Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 17: “Indian democracy is distinct and today's youths are the future of this nation. More than 52% of India’s population is young and below 24 years of age. Let make use of their strength by taking them in the right direction,” said Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE.
He was addressing the 3rd national conference on 'Youth in Social Change' held on Saturday, September 17 at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal.
Dr Ranjan R Pai, president, MAHE Trust and chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group inaugurated the programme.
In his presidential address, H S Ballal said, “India is celebrating Amrith Mahotsav and Prime Minister Modi is emphasising more on self-reliance, Atma Nirbar. We are heading in that direction. India will be a self-reliant country by 2025 says Union defence minister Rajanath Singh. Joy of giving through community innovations is the main theme of this conference.
“We should take advantage of youth power and sensitise them to bring about social change. They are the real wealth of this country. We should enlighten the youth by practicing the right things. Everyone must say no to drugs or alcoholic addiction.
“Youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Today's youth should set an example for others in following norms. We should not depend on government and police alone to do this. We must enlighten the youth and public in preventing social evils,” he said.
Venkat Krishnan, principal trustee, India Welfare Trust delivered the keynote address.
He was delivering a talk on the topic 'Youth in Social Change: Volunteering as the Change Catalyst'.
Venkat Krishnan said, “Even after so many years few things have not changed in India. The definition of poverty has not changed. There are icons who started their new venture as entrepreneurs at the age of 20 or below 20 years of age. Apart from this, the youth have to focus on enhancing many technological factors in which we are still far behind. There are so many cases pending in the courts. It does not mean that judges are not working. The large number is responsible for delay in the court delivering justice. The annual expenditure of judiciary is about Rs 10,500 crores. There are many problems in the system of India and youths should focus in solving them.”
Followed by the formal stage function, four panel discussions were held by six resource persons.
Vineet Saraiwala, founder and CEO, Atypical Advantage spoke on 'No one left behind: Social Change through Inclusivity'. Jigyasa Labroo, founder, Slam Out Loud spoke on 'The Empathy Canvas Art Education for the Next Generation'. Sanchit Jain, co-founder, Robin Hood Army, held a session on 'Food for Change: Building a Global Volunteer Movement'
Kuldeep Dantewadia, co-founder, Reap Benefit, Ashutosh Kumar, CEO, Jagriti and moderator Navaneeth, Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, IIM, Bengaluru debated on the topic 'Innovating Enterprise: The India Way Forward'
Anup Naha, chief Coordinator, VSO escorted the guests to the dais.
Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor, welcomed the gathering.