JOIN USExperience the power of 'Changeloomers'
Change laana hai to akele chalo par dur tak jaana hai to doosron ko sath leke chalo (If you want to bring a change then walk alone, but if you want to succeed then ensure that you include others too),” said Stalin K, director of Video Volunteers India.
It might not be difficult to envisage the potential of India’s youth power to shape the society if one had been present at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra last weekend.
At the event titled ‘Youthsav’, the auditorium filled with youngsters from across the country brimmed with an unimaginable energy. In every nook and corner of the auditorium youngsters filled up the space and the chatter reverberated throughout. But these youngsters were no commoners.
They are ‘Changeloomers’ – those who have brought a change in society through their dedicated social work.
A melodious song by Stalin K set a revolutionary tone for the evening where 100 passionate youth leaders, from about six states, were introduced to the audience and lauded for their potential to bring social change. From working for the physically challenged or the sex workers at GB Road, educating slum children through art or making the masses aware with theatre; the youngsters were involved in almost every crucial aspect that is required to improve the society that we live in.
“The Changelooms With.in programme is a leadership journey that recognises, supports and mentors young leaders to lead social change initiatives. Young people are a very important constituent in society - their energy, enthusiasm and empathy has real potential to make a positive difference in their communities. Through the Changelooms With.in journey we are sure that they will successfully use their passion and creativity to bring about social change,” says Rajan Khosla, spokesperson of Poorest Areas Civil Society (PACS) - which supports the programme implemented jointly by ComMutiny - The Youth Collective and Pravah.
Khosla says, “PACS is very proud to support these 100 young leaders and their initiatives on social inclusion through this program.”The hustle inside the auditorium was coupled with the bustle outside where bright minds displayed their projects for all to see and discuss about the social issues in the country.
A bright orange bus, parked at the venue, attracted the attention as the organisers launched the ‘Bas! Stop Campaign’. Inside this flashy bus were posters supporting gender empowerment and pledges by youngsters to work towards bringing a change in society. This mobile campaign on issues of social inclusion is being run as a part of the Changelooms With.in program in 2014-15.
Supporting this campaign Marshall Elliott, head of DFID Tanzania and India told Metrolife, “There is vibrancy in today’s youth in India who are prepared to help shape the society. Youngsters have themselves come up with ideas seeing how people live their lives and are working to makes everyone’s life better.”