Bridging Local Realities and Global Forces: A Journey of Rural Youth Learning
Module: Advance Module IV – Liberalisation, Privatisation & Globalisation
Location: DCMSSS – Trichy
Dates: 10-10-2025 to 12-10-2025
Resource Person: Mr. Arul Prakash and Adv. Ananda Kumar
Youth Participants: 20 (Male – 10, Female – 10)
A three-day Advance Module Training on “Globalization, Privatization, and Liberalization” was conducted as part of the Capacity Building Training for Rural Youth in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The program was organized by the Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru, in collaboration with local NGOs from the Trichy, Puducherry, and Salem zones. A total of 20 enthusiastic young participants took part in this transformative learning experience. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and reflection activities, they explored how globalization and economic reforms influence society, culture, and livelihoods, especially in rural contexts.
One of the participants, Thinagaran, shared that the training was a turning point in his understanding of society and development. He mentioned that earlier he viewed globalization only as economic growth, but through the sessions he realized its deeper impact on people’s lives, especially in rural areas. He reflected that the discussions helped him recognize the growing inequality and the need for collective responsibility. Thinagaran expressed that he now feels more confident and committed to taking small steps for social change within his own community.
Another participant, Ramya Devi, shared her insights on the topic of privatization in India. She said that the training helped her understand how privatization, while promoting efficiency and competition, also creates challenges for the poor and the marginalized. Through group discussions, she realized that essential services such as education, health care, and transportation are increasingly being controlled by private sectors, making them less accessible to rural and low-income communities. Ramya expressed that this awareness encouraged her to think critically about policies and to advocate for equal opportunities and social justice in her area.
As part of the training, Mr. Arul Prakash the resource person gave a special session on the Central Government Budget Analysis 2025. The session helped participants understand how national budget allocations reflect the government’s priorities and how these policies directly or indirectly affect rural communities. Regarding budget allocation, participants explored how Tamil Nadu has often expressed concerns about the decreasing share of central funds and the limited financial autonomy given to the states. The resource person explained that such issues reflect wider debates on federalism and resource distribution in India. The youth understood how these tensions impact the implementation of welfare schemes and development projects at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas.
Premkumar D
Facilitator, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Social Inclusion and Democracy