Dr Maithreyi Ravikumar, Strategic Lead for Adolescent Health, was invited to speak to Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Fellows in Mysuru on June 6. Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Fellows, appointed by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj will work to strengthen and support the activities carried out at Gram Panchayats across the seven Kalyana Karnataka districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Ballari, Hosapete, and Koppal. 

Speaking at the Abdul Nassir Sab State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Dr Ravikumar spoke about adolescent development, gender norms, and their impact on adolescent health outcomes, particularly for. She also highlighted the usefulness of the Sphoorthi empowerment model to address issues such as child marriage, school dropout, undernutrition, and mental health among girls.