WDP Guest Editor Priyanka Rai decided to discover what expression means to the young who have embarked on a journey to bring in change
Express and empower is the new age mantra that today’s youth firmly stand for. United they stand, with a dream to make things better. They are no social workers, nor people doing charity, but a bunch of college-going kids who feel that the world around them is very much their business. They all are pursuing their respective careers and hang around with friends on a lazy Sunday evening. They are very much like us but in addition to that, they also share a passion to bring in change.
Shilpi Sud, a member of a non-established group of four who call themselves ’Beyond Borders’, is actively involved in conducting sex-education workshops in schools. Shilpi feels that as students, they have time at hand which needs to be channelised in an effective manner. By putting in just an hour a week, they are able to take action on highly neglected subjects widely considered a taboo to be discussed socially.
Another student Fakhra, started with a group called ’Hulchul’ that aims at bringing community and government together to address issues that require immediate attention. In the recent past, they organised a drawing contest for children wherein they could fantasise their ’Dream Mohalla’. To make their area the way they want it to be, they hold discussions with RWAs and perform plays to get across a wider audience. It all comes up with a desire to give back to society the things they have learnt.
Upasna Kaul, pursuing Masters in English from DU and an ex-member of Beyond Borders, feels that in order to initiate any kind of process of change that is sustainable, youth have to participate. She believes that the energy of the youngsters can actually facilitate change because it’s them who have envisioned an idea.
Power of expression is probably the biggest empowerment people are blessed with. The various modes of expression might include active discussions, debates, street plays, theatre, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. It will definitely go a long way in bringing awareness, disseminating information and convert thoughts to action.
We respect and salute the spirit of youth who have begun to bring in a revolution.
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