Noni Johar 4.0 Amplifies Youth Voices Across Chhattisgarh; Champions Behaviour-Led Social Change
Raipur, 18–19 December 2025:
The fourth edition of Noni Johar, a two-day youth conclave organised by UNICEF, Agricon Samiti, and the Chhattisgarh Alliance for Behaviour Change, concluded in Raipur with a strong call for behaviour-led social transformation and youth leadership. Hosted at Babylon International Hotel, the event brought together nearly 250 adolescents and young volunteers from 15 districts under the central theme “Behaviour Matters.”
The programme was inaugurated by Dr Varnika Sharma, Chairperson, Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, along with Vishwajay Singh Tomar, Chairperson, State Youth Commission, and UNICEF representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sharma stated that “a daughter of Chhattisgarh should neither cry nor be lost; she must be protected, valued and empowered.” Vishwajay Singh Tomar described the youth as the state’s living heritage and the driving force of inclusive development.
Highlighting the behaviour science approach of the initiative, Abhishek Singh, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, UNICEF Chhattisgarh, emphasised that lasting change begins with small, everyday actions.
“When families and communities shift even simple behaviours, the collective impact multiplies. Investing in these micro-changes is essential for achieving sustainable development,” he said.
Chetna Desai, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, underlined adolescence as a critical window for intervention.
“This is the stage where systems, communities and influencers must invest together so that young people grow with confidence, safety and agency,” she noted.
Over the two days, youth-led stalls, interactive dialogues, and experience-sharing sessions showcased grassroots solutions addressing disability inclusion, cyber safety, nutrition, mental health, gender equality, and prevention of child marriage.
Day 2 featured focused discussions with the Department of Women and Child Development, recognising child marriage as a deeply rooted social practice that demands adolescent-led advocacy and collective action.
A major highlight was an interactive session with celebrity actor Smriti Kalra, who engaged volunteers through the game “Fact or Friction.” Speaking candidly about body image, skin-colour bias, and social media pressures, she encouraged young participants to challenge stereotypes, embrace self-worth, and value character over appearance, fostering a safe and open space for reflection.
The conclave was further enriched by cultural performances that celebrated regional identity and youth expression. Energetic performances by renowned Chhattisgarhi singer Garima Diwakar and popular artist OK Singh resonated strongly with the audience.
The event also marked the launch of “Manasvini,” a booklet focused on women’s mental health, along with the Yuvoday App, designed to strengthen youth engagement, wellbeing, and participatory platforms across the state.
Noni Johar 4.0 concluded with a renewed commitment from UNICEF and partner organisations to nurture confident, empathetic and socially conscious young changemakers across Chhattisgarh, placing behavioural insights and youth leadership at the heart of sustainable social change.
