Bhubaneswar, Aug. 12: Social networking could be their favourite pastime, but today’s Odia youth is well aware of their rights and is conscientious when it comes to political, social as well as environmental issues.

Many youths joined hands on Monday to celebrate the International Youth Day observed by United Nations on August 12. The Telegraph spoke to the GenY of the city to find out their aspirations and challenges ahead of them.

Young adults of Odisha feel creative aspirations such as music and photography, volunteerism for social causes and the environment, entrepreneurship, gender equality defines them.

If there is an incident of torture against women, you can see them coming together and rallying peacefully outside the political institutes such as the Assembly or Secretariat to demand justice. Similarly, they find out time from academics to volunteer for the environment.

“We gathered junk and waste materials to create an art installation out of it,” said Prateek Mohapatra, a student of ITER Engineering College that observed the day with a pledge to save environment.

Many are seen joining voluntary organisations, hosting street plays or helping organise festivals to bring the underprivileged into mainstream society.

“Almost all our volunteers are college-going students under 25. They are a part of the organisation and work day and night to make Anjali, an annual festival that brings differently-abled and physically fit children together, successful,” said well-known social worker Sruti Mohapatra.

Over the past decade, many Odia youths have preferred to stay back in the state instead of pursuing careers outside. They rather pick up the camera or the guitar.

“The scene of Odia music is at its all time low I feel. We band members have quit our jobs outside Odisha to be here and try to change the scenario,” said Sudeep Prabhu of Aumeen rock band.

Several youngsters feel that emotionally, too, they are more mature and modern than the previous generations.

Teenager Aishwarya Kar believes that youngsters are less hesitant today about expressing themselves.

“Young boys and girls nowadays know how to put forward their case. Be it in their personal or professional level, they don’t allow others to dictate terms in their life. Girls especially are ready to give a mouthful to the eve-teasers on the road and a stiff competition to their male counterparts in office,” said the engineering student.

When it comes to relationships too, they are more open-minded.

“We are trustworthy friends and stand by each other whenever there is a need. Friendship is the most important relationship for my generation,” said Sushil Tripathy, a painter.

“It could be an impact of films, but its good that we do not believe in caste or religious differences when it comes to choosing our life partner. Also, we are more open about getting into or moving out of a relationship if there are very strong differences in mindset,” said aspiring singer Sonali Jhinuk Ghose. Some also find that there are a few issues that need to be addressed for the youth. Young event manager, Samaresh Dhal, sounded critical of the attitude of the city youngsters.

“It’s an earn-and-burn generation. Youngsters are taking up part and full time jobs at the age of 20. Everybody seems to be in a hurry to earn money and spend a lavish life. We need good jobs in the state so that instead of flocking to big cities, our youth can stay back in Odisha,” said the 28-year-old.