Pune: Usha Kakade, the founder of Gravittus Foundation along with UNICEF, jointly organised a roundtable conference on Wednesday (August 28h) in Pune.

Among others who attended the two-hour long event were popular actress Shabana Azmi, Sanjay Singh, chief UNICEF Maharashtra; Dr. Simin Irani, senior advisor UNICEF; Dr. Medha Kulkarni, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha; and Suraj Mandhare, the Commissioner of Education in Pune.

Mr Sanjay Singh said, "We are here for every child, regardless of their background, ensuring equal opportunities to not only survive but to thrive.The first 1000 days are crucial for lifelong health and development, but if missed ,we must invest in adolescence to secure a child’s future.” Others also spoke.

"A child from day one in mother's womb to his/her second birthday need no toys, except interactive parenting and proper nutritions. Stimulating environment with epigenetic factors, in layman's language both nature and nurture, helps the child's brain to develop, which ensures a better and brighter future unlike drinking complain," says Dr. Simin Irani, senior advisor newborn care, UNICEF.

Azmi said, "Womanhood is far more complex than dancing in the alps, wearing a yellow saree as portrayed by Bollywood.Be in a rural or urban setting, mothers are often overly conscious of their roles, trying to strike the balance between professional and personal, which may not always be a good thing. Speaking from experience, treating your child with love and respect is essential, and I'm not sure if the modern 'helicopter parenting' style benefits the child."

Usha Kakade spoke about "Good touch and bad touch" to spread awareness on the sensitive child abuse issues, by holding 45 mins session in 1095 schools all across Maharashtra.