Nationwide campaign for Safe Campuses launched from Odisha

Building safe campuses requires not only robust mechanisms but also collective ownership, continuous sensitization and engagement with all stakeholders—from students to top university leadership and the surrounding community, said Dr. Rajesh Tandon, UNESCO Co-Chair on Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

While progressive laws exist, their impact can only be felt when institutions and individuals internalize and act upon them, he underlined.

Dr. Tondon was speaking during a sensitization programme on "Empowering Campus: Safety, Security and Inclusivity" that was organised by CYSD in collaboration with Martha Farrell Foundation (MFF), UNFPA, UNESCO and PRIA to mark the launch of Nationwide Campaign for Safe Campuses in Higher Educational Institutions.

The campaign is an initiative of the MFF in association with the Association of Indian Universities.

The event deliberated on the growing need to ensure physical, emotional and psychological safety for students—particularly women—as Odisha undergoes a major social and demographic shift.