Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)

Meet Neha Naikwade, a mechanical engineer turned climate action champion! A mechanical engineer by training and a #YLAC Policy in Action Fellow, Neha has transformed her passion for sustainability into impactful initiatives and co-founded Parvaah, a youth cell dedicated to zero-waste initiatives. She now serves as a Project Manager at Climate Collective, guiding climate-oriented startups and early-stage climate-tech entrepreneurs. Neha's expertise spans policy-making, CSR initiatives, and environmental advocacy, earning her a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious Global Policy, Diplomacy and Sustainability Fellowship. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of young changemakers and draws inspiration from influential activists like Afroz Shah, renowned for the Versova Beach clean-up in Mumbai. Embodying the spirit of #YLAC - turning knowledge into action, and passion into impact. Her journey from a #PolicyInAction Fellow to a climate action leader showcases the ripple effect of empowered youth! Read more about her journey here - https://lnkd.in/gXEqWGEj

Join us for an insightful live discussion on "Electrifying Last Mile Deliveries," part of the INDIA EVOLVE Innovation Challenge! Featuring experts Saudamini Zutshi, Khushi Sharma, and Bhaskar Chawla, we'll explore innovative solutions for sustainable last-mile delivery. Tune in on LinkedIn Live on Thursday, 11th July at 5 PM here: https://lnkd.in/gRFz8cbq INDIA EVOLVE Innovation Challenge is dedicated to decarbonizing India's transport sector through innovation and collaboration, aiming to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility solutions. Be part of the conversation to learn how the future of transportation is being transformed in India!

This past weekend, our #PolicyInAction fellows had the opportunity to engage with Honourable Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha - Shri S. Niranjan Reddy (YSRCP). He spoke at length about his inspiring journey, starting as an advocate to eventually becoming a member of parliament. The discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, including education, agriculture, and AI, providing valuable insights into the country's policymaking and the approach that policymakers take while thinking about intractable issues. The interactive session concluded with a dynamic parliamentary-style question and answer segment! Thank you, sir for taking the time to join us! #publicpolicy

The Supreme Court of India sets a new precedent for the portrayal of persons with disabilities in visual media. Following a PIL by Nipun Malhotra- Founder of Nipman Foundation, regarding derogatory references in the film 'Aankh Micholi', the court has laid down crucial guidelines to ensure respectful and accurate representation. Key highlights from the verdict:  •⁠ ⁠Respectful Language: Terms like "cripple" and "spastic" are banned •⁠ ⁠Expert Consultation: The CBFC must seek expert opinions before certifying films •⁠ ⁠Diversity in Depiction: Media should reflect the diverse experiences of disabled individuals •⁠ ⁠Avoiding Stereotypes: No more myths or exaggerated portrayals This monumental decision paves the way for accountability, senstivity and inclusivity! 👉 Read more about the landmark verdict here - https://lnkd.in/gHpS2i-8 #disabilityrights

This Sunday, our fellows at Young Researchers for Social Impact had the incredible opportunity to interact with a panel of experts representing a wide array of fields. These professionals shared their expertise in areas such as Disability Rights, Sustainable Mobility & Urban Development, Education, School Leadership & Teacher Capacity, Gender, Internet Access & Online Safety, Civic Engagement, and Mental Health. We believe your valuable contributions provided our students with fresh insights and diverse perspectives, enriching their ongoing #research journey. We are immensely grateful to all! ✨ Kanika B. | Amar Jain | Vani Shree | Abhineet Nayyar | Pranav Bhaskar Tiwari | Maansi Verma | Priyanka Tibrewal | Vibha Attri | Pritha C. | Namrata Narendra | Aanandita Sikka | Arnika Singh | Dhruv Gupta | Hena Faqurudheen | Aishwarya S Iyer | Aleena Khan|

Delhi's dramatic shift from #heatwave to deluge highlights our climate crisis. As we navigate flooded streets, it's clear: unplanned urbanization and plastic pollution are amplifying our vulnerability. On this #InternationalPlasticBagFreeDay, let's recognize the link between our choices and urban flooding. Our decisions shape our cities. By cutting down on plastic waste and backing sustainable urban planning, we can make our cities more resistant to flooding. When we reduce single-use plastics, we safeguard our cities from floods and pave the way for sustainable urban environments. #delhifloods #climatechange

➡ Our founder Anshul Tewari attended the Unfolding Elections: Demographic, Demand, Democracy event by The Policy Square to discuss the role of youth leaders in our country alongside panelists Shipra Baduni and Yashoroop Dey. 💡 Watch this video where he speaks about the role played by the subject Civics in inspiring the youth to participate in being active citizens. Involving the youth in conversations around governance and development is essential. Youth Ki Awaaz is working towards that by building a first of its kind engagement framework to help craft a framework that allows governments, businesses, and nonprofits to ensure that young voices are central to their decision-making processes. ➡ You can help by taking this survey: https://shorturl.at/oOzLA By participating, you're not just answering questions—you're shaping the future. Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies | Anubhuti Trust | Haqdarshak | SEARCH, Gadchiroli | Nagrika | Synergy Sansthan | Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) #ActiveCitizenship #YouthKiAwaaz #YoungVoices #India #Youth

It's time for another feature in our #teamspotlight series! Meet Anushka Singh, Programs Associate at YLAC and our resident design wizard. Read about her journey here: "My life has been filled with a lot of grief and not many grief eaters. This absence of support made me acutely aware of the value of community support at a very early age. By the time I started pursuing my Undergraduate Degree in Economics Honors from Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University, I realized that I wanted to actualize the Sikh teachings of Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare for all) in my life and strive for better outcomes for myself and fellow women. I formed female friendships while leading a feminist organization in college, which, for the first time in my life, gave me a sense of home and anchored me. Owing to these relationships, forged in shared spaces and common goals, I got drawn into more and more social sector organizations. Each day, I encountered individuals who transformed their own pain into efforts to create safer, kinder, and more inclusive spaces for others. At YLAC, I once again find myself surrounded by peers who bring an abundance of compassion and love, not only for the work they do but also for each other. This environment has become a sanctuary where I can channel my past struggles into meaningful action. The empathy and collaboration I experience here remind me of the strength that comes from a supportive community. As I reflect on my path, I see how each experience has led me to this moment. At 22, with four years of dedicated work behind me and my own NGO, Project Bindi, ahead of me, I can safely say that I have found my grief eaters in this space. I have a newfound belief that the love women hold for each other will outlive any and all forces of subjugation working against us."

#YLAC is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 edition of the Young Researchers for Social Impact (YRSI) program! 🎉 This unique online initiative enables talented high school students to engage in real-time research projects with leading social impact organizations. From June 22nd to July 21st, participants will be mentored to develop as critical thinkers and problem solvers, using research and advocacy tools to tackle pressing societal issues. 🌱💡 This year’s themes are sustainability, gender, education, digital privacy, and law, to name a few. The students will engage in group learning sessions, and interact with experts, all while collaborating remotely from anywhere in the world! ✨ We cannot wait to update you about their journey! Join us in celebrating the journey of our young researchers 📚🔬 Shipra Baduni | Ishita Bagchi | Gunjan Periwal | BehanBox | Teach For India | Nyaaya | Internet Freedom Foundation | Creatnet Education | Praja Foundation |

Last evening, The Quantum Hub (TQH) & Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) teams swapped spreadsheets for paintbrushes and unleashed their inner artists! We were thrilled to find so many hidden Picassos among us. Swipe to see the team sip and paint away the mid-week blues!