society
 "Make us participants in nation building"
Here’s what a cross-section young people from across India have to say about the state of their nation, its politics and its social system. These are voices of discontent, scepticism, energy, inspiration and, yes, eternal hope for a better future
Aditi Bishnoi

India, the youngest country in the world, has 50 per cent of its population below 25. Absent from the political discourse, the youth do not get an opportunity to register their concern Photo: Prachar
India, the youngest country in the world, has 50 per cent of its population below 25. Absent from the political discourse, the youth do not get an opportunity to register their concern Photo: Prachar

In one-of-its-kind of a survey, 40 youth organisations across 15 states crowd-sourced the input of youngsters from diverse regions and socio-economic backgrounds. WFS
In one-of-its-kind of a survey, 40 youth organisations across 15 states crowd-sourced the input of youngsters from diverse regions and socio-economic backgrounds. WFS


ALL ABOUT THE YOUTH MANIFESTO

  • The unManifesto campaign is run by a national coalition of over 40 partners across India. These partners have been drawn from 15 states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and all the seven Northeastern states, among others, and they work with diverse youth groups – urban, rural and slum youth, school and college dropouts, sex workers, transgender communities, LGBTs, Dalits, tribal and other minority communities.

  • Through lively and interactive sessions that involve the young, an awareness on politics and the democratic process is created among young people. So far, the coalition has eached out to 40,000 youngsters on ground and pproximately 10 lakh accounts online.

  • unManifesto campaign is collecting youth voices in the form of "promises" that they want political parties to incorporate in their manifestos, thus enabling the creation of an inclusive crowd-sourced youth manifesto. So far, 25,000 promises have been collected through the on-ground efforts, while 1500 promises have been gained online through Tweetathons organised every month.

  • A key aspect of the campaign is engaging with political parties and their representatives so that the promises of the youth find an echo in the political manifestos. A few leaders have been very encouraging of the campaign's efforts, these include Meenakshi Natrajan (MP from Congress Party), Manvendra Singh (BJP), Janak Ram Verma (Congress), Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP MP) and Jay Panda (BJD MP).

Abhilash Kumar, 21, student, Delhi
Youth speak up - loud and clear

Reservations on the basis of caste in educational institutions should be a complete no-no. Youth should be active participants in nation building and must get an opportunity.
Abhilash Kumar, 21, student, Delhi

Sahil Sankhla, 19, student, DelhiI root for equal rights for every citizen and that includes the LGBT community. Women should get resources to help them break the shackles of suppression of this misogynist society.
Sahil Sankhla, 19, student, Delhi

 

Harshit Kothari, 22, student, MumbaiThings can change for the better if quality education is provided to every child and as students we learn about issues like corruption and crimes against women.
Harshit Kothari, 22, student, Mumbai

 

In the North-Eeast, corruption is a big issue. Despite many government schemes and funds for the region, development is slow and youngsters are forced to migrate for better opportunities. A change in the current political order is a must.
Sulakshana Borah, 20, student, Guwahati

Tanvi Gupta, 22, finance professional, DelhiYouth should be given more opportunities to enter into the public sphere and participate in nation building.
Tanvi Gupta, 22, finance professional, Delhi

Aanchal Bansal, 21, student, DelhiHow about looking at education avenues that are based on life skills where different people with varied potentials can flourish?
Aanchal Bansal, 21, student, Delhi

 

 

 

Safal Pandita, 21, student, DelhiEvery politician must be academically qualified before they can be allowed to contest in elections.
Safal Pandita, 21, student, Delhi

 

Devika Bedi, 21, student, DelhiI may be disillusioned by the way political parties manipulate the people but I do believe that being a people’s representative is not a bad thing. We have to be in the system to change it.
Devika Bedi, 21, student, Delhi

 

Sneha Banerjee, 26, Masters student, MumbaiOur political leaders need to focus on ensuring safety of women, tackling corruption and improving the implementation of social welfare schemes. I am disturbed at the ever-increasing rate of gender crimes. No preventive steps have been taken yet. Young voters should become active citizens, question the politicians and initiate social action when necessary.
Sneha Banerjee, 26, Masters student, Mumbai

Varun Mehta, 22, student, MumbaiI feel strongly about women’s safety. Central and state governments need to strictly implement laws related to rape and eve-teasing. It’s time the youth takes ownership of the country and stands up in solidarity against corruption and price rise, and rallys for the provision of basic necessities of like water, food security, proper roads, education and healthcare.
Varun Mehta, 22, student, Mumbai

Harman Singh Oberoi, 21, student, ChandigarhWe need to take a serious look at the way our judicial system functions. It is frustrating to see the delays in verdicts on critical cases like those related to crimes against women and corrupt politicians. I am distressed at the divisive politics that is being practised in India where people are segregated on lines of caste, class as well as religious and regional lines.
Harman Singh Oberoi, 21, student, Chandigarh

 

 

 

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