PROGRAM : “Learning Democracy, Rights and PESA Act – A Journey for Tribal Youth”
MODULE II : Democracy and Citizenship
PLACE : Jodeghatt, Asifabad district, Telangana.
DATES : 15, 16 & 17 November 2024
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS :Adilabad Jesuit Tribal Empowerment Society, Utnoor, Diocese of Adilabad Society, Mancherial and Snehadana Society, Luxettipet, Telangana State.
Resource Persons:
Mr. Prabhakar, Mr. Vasanth Kumar and Mr. Vinay
The Indian Social Institute – Bengaluru conducted a three-day Democracy and Citizenship training that had a big impact on 45 young trainees. They learned about democracy, their rights, and their duties as citizens. They also learned about civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights. The training used talks, discussions, videos, and activities to help them learn. The training gave them the skills to become leaders and bring positive change to their communities. They now feel more confident in promoting democracy and participation. They are eager to share what they have learned with others. They also learned about the PESA Act and how it supports tribal communities. They understood the importance of the 5th Schedule in protecting the rights of tribal people and ensuring their self-governance.
Jaggu said that he learned why a constitution is important for a country. He understood the history of the Indian Constitution, including Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. He also learned about the roles of Parliament, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Media. Jaggu said he now understands what “Good Governance” means and how the media helps in democracy. He wants to share this knowledge with people in his village to help them understand their rights and duties better.
Prasanna said that the training program helped her learn about RTI—what it is, why it is important, how it supports democracy and how to file an RTI. She shared that practicing RTI application writing in the workshop gave her confidence. She now understands how RTI can bring transparency and accountability. Prasanna said she wants to use this knowledge to solve problems and improve her village.
Lakshmi said that after the training program, she learned much about the PESA Act and the 5th Schedule. She found out that the Act gives tribal communities the power to manage their own affairs and resources. It was explained that local councils (Panchayats) can be formed by tribal people to make decisions for their villages. She mentioned that the Act helps protect tribal traditions and gives them control over their land, water, and forests. It was shown how the Act encourages local decision-making for the community’s development. After the training, Lakshmi felt more confident and understood how this law could improve people’s lives in her village.
Praveen said that during the group work and plenary session, he learned about democracy and dictatorship. He explained that he learned about these systems from his community and the training program. He shared that he prefers a people-oriented governance system because it listens to the people and their needs. Praveen thanked the Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru, for giving this opportunity to the tribal community, as it helped them understand politics better.
The resource persons Mr. Prabhakar, Mr. Vasanth Kumar, and Mr. Vinay taught about the Constitution, democracy, citizenship and the PESA Act, especially for tribal youth. They explained about the 5th Schedule and how it protects tribal rights. Participants learned about their rights under the PESA Act and why people-friendly governance is important. They understood how Parliament, Courts and Media work for the people. Group discussions and activities made them confident to speak and share. This learning will help them protect their rights and improve their tribal communities.
As a facilitator, I started the second module on Democracy and Citizenship with the Gondi participants. In a few days, I saw big changes in them. They grew from shy to confident. They spoke openly and worked well together. I felt very happy to see their growth. I helped them understand democratic values and PESA Act better. This journey made me feel proud and very happy.
Adv. Karuna Rao
Facilitator, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit