Successful conclusion of the two-day youthful celebration

On 19th and 20th January 2008 the Maharashtra wing of Lok Raj Sangathan organized a two-day programme in the famous Chandibai Himmatmal Mansukhani (CHM) College in Ulhasnagar.

More than 5000 children and youth from 135 schools and colleges participated in the event. The event was obviously very important as it saw the participation of youth from Badalpur, Bhivandi, Shahpur, Kasara and far off regions who came with their parents and friends.

Various programmes were organized during the two-day event. Rangoli, drawing, group discussions, street plays, essay writing, songs, popular folk songs and dance were organized. The creativity of the young participants was clearly evident from their presentations. Their drawings portrayed sensitivity, unity, reform and change in the world. Through their plays it was evident that the youth today want change and are struggling to bring about that change in the country, One could see the rich culture and heritage of the country through folk songs and dance. Their youthful presentations were heart warming. Through their pro-people speeches reflected their political thinking and concern for society.

The event contained highly political and pro-people overtones. These instilled a new wave of ideas among the youth. The internationally acclaimed film ‘Amu’ about the 1984 state organized genocide was screened and it answered a lot of questions the youth had regarding how the state organized this mass genocide. A presentation on the great Ghadar of 1857 took one into our diverse yet militantly unified and revolutionary past. A discussion on the topic “why the divide and how to overcome it” also took place.

Members of the Lok Raj Sangathan guided the youth towards the path to a better future. The presence of Lok Raj, its views and agenda taught the youth to never accept what was thrown at them, instead question it and in the process come to their own conclusions about change and how it can be achieved. Why people’s power? And how? These topics were openly discussed and gave way to all kinds of new questions and solutions from the youth. The event and its youthful, vibrant presentations echoed people’s power!

The conclusion of the programme was as beautiful as its beginning with a vibrant folk dance. An audio-visual presentation threw light on people’s struggles through the ages across the region. The Mumbai organizer of Lok Raj Sangathan addressed the youth and said that the present system should be challenged. To move forward with conviction and persistence to change the system to bring about a bright future is what makes the youth. Age does not matter as long as people are brave enough to challenge the prevailing system and fight for the new. The Delhi representative made a presentation on the prevailing electoral system and pointed out that it was handed to us by our colonizers and is no creation of the people of this country. The event concluded with Justice Suresh and the convener of Lok Raj Sangathan Mumbai handing prizes to the participants.