The Unicef organised a State-level media roundtable here on early childhood care and development on Thursday.
Former Professor of Psychology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Prof Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Head, Department of Psychology, Utkal University Prof Bhaswati Patnaik, education specialist and OIC , Unicef, Odisha Lalita Patnaik and Communications Specialist, Unicef, Alka Gupta spoke on the occasion.
Setting the context to the media roundtable, Lalita Patnaik said investing in the early years of a child needs multi-disciplinary action by parents, Government, civil society and private sector, working together.
Prof Mohanty said, “The earliest years of life from birth to eight years of age are the most important period of development when the brain is developing the fastest. Research shows that for optimum brain development children need good nutrition and health, as well as positive stimulation and protection from violence, abuse and neglect.
The poorest and most disadvantaged children face the biggest risk of missing out. Poverty, malnutrition and psychosocial deprivations adversely impact the developing brain of the child.”
Prof Patnaik speaking on the importance of knowledge management said, “Generating evidence and knowledge management are critical to understanding early childhood development. The Department of Psychology, Utkal University is contributing towards the effort.”