Values of Communal Harmony in Youth

Work amongst the youth on the issue of youth health and fertility has been identified as an important one, as still the age of marriage amongst rural population lies at 15 years. But how do we make the issue a public one? The Jharkhand Youth Policy comprising of focus on livelihood, skill, sports hence was the focus of the Exposure Workshop at Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra, held on 4th to 6th May 2010. Approx 70 youth from Pakur, Deoghar and Ranchi participated. 

Various livelihood programs were visited, this was followed by sharings. Evenings were culturally rich -songs and videos. Kishore Kumar's 'Jeevan Se Na Haar Jeene Wale' and KP Sasi's 'Gaon Chhodab Nahi'. This was followed by 'Kora Rajee', a documetary on the plight of adivasis now living as tea tribes, with no scheduled tribe status. More 

Responses

• The conflict in Assam continues betwee the tribes -Bodo and Santhal. And adivasi girl was beaten and clothes teared off. We know of the incident when the discussion was in the newspaper and in our college hostel.
• While mainstream Bollywood cinema has too much fantasy, there is also some good movies and songs which depict human lives in a different untold way, and those which are also very relevant to our lives, whether youth from urban or rural backdground. Hence there are many relevant songs which inspire us, and can be used in popular ways to communicate to the society, for inspiring change.
• Let us feel pride in our cultural uniqueness, but resist the fundamentalist forces which divide / discriminate on the grounds of caste, race, religion, language and region. Hence let us sing songs of communal harmony and humanity, and promote cross learning / opportunities for cultural exchange.
• Values are very important, these show us the path for collective, sustainable, equity based lifestyles. During young ages these require focus, yet in informal, creative ways which help to educate.

Also check You Tube responses on this Youth Exposure Program at Ranchi here and Channel.

Black Pamphlets ..On Campus Democracy

The screening of Black Pamphlet took place on 13th March 2010 at Satyabharati Auditorium, due to the non-availability of Raam Ke Naam. This was suggested to us as pertaining to the issues of youth policy and leadership. And it did generate quite a discussion!

1. Almost everybody felt that youth's involvement in politics is vital, but also focused on the dangers depicted in the documentary of corruption, bad practices, hooliganism, etc. Discussions moved on to the role of political parties and how student's movement need to be independent.
2. Whether right or left affiliated student bodies, it was felt that brain washing of youngsters is an exercise which goes around all the corners. This also happens in  Ranchi when young people dive into movements and they are guided by various interest groups.
3. The youth needs to interact at various spheres and also have opportunities to get engaged in social movements and get exposed to larger societal questions. For this various programmatic support is required to promote such youth development processes.
4. Youth Policy of Jharkhand has been passed by the Cabinet in Jharkhand, and very few people know about it. It is time that more and more discussions are brought into the forefront, and systems are demanded for implementation of the same. (Akay Minz).

Identity, Fascism and Peace Movement

All are Invited

RANG  DE  BASANTI - Video Festival on Diversity and Aspirations

At SATYA BHARATI (Purulia Road) - 13^th March 2010 Saturday - 12.30 to 5.30

Documentary Screenings

America America (4 min)                -           Against Imperialism

Gaon Chhodab Nahi (4 min)             -           People’s Movement

Prayers for New Gods (29 min)      -           Tribal Religion and Identity

Ram Ke Naam (75 min)                    -           Communal Fascism

Mann Ke Manjeere (4 min)              -           Women’s Liberation

Redefining Peace (58 min)              -           Women’s Movement

 

Discussion Topics

Youth Policy of Jharkhand / Role of Youth in Communal Harmony / Youth and Gender Equality

  

Organised by Open Space

In Collaboration with

Solidarity Centre, Ranchi and

Student Christian Movement of India (Jharkhand).

Contact – On 9430367949 (Praveer Peter) and 9709076151 (Paulus Topno)

or email solidarity.centre.ranchi@gmail.com

www.openspace-ranchi.blogspot.com

Change for the Youth of Jharkhand

Tu Zinda Hai, Zindagi Ki Jeet Pe Yakeen Kar

On 13th February (Saturday) , it is 8 pm and .... Shabnam Virmani's 'Tu Zinda Hai' (Check here and here) was screened amongst a rural health activist audience (approx 80) engaged under the NRHM in 3 districts of Jharkhand. They were basically educated and gave training to the Sahiyas (village level health activists). The documentary proved to be an inspiring piece for these activist with 1-3 years of engagement at the community level.

The story is about women activists who worked to organise the community aganist alcoholism and land grabbing by external forces. It is a documentation of their journey as an activist and how the change is being felt by them and the community. It is a powerful statement against patriarchy !!

In the background the Shailendra's song ....Tu zinda hai, tu zindagi ki jeet pe yakeen kar ,

Agar kahin hai swarg to utar la zameen par, Ye gam ke aur char din situm ke aur char din

Ye din bhi jaenge guzar, guzar gaye hazaar din .. is immensely powerful and motivating. About lyricist Shailendra here

The documentary was followed by Gaon Chhodab Nahi and Kora Rajee, which helped the audience re-live the plight of livelihood scarcity, and the only way to struggle with a belief in life.