Helping youngsters speak up for the right cause

If you have various issues to discuss or debate and you don't find the right platform to voice your concern, then 'Generation Change' is the answer to help you out.

Generation Change is non-profit organisation and its main aim is to involve youngsters in understanding politics based on the various issues of everyone's concern. The organisation endeavours to create awareness about their potential to change the rot in politics.

The founder and director of Generation Change, Pathik Pathak is also lecturer in a college based in London. Pathik regularly visited India and was truly fascinated with the energy of the youngsters. "It shocked me a lot when Mumbai and other parts of India fell prey to terrorist attacks. Especially after 26/11 Mumbai attacks, every Mumbaikar seems to have lost faith in the manner in which politicians handle their security. It made me realise that unless there is active involvement of intellectuals and the young generation, we can't expect India to have clean politics and good governance, which is conducive for growth," said Pathik. 

He is also bothered with how the moral police or politically correct sentiment stifles free and frank discussion. "Eventhough India is a democratic country, people are unable to discuss numerous issues and problems that bedevil everyday life. There are various issues on which honest debate is extremely necessary for arriving at any decision. Issues like why youngsters can't be allowed to take part in Valentine's Day celebrations or should our public money be spend for the construction of a grand statue of a historic figure or strengthening the public security of the city need to be deliberated upon," added Pathik.  

Generation Change inaugurated its campaign on September 4 at Jai Hind College. Later they organised a session at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Tiss) where young individuals got a platform to debate on the topic 'India 2020: For Better or For Worse'.

To support the initiative and the subsequent debate film actor Rahul Bose was present at the event. Generation Change wants to follow the format of involving experts and eminent citizens, who can guide and support in understanding the real issues of the people. “Such campaigns are now going to be setup in diverse locations and colleges across Mumbai and other parts of the country. A long term plan of Generation Change is to link all college students' bodies together. We want to hold a mega event at a venue or bring people face-to-face through video conferencing. This will help students from all over the country discuss important issues," said Akshat Goenka, deputy director of Generation Change.

Nasir Engineer, a core member the organisation said, "We will work towards a solution to problems faced by the youth. We will impart education about the Indian political system and discuss about how youngsters play a leading role in movements in South East Asia." The organisation's website will be formally launched on today. Membership of the organisation is free.