Announcement

Youth4Change, the youth wing of NGO Centre for Youth Development and Activities organized a talk on women’s issues with a focus on domestic violence on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of International Woman’s Day. The discussion, facilitated by Ms. Kranti Agnihotri Dabir of the Nari Samata Manch initiated the talk by giving a brief on the history of this day. Thereafter, the youth got an understanding of domestic violence, in its various forms. The social and legal aspects inspired the youth to pose relevant queries, to deepen their perspective. The youth agreed that it is very important for a woman to realize her rights and voice her opinion strongly. The facilitator provided suggestions on what people can do at a personal level if they were to witness a situation of domestic violence. Violence is a vicious cycle and it originates from the womb. Living in the patriarchal system, it is a battle for the woman with herself and the world outside. Gender equality?? Time will tell!

South Asian Youth Camp started with a full swing at YMCA, Pune. The event started off with a play staged on the theme ‘what is tolerance?’ put up by the volunteers of Youth4Change which was appreciated by all present.

The Mayor of Pune city, Mr Mohan Sing Rajpal inaugurated the session and spoke on the values of having good thoughts. He emphasised on how we as people of the society should live without bringing about any bias based on religion, state, culture, etc. “The future is in the hands of the youth” said Mr Rajpal. Also the souvenir SAYC, 2010 was released by him.

Following him Mr Ahmed Azeem from Maldives spoke of the role of youth being the key player in changing the phase of the society. He felt that the youth should raise their voice against all the atrocities that is taking place in the world. Youth is the key factor and they should be involved in the nation’s development activities and key reforms. He talked about how forums like SAYC should be encouraged more around the world in order to make the voice of the youth to be heard loud and clear and to share ideas and experiences on how they can bring a change in the world.

From India another participant of the youth camp, Ms Chetna Mankar spoke of women empowerment and how women should be included in every aspect of the society, from the economy of the country to the very basics like their role in a relationship. She also spoke of the elders playing an important role in guiding the youth in making important decisions. “Just voicing out opinions is not enough, we need guidance from the elders too.” “Do not drown in self-pity but have a positive approach to life” is what she concluded with.

Also present for the event was Ms Nisha Agarwal, CEO , Oxfam India spoke of the role of gender equality in South Asia and compared it to that of her visit to Cambodia where she felt that the people there were more in acceptance of women having equal status as men. She felt that this concern should be addressed more deep in the South Asian regions and for this she felt that SAYC would be the first step. He also said the Oxfam is going to focus youth and citizenship as major focus in the future activities of Oxfam.

Famed actor and social activist Mr Farooque Shaikh shared his thoughts with audience on prioritising peace. “Differences should be celebrated and not tolerated”, said Mr Shaikh. He believes that India being a global villages based on it cultural diversity and heritage should focus on peace and how that is the only option for all matters in the world.

The participants will be provided with various skills such as theatre, Dance, Newsletter and Documentary film making. The participants also will interact with various institutions in the city such as Azam Campus, FLAME and MIT during their short stay in Pune. On the final day, 5th February, the participants will present their learning’s and various cultural programs for the citizens of Pune at 5 pm at YMCA Pune.

53 participants from six countries including, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India , Maldives, Nepal are participating in the event. Though 34 participants from Pakistan was expected to participate they were denied the VISA at the last moment. However the participants said the spirit of SAYC will be taken forward to other countries towards building a peace and harmony among the people in the sub continent

Mathew Mattam, Secretary, CYDA introduced the purpose and theme of the program while Vandana Rai Director CYDA concluded the inaugural session of SAYC.