JOIN USYoung members from rights groups gathered here on Saturday to mark the National Youth Day and highlighted the need for a bigger space for them in politics.
Community - the Youth Collective in collaboration with Pravah and Youth Alliance organised an event to discuss conflicts, corruption and violence against women. While some argued that violence which erupted in the recent protests held across the country against the Delhi gang rape was justified, others said this should be the last resort.
Dhruv Vats from Youth Alliance said he did not know what was the solution to the gang rape issue. “There was a difference of opinion among people but we at least got a platform to debate and talk about the issue,” he said.
Commenting on demands for hanging or castration of rapists, some said violence cannot be the answer to violence. “Innocent people are killed and injured because of such violence. Violence breeds violence,” a Youth Alliance member said.
Some participants said resorting to violence will not serve as long-term solution. “The law and order situation should be improved in the city. Personal engagement is equally important to curb violence,” said Prakhar Bhartiya.
The particpants agreed that that youth should be involved in leadership in the government. They said the proportion of young people, aged between 25 and 40, was dwindling the Lok Sabha.