“I knew that there is caste system in India, but I never knew the evils of the caste system have penetrated deep into the hearts of society. From this training, I understood the dehumanising practice of untouchability. This must be annihilated from the society. And I pledge that I will not encourage the caste system at any circumstance in my life” says Sudha a youth from Pudhucherry. Praveen Kumar another youth from Puducherry said, caste system must be wiped away from our society because it only creates problems to people with hierarchy”.
The fourth module ‘Understanding and Reducing the Vulnerabilities’ has successfully empowered youth with knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose to address vulnerabilities in their communities. The three-day capacity building training conducted in Pudhucherry had 33 youth participants (6 male and 27 female). Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru organised this capacity building training in collaboration with HOPE Trust, SCOHD Society, Anbalayam, MOTHER Trust, and Abhithi Foundation.
Also in Vikravandi, the fourth Module ‘Understanding and Reducing the Vulnerabilities’ was conducted by Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru in collaboration with Puducherry Diocese SC/ST Commission & Youth Commission and Hope Trust, Thiruvannamalai. 36 youth (18 male and 18 female) actively participated.
Peter Fernandes, a member of youth group from Vikravandi shared “Only education can bring empowerment to the marginalised community”. He said, that he is the first one to be educated in his family. Education gives us knowledge and such trainings empower us through knowledge, he said. He clearly sees the difference in his village as people are being conscientised through education. He expressed, “We need political empowerment because education and political empowerment will bring a great change in our society”.
The participants were asked to list out the difficulties and problems marginalised communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, Minorities, Fisherfolks, Transgenders, Women and youth face in their daily life. It helped them to understand the root cause of those problems with social consciousness. In the training, the youth learnt about constitutional remedies such as Prevention of Atrocities Act (PoA) to fight for the rights of SC/ST communities. The inspiring leaders, Dr.Ambedkar, Thandhai Periyar became icon to the young minds to really commit themselves for the ‘equality and dignity’ of marginalised in society.
Premkumar, state facilitator who accompanied the youth all through the training, expressed that the youth are the real face of the society. They have the potential to build a resilient and supportive society.
Premkumar
Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry
State Facilitator