Naga public called for greater sensitivity on adoption

Bodeno S Colo, Tosheli Zhimomi, Upasana Chakma and other participants on Thursday at Highland Park in Kohima. (EM Images)

• KOHIMA — Describing adoption as a social commitment to raise a child with love, care and dignity, the secretary of Social Welfare department, Bodeno S Colo, has called for greater awareness and sensitivity around adoption.
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• The secretary stated this during an orientation programme on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care, organised by the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Mission Vatsalya, under the Department of Social Welfare, and sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development, held at Highland Park in Kohima on Wednesday.

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• Colo, who was the special guest of the programme, described adoption as something that ‘touches hearts, transforms lives and builds families.’ According to her, adoption is more than just a legal process but an act of love, compassion and hope that connects children in need with adults who are ready to open their hearts and homes.
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• “For many children around the world, adoption is a path to safety, stability and opportunity—things every child deserves but not all receive from the start. Whether due to poverty, abandonment or tragedy, millions of children live without permanent families,” she said.
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• In this context, she asserted that adoption offers children a chance to grow in a loving environment, receive guidance and have someone who believes in them unconditionally.
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• She noted that adoption also transforms the lives of adoptive parents.
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• “Many families find joy and fulfillment in giving a child a second chance. But adoption isn’t always easy—it comes with emotional legal, and social challenges,” she added.
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• She informed that the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Women and Child Development responsible for regulating and monitoring adoptions across the country.
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• In her keynote address, the director of Social Welfare department and member secretary of SARA, Tosheli Zhimomi, informed that all districts in Nagaland would be getting specialised adoption agency (SAA).
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• Stating that the core of adoption core is about giving every child a stable and loving home, she said it transforms lives and changes the destiny of both the children and the families who welcome them with open arms.
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• She appealed to all stakeholders to work with empathy and compassion, reiterating that adoption is not just a legal formality but a deeply human act.
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• “Every child is special, unique and valid. Adoption is a reminder that every child deserves a place to call home,” she affirmed.
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• Upasana Chakma, senior professional from CARA, presented the introduction and objectives of the training and shared that a new cell under CARA has been established for improved identification processes.
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• The programme was led by Imkongzenla, joint director of Social Welfare department.