WE THE YOUTH
MAEERS’ MIT School of Government engineered a stepping-stone to mobilize the youth by organizing the 1st Indian Parliament of Student Council Leaders (Bharatiya Chatra Sansad) held from Jan 12-14, 2011 at MIT Campus, Pune comprising of eleven sessions. In the span of these three days, participants were given an opportunity to interact with prominent personalities from Politics, Spiritual, Environment, Media, Social movement, Entertainment and Sport World to interact with them and speak their mind on the dais. With a single minded devotion of channelizing the power of youth, the ‘Parliament of All India Student Council Leaders’, was a breeding ground for the young, enthusiastic and bright minds committed to lead the society, to effect political changes and to strengthen the democracy.
The sessions comprised of India’s best minds who have been “one of a kind” in their respective fields. Here is what they said to instill the youth with a sense of nation building and make them ambassadors of change to take on the challenges and occupy worthy offices in the democratic institutions of India
Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam
Former President of India
Dr. Kalam began by congratulating the conveners Dr. V. D. Karad and Mr. Rahul Karad on the successful organization of the program. He went on to say that as India is going through a tough phase the role of honest politicians has gained much importance. He divided his talk into different sections keeping the students as his target audience.
1. His experiences based on meetings with Parliamentarians of different countries including South Africa, Sudan and South Korea. He felt that the people all over the world want peace and harmony. For this, a Worlds Knowledge Platform is required. This needs a co-operation from politicians across the world.
2. His experience and aspirations for the youth:
According to him, youth want an electronically developed state. They want to change and convince politicians. He took a pledge from the students that they would only elect those who contribute to economic development. Youth should become unique rather than like everyone else.
3. Political system-
Equation: Politics=Political politics + Developmental politics
According to Dr. Kalam the first component should only be 30% and the remaining should be developmental politics. This can be achieved by the students/youth.
5. Vision for 2020
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His Vision 2020 included Ten Pillars including reducing the rural-urban divide, provision of quality water, working of the three sectors namely agriculture, industry and services, development of healthcare, eradication of poverty, illiteracy and terrorism.
He concluded by encouraging the students to write their thoughts and send the same to him. He promised to respond to their queries via e-mail.
Shri. Ashutosh Gowarikar
Renowned Film Maker
This is what he had to say…
Media has various benefits, but the trouble is when the information is used as a source of entertainment. Due to increasing competition, media may distort facts, which is human tendency.
A bold phase for cinema, across all languages. Literatures are getting the focus they deserved. Audience wants a change, including the makers. The genres are also important, rather than just focus on comedy or entertainment; films can create a feeling of love about country. Patriotism is since birth, but nationalism has to be inculcated and there is a fine line between the two.
We are moved by numbers, more the numbers, more is the impact, similar to the response for this Council meet. Democracy is power to the people. It is not money, assets, affluence. Philosophers have claimed it is knowledge. Why be afraid? Why not oppose what disturbs us? Problem increases because we think the problem is not ours. Unity is required to address any problem.
A Sanskrit message says that a king is honored only in his kingdom, but a knowledgeable person is admired everywhere. Introduction of technology will bring about a radical change in rural India. This is what media can do. This is what the youth can do. By exchange of knowledge and ideas at various levels, collectively, societal problems can be solved.
Shri. Rahul Bajaj
Chairman, Bajaj Auto
One side we say we have a tradition of 5000 years and on the other side out of 110 Cr, 30 Cr are poverty struck which is approx. 35%.
Need of the hour- Idea, Institution and economy. We need an open, free but a regulated market so that big fish don’t eat the small fish. Today’s judiciary, legislative and common man should work hand in hand for a strong nation building. Division based on caste, religion, class, religion encouraged due to vote bank politics is wrong and these do not make country viable leading to dead end. We need to overwrite corruption and inefficiency. Quality of leadership is important. It’s not the charisma; it’s the idea of understanding today and planning for tomorrow that will provide better opportunity.
Trial by media is not acceptable. The trial should be done according to the law and by the legislative body only. Media is doing a good job in bringing out the key issues that would help in the development of the nation and enlightens the minds of the young.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Founder, Art of Living
He began by congratulating the organizers. His main message was:
Remember the role played by our freedom fighters and their integrity in achieving independence for India, remember the role of Mahatma Gandhi-his commitment to non-violence and honesty. The nation is yours and its responsibility is yours, take the challenge to save India from corruption. The rural-urban divide in India is the main cause of violence.
Vision of a developed world originated in India, the first university was in India. Moving from concept of GDP to GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness), the message from rural India is that of Humanity. Don’t live in isolation, face all difficulties with courage and try to overcome anger.
Expose yourself to the world and take good concepts from different nations.
Shri.L.K.Advani
Chairman,
Parliamentary Party ,BJP
He praised the innovative idea of MIT SOG itself and more over its lead in organizing the 1st student council leader parliament.
Security is an issue wherein a common man feels secure and safe for himself and his family. For the National Security, basic requirements of the soldiers should be fulfilled and exhaustive training needs to be given. Now-a-days, in villages girls are free to roam safely is an indication of good internal security.
Politics should be taught to young leaders; which MIT SOG is doing so well. 21st century will be India’s century, which is to be created by the youth and through the student parliament, good decisions could be taken which will be beneficial for our country’s progress.
Dr. Kiran Bedi
IPS (Retd.)
She congratulated organizers for making such a big event of YOUNG INDIA in which participants are not only present but also represent the future of India. She became an IPS officer in 1972 in the situations like illiteracy & poverty & bad mentality of society. Her inspiring words went along these lines.
Youth is the backbone of the nation. Youth leader needs to reach to those people who can’t get their living & to those where there are restrictions on women. The dowry tradition in India needs to be vanished & girls must avoid the candidate begging for dowry. Women must take efforts to eradicate corruption, make revolution in agriculture & corporate sector to lead India. Girls should develop their sport & cultural side also. India is having very few vocational schools (which create employment) as compared to Japan; this number is required to be increased to bring women empowerment. If steps for women empowerment are taken fast, then India can lead the world; because WOMAN is grassroot of India.
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