New Delhi : Only the power and passion of the youth can usher in a new global era of peace and harmony as the world emerges from the scourge of the deadly pandemic, India’s youth leaders said on Thursday.
Speaking at a webinar organized by Bharat Soka Gakkai titled “The Power of One: The Solidarity of Youth”, they said India should capitalize on the advantage of having the world’s largest population of youth to lead such a global movement and transform the age.
The webinar was a unique initiative as it urged participants to view the young generation as TRAILBLAZERS OF THE 21 Century. Four youth panelists discussed how they could achieve lofty ambitions to create a better world because they never stopped believing in themselves despite tremendous odds.
Panelist Karan Jerath—the youngest member on the 2016 Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Energy List, and a United Nations Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals — reinforced his belief in the Power of Youth stating: “Young people are an untapped resource that have the potential to contribute positively to society. I’m thrilled to be able to share my story via BSG and am looking forward to hearing from my fellow panelists. I hope we successfully inspire the next generation to become proactive in shaping their futures.”
The Webinar stressed that one youth can become a beacon of hope for another youth— creating a ripple effect towards establishing a peaceful society.
Reiterating Karan’s belief in the power and enterprise of youth, Panelist Hemakshi Meghani, shared that though she has studied abroad, her passion for bottom-up social reform and making democracy work for every citizen of the country, drew her back to India. And finally, she went on to be Co-Founder of the Indian School of Democracy. She added: “I truly believe that the world needs leaders who serve with their heads, hearts and hands aligned. Our generation is facing some of the most complex challenges and hence it's our responsibility to nurture youth who have the inner and outer readiness to serve everyone around them. This is only possible if we see the interconnected among ourselves and step forward, collectively.”
When one person refuses to give up and believes in the potential of their own life, a transformative chain reaction is set from hopelessness to hope!
Panelist Minal Karanwal, Sub-divisional Magistrate and Project Officer, Nandurbar, Maharashtra, said, “I believe that no matter how successful nations become in terms of GDP or how well-crafted the policies are, if the intention of the people is not in the right place, none of it would lead to what we actually mean of development. Therefore, we urgently need a generation who not only sees but seeks to strive for development with the right heart.” Sumant Misra, All-India Young Men’s Division Chief, BSG added, “In this age of dynamic changes, where, though the world has come afar in human intelligence and technological advancements, humanity itself stares into uncertainty and darkness. Unlocking the infinite power already existing just one individual, and the solidarity of such awakened individuals is the new dawn, a new sunrise of human dignity, of hope and of life!”
Thanking the young panelists for joining the webinar, BSG Chairperson Vishesh Gupta said, “In my view, youth is not about one’s age. It is about cultivating inner strength and fortitude and being open to new possibilities without stagnating or becoming resistant to change. Youth means to overcome complacency and to always move forward”. He urged the participants to create their unique success stories based on spirit of challenge and continuous learning.The webinar attracted an audience from across the country and from all walks of life.
Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) is the Indian affiliate of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). It has a membership spread across 600 towns and cities in India. Coming from all walks of life, BSG’s members believe that a fundamental change in a single individual (‘human revolution’) can bring about a great transformation in society. The organization seeks to create an environment of peace through cultural, educational, and community-related activities. What sets these initiatives apart is the humanistic spirit of reaching out through 'heart to heart' dialogue. 
