Saamanjasya- Collaborate, Create and Commit ...for a Cause
“… Today’s youth is indifferent to the problems of society- I agree, but please analyze the root cause of the problem before proposing solutions…”
“ … I want to work for my society…but where are avenues of partnership or association….”
“…We need to redefine youthhood- it’s not about age, it is about how you think…..”
“….To bring the change, don’t engage with youth per se…engage with young at heart…”
“….the urban youth grows up in an insulated environment….not aware of the other India. We need more exposure visits at early age…”
Do these sound like typical quote- unquote(s); these are real voices of youth- bubbling with energy, striving to change themselves, the society- for their better future.
The venue- IIT Kharagpur, W.B.; Date- 20-21st March; Occasion- Saamanjasya’ 2010
Oxfam associated with Saamanjasya- a novel initiative of VGSOM, IIT Kharagpur, to empower youth. Students from diverse backgrounds from different colleges were invited to participate in the case study analysis activity (called Parishram) during the event Saamanjasya. The vivid participation was interdisciplinary in real sense- students from Law, Humanities, Engineering as well as Management streams actively participated in the event.
Participants averred that the exercise provided them with an opportunity to engage in strategic analysis of real-time field level programs and present their ideas in terms of what more can be done or could have been done. The approach was both unique and holistic as the case studies were reviewed from the youth’s perspective and through the lens of different knowledge streams. Oxfam India’s live case study on ‘creation and implementation of effective spaces for youth engagement’ received enthusiastic participation and contributory solutions from students wherein they not only suggested the solution but were keen to participate in the process too:
- By volunteering – for onsite and online activities
- Field visits and exposure trips
- Promoting the NGO and its cause in their institutions and alumni associations
- Creating social clubs in their institutions
- Acting as alert points- for any corporate with CSR interest, Corporate Houses that encourage employees to work on social causes during sabbatical
- RTI evangelist to help us research the problems
- Helping with research and online surveys
- Champion the cause of NGO even beyond their institution when they find employment
One could actually see the change from “Me and others” to “Its about all of us”
(Story Credit: Aparajita Suman)