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A Youth for Change member with a poster at Nirmal Bhavan. (Animesh Sengupta)
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Warring Jharkhand politicians could perhaps learn a thing or two from these Jamshedpur youths.
Putting aside political affiliations, student union members have forged a forum where youngsters facing harassment to call up or log in for practical help.
Youth for Change, with an eight-member core committee and an 18-member executive panel, was launched at Nirmal Bhavan, Bistupur, on Wednesday. Most are members of students’ unions affiliated to political parties such as Ajsu, JMM, Congress (NSUI) and BJP (ABVP) but were inspired by “unity and power of youth” in the protest rallies after the heinous Delhi rape.
“Most of us are in students’ unions of some or the other political party. But sticking to political banners prevents us from bonding with youths from other party affiliations. The Delhi protest did not have political overtones but was an effective pressure group forcing political mandarins to bow down. We want a platform that can launch a similar movement in the city,” said Pawan Kumar (26), a member of the core committee and co-convener of Youth for Change.
Their helpline numbers in which anyone can call up 24x7 are 9835342226, 9693330456, 9608550012 and 9525106000 while the Facebook link www.facebook.com/y4c.jamshedpur is for those who prefer logging in.
“We will note, classify and take up complaints at the appropriate platforms such as police, academia, NGOs or bureaucracy for redress. If that fails, only then will we launch an agitation on the streets as an effective watchdog or pressure group. We will be responsible about it,” Kumar added.
Member Sanjay Thakur (22) said the forum could be a game-changer.
“Anyone can lodge grievances. We won’t disclose their identity when we agitate. Those facing harassment should know they are not alone and have a huge youth base by their side,” Thakur said, adding they would rope in members through events, the first of which will be held on January 12 to mark Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary.
“We are calling it Jamshedpur Yuva Sangam, to be held at Motilal Nehru Public School, Sakchi. Political thinker K.N. Govindacharya, associated with Sampurna Kranti (better known as JP movement of 1974) will be our main speaker,” added Vinay Mishra (22).
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