Youth on the Path of Making New India

As India celebrated its 78th Independence Day last week, Sumedha Ji and I were with our children in Bal Ashram. While we enjoyed ourselves, my heart and thoughts were with the millions of children who are bereft of love and care in society. I hope I can hug them and connect with them.

The following day, I interacted virtually with over 50 youth leaders from across the states associated with our Bal Mitra Gram (child-friendly villages).

These dedicated youth change-makers, bubbling with thousands of ideas and millions of dreams, are champions in the fight against the oppression of children as well as challenging the social evils such as untouchability, casteism, and communalism in their villages. Let me share three inspiring stories.

I am overwhelmed with their compassion in action. Usman, a resident of village Narangpur in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, is visually impaired but has taken the challenge to fight for the protection, rights, and justice of the children.

Usman has rescued child labourers, organised free medical camps, and covered school fees for the underprivileged. He has arranged free cataract surgeries and supported blind cricket tournaments, reflecting his commitment to equality and compassion.

He boldly said, “Now I prefer to be called Usman Satyarthi instead of the name registered in certificates. My people resisted the change in my name as they presumed that I had converted my religion. But I said “Satyarthi” means “seeker of truth” and has nothing to do with religion. I am updating all my documents to reflect Satyarthi as a mark of my commitment.” His words made me emotional and filled me with immense hope.

Bringing change in an orthodox society is not an easy thing. The story is about Mamta Kumari from the village Bendi in the Koderma district of Jharkhand.

Being a victim of child marriage, Mamta adamantly opposed the marriage of her husband's sister (nanad), who was barely in her early teens. She made an unwavering effort to convince all members of the family, regardless of their age and social understanding, about the innumerable harms to the mind, body and soul of a child.

When the steadfast entire family members ignored her plea, a determined Mamta approached community leaders and local authorities. Mamta was mercilessly beaten up, and her in-laws fractured her hands; they even started doing character assassination and raised false allegations. She had to be admitted to hospital.

Despite the initial resistance she faced, her unwavering commitment to justice propelled her to address underlying issues that had been long overlooked.

With a young toddler clinging to her, she found the strength to remain steadfast despite the relentless opposition, determined to stand her ground and uphold her decisions.

I was deeply moved and felt immense pride when she said, “Bhai Sahab, your words and life struggle gave me tremendous courage to fight for the dignity of women, and my earlier days in Bal Mitra Gram were a reminder not to look back. I always thought it wouldn’t be unfair if I withdrew from my mission.”

Mamta happily said that her in-laws' hearts changed during her hospital days. Perhaps they realised that her efforts were for the betterment of their daughter. Hope emerged as family members started whispering positive notes and seeking opinions from neighbours and good Samaritans, she said.

“Now, the community has started respecting and listening to me,” she admitted.

Lalita Duhariya from Alwar in Rajasthan is another inspiration for all. Lalita was not allowed to touch or distribute mid-day meals in the school because she belonged to a Dalit family. As a Bal Panchayat leader in her village, she strongly opposed caste discrimination, which was difficult for an early teenage girl. The headmaster and other teachers threatened and scolded her for creating unruly scenes in the school.

Bold Lalita challenged them alone with the help of Bal Panchayat colleagues. This went on for a couple of months, but finally she made them relent. They were compelled to treat her fairly.

This is how my young friends are concretely contributing to making India and the whole world inclusive, just, sustainable and peaceful through compassionate leadership.

I reiterate here that compassion is not a weak emotion or a virtue or value. Compassion is the most effective power of social transformation and problem-solving.