e.g., M.S. Dhoni), actors (e.g., Tom Cruise) and religious figures (e.g., Mahadev, Hanuman), | High-profile athletes (e.g., Ronaldo), and personal connections (e.g., Papa). |
Knowledge Desired in Health and Fitness | Interest in exercise routines, weight loss, and low-calorie diets. Some queries were left blank, indicating possible uncertainties | Specific interests were mentioned (e.g., "How_to_improve"). |
Challenges Faced in Health and Fitness | Specific issues like "Sweating", post-workout body pain, irregular sleep schedule, and time management difficulties. | Broad concerns (e.g., "Energy_level"), and academic pressures ("Exams Exams"). Physical and mental health concerns |
Decision-Making on Eating Habits | Protein-based diets, reliance on hostel mess food, or mood-based choices. Some Responses were not fully visible but included a "Thumbs up" indicating approval or agreement. | Practical (e.g., "According_to_season"), Healthy food - such as vegetables, roti, milk and whimsical choices (e.g., "Chocolate” and “panipuri”) |
Reactions to Being Told Overweight | Varied emotions from tension to disbelief, "But_tensed". | Range from tension ("But_tensed") to humour ("Bad_joke 🤣 🤣"). |
Reactions to being diagnosed with Anaemia | Concern ("worried_for_health 😲" Humor, nonchalance("Heal_thai_jase" (it will heal), "No_tension", "O_bap_re", "Cool_and_chill 🥳", "Moye_moye", "Wow 😲", and "Just_cheel") surprise and denial"Wow 😲 😲 😲 😲 😲", "Ohhhhh", "Ye_to_latest_new_he") ("I_no_anemic", "I_know_i_am_not_anemic") indifference and acceptance (Nothing Absolutely_nothing No_worry) | Tension and worry ("But_tensed", "Tensed", "Scared", and "am_i_going_to_die 😭") Humor and Indifference ("Bad_joke 🤣 🤣", "Happy 😂", and "it's_ok_life_hai 😱 😱") Denial and Surprise ("It's_not_possible Oowww_my_god Really" and "Ok Not_possibal") Pro-active Health Management ("I_will_care I_will_care I_will_care" and "More_take_care_of_my_self Eat_vegetables_more Fruits" ) Mixed Emotions ("Moye_moye Happy Sad 😂 😂 😂 😒") |
Observations
Digital Engagement and Communication Styles: The enthusiastic participation in an online game and the use of emojis highlight how digital platforms and modern communication styles, particularly among Gen-Z, play a crucial role in engagement and expression. This suggests a preference for interactive and visually expressive forms of communication.
Cultural and Generational Influences: The reference to Gen-Z indicates that cultural and generational characteristics significantly influence health, fitness attitudes, and communication preferences. Gen-Z's familiarity with digital culture, including gaming and social media, shapes their approach to learning, interacting, and discussing health topics.
Visual and Informal Expression: The use of emojis as reactions points to a trend towards more visual and informal means of expressing emotions and responses. This can imply that traditional forms of communication might be less effective with this demographic, emphasising the need for adaptability in messaging.
Engagement with Technology: The fact that both boys and girls participated enthusiastically in an online game suggests high engagement levels with technology and digital platforms for learning and entertainment. This could indicate that digital tools and gamification could be effective strategies for education and engagement in health and fitness.
Community and Peer Influence: The group activity and shared experiences, like participating in a game, highlight the importance of community and peer influence among youth. This suggests that social dynamics and belonging to a group can significantly impact motivation and behavior related to health and fitness.
Emotional Expression and Mental Health: The varied emotional responses, conveyed through emojis, to health-related feedback suggest an openness in expressing vulnerabilities and emotions. This could indicate a shift towards more open discussions about mental health and well-being among youth.
These observations emphasise the importance of understanding and integrating Gen-Z's communication styles, technological engagement, and cultural influences when addressing health and fitness topics. Tailoring approaches to fit these preferences can enhance effectiveness in education, motivation, and support for healthier lifestyles among youth.
Figure 8 : Here is the recreated bar graph based on the combined responses of NCC Boys and Girls from the Mentimeter poll. The graph ranks the areas they would like to work and contribute to as youth influencers, starting with Health as the most important and Climate Action as the least important.
Overview: Anaemia Testing and Awareness
Health Check-up Camps: Organize free health check-up camps focusing on haemoglobin levels. Partner with local hospitals or clinics for professional support.
Personal Nutritional Counselling: Offer counseling sessions with nutritionists for cadets with anaemia or at risk. Provide them with personalised diet plans.
The cadets were organised into pairs, and a systematic approach was employed where one batch underwent anaemia testing. At the same time, the other attended an interactive session. Subsequently, the batches were switched, ensuring that each cadet could participate in both the crucial aspects of anaemia awareness and testing. This structured rotation allowed for comprehensive engagement, maximising the effectiveness of the educational and testing components of the initiative.
The screening and testing process involved the utilisation of a recording sheet and referral slip, both completed by a specialised medical team dispatched by the RBSK Team (Rashtriya Bal Swasthiya Karyakram) dedicated to the testing phase. Subsequently, a dedicated team of counselors utilised the referral sheet to conduct personalised one-on-one sessions, providing essential guidance and support based on the individual's screening and testing results.
Figure 9: Highlights from Counseling sessions
Figure 10: Haemoglobin concentration for the diagnosis of Anaemia and assessment of severity (WHO, 2011)
Statistics
Total Number of Participants: 599
Age (in years) of the participants: Minimum: 15 years, and Maximum: 24 years
Haemoglobin Levels (in gm/dl): Minimum: 4.3 gm/dl, and Maximum: 18.5 gm/dl
Figure 11: Anaemia Classification and Haemoglobin levels among girls (15 years and above)
Figure 12: Anaemia Classification and Haemoglobin levels among boys
Figure 13: Bloxplot analysis of Haemoglobin levels by gender
Breakdown of the haemoglobin levels by gender from the boxplot analysis
Girls
Minimum Hemoglobin Level: 4.3 gm/dl
Maximum Hemoglobin Level: 14.9 gm/dl
Boys
Minimum Hemoglobin Level: 8.6 gm/dl
Maximum Hemoglobin Level: 18.5 gm/dl
Figure 14: Distribution of Haemoglobin Levels by Age and Gender
Figure 15: Correlation between Age and Haemoglobin Levels
Figure 16: Average Haemoglobin levels by institution for girls and boys
Vote of Thanks
The event was successfully concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Captain Ritesh Singh, the Commander of the NCC. In his closing statement, Captain Singh underscored the importance of the Anaemia awareness and testing initiative, emphasising the significance of understanding haemoglobin and RBC count. He urged participants to incorporate the knowledge gained and take on the responsibility of training another cadet, thereby contributing to the awareness within the NCC community.
Figure 17: Closing remarks by Captain Ritesh Singh (Commander, NCC)
Collaborating Partners
NHM: The National Health Mission (NHM) comprises the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). It focuses on health system strengthening, reproductive-maternal-neonatal-child and adolescent health (RMNCH+A), and addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases. NHM aims for universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare.
Poshan Abhiyaan: Launched in 2018, this initiative aims to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable groups by leveraging technology and community engagement. It addresses issues like stunting, under-nutrition, anemia, and low birth weight in children aged 0-6, prioritising the well-being of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Healthcare in Gujarat: The Department of Health & Family Welfare in Gujarat provides an extensive healthcare network, prioritising primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare for all citizens. The focus is on Below-poverty-line families, marginalised populations, and weaker sections in rural and urban slum areas. Various sub-departments collaborate to ensure accessible medical facilities aligned with technological advancements.
National Cadet Corps (NCC): The NCC aims to instil character, comradeship, discipline, a secular outlook, and a spirit of adventure among young citizens. It seeks to cultivate an organised, trained, and motivated youth population with leadership qualities across professions, encouraging careers in the armed forces.
SAP Lab at IITGN: Supported by UNICEF, the SAP Lab focuses on using behavioral insights to create social impact. It develops strategies to promote positive changes for society's vulnerable members.
UNICEF India operates with a mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of every child. Its key areas of work encompass child survival and development, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, child protection, and social policy advocacy. Through partnerships with the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders, UNICEF ensures that every child in India has access to essential services, protection, and opportunities for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Newspaper and Social Media Coverage
Figure 18 : Newspaper Coverage - Vatsalya Samachar
Figure 19, 20, 21, 22: Social Media Coverage - Official Twitter page, SAP Lab, IIT GN.
Figure 22: Social Media Coverage - Official LinkedIn Page, SAP Lab, IITGN
Outcomes
To give a context, The NCC in Gujarat is organised into groups that cover different districts, each with its own set of units focusing on various cadet training aspects. There are groups located in Ahmedabad (11 Units), Vadodara (9 units), Rajkot (8 units), VV Nagar (7 units), and a new raising in Jamnagar (8 units), with each group comprising units that include infantry battalions, naval units, air squadrons, and girls' battalions. These units are strategically placed across the state to facilitate NCC training and activities, covering a broad spectrum of geographical areas and accommodating a diverse range of cadet interests and specialities.
NCC offers a platform for youth to engage in various activities that foster discipline, leadership, and social responsibility. Young cadets are exposed to a blend of military training, social service campaigns, and national integration camps that not only enhance their physical fitness and discipline but also imbue them with a sense of duty towards their community and country.
As potential change influencers, NCC cadets can leverage their training, discipline, and nationalistic spirit to lead and inspire others in addressing societal challenges, advocating for sustainable practices, and promoting equality, making them vital to the fabric of societal advancement and national development.
By leveraging its vast network, the NCC can enhance awareness, encourage active participation, and drive policy advocacy among cadets, making them ambassadors for change in their communities and beyond. This approach not only broadens the scope of NCC's influence but also equips cadets with the skills and awareness needed to tackle modern societal challenges.
The initiation of the pilot project marked by this event successfully raised awareness about anaemia among NCC Cadets. The next steps would include ensuring:
Feedback Surveys: Conduct surveys to collect feedback from participants on the campaign’s impact and areas for improvement. What worked for them?
Follow-up Health Check-ups: Organize a second round of health check-ups to evaluate the progress of cadets who were identified with anaemia. Discuss strategies for incorporating iron-rich foods into daily diets and the importance of regular health check-ups. This should come from the cadets only .
Way Forward
On Climate Action and Gender Equality:
The idea is to follow the T3 model of education designed to enhance instructional practices through the integration of technology.
Curriculum Integration:
Incorporate climate action and gender equality topics into the NCC training modules.
Develop specialised workshops focusing on environmental conservation, renewable energy sources, waste management, and gender sensitisation.
Community Engagement Projects:
Initiate cadet-led community projects on tree plantation, clean-up drives, and energy conservation campaigns.
Conduct gender equality workshops and awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities:
Provide leadership roles in environmental and social equality projects.
Encourage female cadets to take up leadership positions in all cadet activities.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
Collaborate with environmental organisations and NGOs focused on gender equality for expert workshops and joint projects.
Leverage government programs related to climate change and women’s empowerment.
Public Engagements and Awareness:
Use social media platforms to share knowledge, experiences, and successes in environmental conservation and gender equality.
Organise public events like marathons, debates, and exhibitions focused on these themes.
Annexure:
Singhal A. (February 21, 2024). Vatsalya Samachar Rajkot: એન.સી.સી. દ્વારા ૨૩ ફેબ્રુઆરીએ એનેમિયા અવેરનેસ પ્રોગ્રામ યોજાશે – Vatsalyam Samachar
Social Action and Policy (SAP) Lab - IITGN (February 23. 2024). Twitter. https://x.com/saplabiitgn/status/1761343754353488189?s=46&t=9DYQgMn6ZxI-4doSAXzeIw
Social Action and Policy (SAP) Lab- IITGN (February 23, 2024). Twitter. https://x.com/saplabiitgn/status/1761343735697227925?s=46&t=9DYQgMn6ZxI-4doSAXzeIw
Social Action and Policy Lab | IIT Gandhinagar| UNICEF (February 23, 2024) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/social-action-and-policy-lab_social-action-policy-sap-lab-iitgn-activity-7166997632307904512-GVwg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
Social Action and Policy Lab | IIT Gandhinagar| UNICEF (February 23, 2024) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/social-action-and-policy-lab_social-action-policy-sap-lab-iitgn-activity-7166660798721855488-L1ra?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
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