The term ‘youth’ is such a magical word as it transforms every aspiration to constructive actions. It’s a part of our population that unifies people to one whole unit. As I stand in my lonely terrace and watch this world that seem so extinct, I see the visitors as varied birds chirping and resonating the sound of nature’s silence, I also watch another world through my laptop. That’s our virtual world right now, that is so impactful and full of energy. I notice some young minds curating ideas, building strategies and evolving policies. As an adult again I watch like a bystander and notice the young risk lives, fight a pandemic through their intellect and gestures.
These are the same youth who I observe, that are empowering lost economies, liberating troubled policy makers and creating a forum to express without judgement. They are the epitome of courage and power that reflects in their existence called- Our Young Voices, that is Unbound, Diffused and Loud. Striving to trigger positive disruption being the motto these inspirational youth came up with their community organization last year to spread hope and resurrect young leadership skills. They work in guiding young leaders of today to remain the same and move ahead with humane development. The community forum ‘Our Young Voices’ is led by a young leader, Sekulu Nyekha, Director of Operations, who necessitated the relevance of sexual health, gender-based issues and disability rights. She through the mechanism of storytelling believed in bringing favourable disruption in the surrounding. This organization was brainstormed through her initiation that took shape under her guidance and strategies. She represented a Youth Champion to ICEP 2018, winner of 120 under 40 New Generation of Family Planning Leaders and stood as a young advocate of Reproductive Health by UN Foundation. Thus, inclusion of other communities through this forum evolved stringently.
Indian youth are the positive thinkers of today. In a perceived cooperative society where we notice discriminatory breakdowns, corruptive system and unheard voices, it gradually led to the emergence of ‘Our Young Voices’ in bringing out concerns that has never been narrated. These groups of youth started their pathway on Human Rights Day, 10th December, 2019 to discuss gender-based violence in India. They participated in a sixteen days activism and applied narratives in forms of monologues, poetry and music to reinforce thoughts among those who have lost the capacities to think about community concerns. It’s truly believed that youngsters identify the challenges around themselves easily and they are prominent in reducing these immoral acts that still exist around us. They are more emotionally and socially intelligent in renewing empathy within those who truly deserve.
‘Our Young Voices’ through their extraordinary acts have been a transitional driving force towards social change. They volunteered to be within the society in symbolising to be change makers by empowering the society and denoting a positive difference. Each member in this organization is a dreamer and they take social responsibility in bringing these dreams to life. Be it discussing about ‘Youth Mental Health During Pandemic’, ‘Understanding the Role of a Student Counsellor in an Education Set Up’ , ‘Understanding Toxic Relationships: How to Identify and Deal With Them’ ‘Discussing Stress and Discovering Management Through Brain Gym Exercise During COVID-19’ to ‘Discussing the Sociology of Period Poverty and The Science of Menstruation’, the dynamic team of ‘Our Young Voices’ through intensive webinars have curated all debates revolving these during this pandemic. In this period of social crisis, UNICEF highlighted on the social issue of menstruation hygiene. This team of energetic youth in collaboration with Humans of Nagaland and Serendip Guardians took a joint pledge in donating sanitary pads to 7000 needy menstruators in Nagaland for a continuous period of three months. They were instrumental in ‘Tackling Period Poverty During COVID-19’.
There were remarkable in filling the gaps in our societal leadership and worked towards enhancing the universal health and ensuring sustainable development with global commitment. I am a humble learner who observe and absorb from the divine portrayal of community leadership that I sketch in front of my eyes through these small hands. They are our sensible Indian youth who stand as role models to their peers and make me realise the radiance of humility with leadership.
As an adult, I feel youth should be given an equal space to add opinions with their modesty, regulate perspectives to the older generation and get involved in the continuum of consultation. My generation should approach the younger class with respect as they look at us ahead of them and tomorrow, they maybe in our shoes and imitate our footsteps. We have no right to put them down, negate their views, corner their actions just because we have some years of life experience.
Youth are the mediators and creators that portrays their leadership style. I get inspired everyday with these young budding policy makers and they make me relive my adolescence days and think fearlessly like a child. Its my humane deeds that has made me closer to what I have always desired and that’s to be with energetic minds that never stop thinking. Today I write this experience of mine as a learner and with great gratitude I bow down to this organization who have given me new perspectives to strive ahead and helped me argue, debate, criticize and construct opinions. In every role that I played in the team from being a lecturer, mental consultant, peer, mentor and parent, I have always cherished my new role and that is of a learner. This team taught me to dream again and yes they are truly my own ‘Our Young Voices’.
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Show comments Hide commentsBeautiful. Thank you for always being with us, Roseline ma\’am 💜