YLAC - Young Leaders for Active Citizenship

In our effort to amplify the “Charter of Demands Of, By, and For Persons with Disabilities”, over the last two months we’ve had the distinct honour of engaging in insightful discussions and receiving support from distinguished elected representatives - (1) , National Secretary of the BJP and a member of its Election Manifesto Committee; (2) Mr. KR Suresh Reddy, MP (Rajya Sabha) from Telangana (BRS); (3) , MP (Rajya Sabha) from Odisha (BJD); (4) Dr. Anil Agrawal, MP (Rajya Sabha) from UP (BJP); (5) , MP (Rajya Sabha) from Maharashtra (NCP); (6) , MP (Lok Sabha) from Andhra Pradesh (YSRCP); (7) .mahadev , Spokesperson (INC); (8) , MP (Lok Sabha) from Uttar Pradesh (BJP); (9) , Minister of State for Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (BJP); (10) , Former MLA from Sujanpur, Punjab (BJP).

Their receptiveness and support for accessibility and inclusion was truly heartening! Our deepest gratitude to all of you.

With four phases of the concluded, we fervently hope that political parties and elected leaders will prioritise accessibility and inclusion as a key agenda for the new government!

“Our society’s sympathy towards PwD is confined to viewing them as beggars or, at best, not as capable citizens. This mindset restricts the potential of individuals with a disability. It is not disability that makes their journey difficult, but rather society’s inability to provide adequate support and accommodations to overcome their challenges.”

Lubna Ismailee (), a mobility champion at YLAC, working with the Nipman Foundation on disability rights, highlights the pressing need to shift societal perspectives on Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). She emphasises the urgent need to build accessible infrastructure, inclusive education systems, accessible information dissemination systems, and a sensitised society. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that individuals with disabilities are represented and valued for their contributions.

Read the article through the link in our bio!

Last Tuesday, YLAC and TQH folks gathered for a rip-roaring trivia night, fully embracing our motto of “Work hard, play harder!” The energy in the house was high, and so was the competition between the different teams!

From Bollywood beats to Delhi delights, we rode the wave of internet trends and pop culture at our epic office trivia night!

Continuing our commitment to dismantle barriers and champion accessibility, revisited the narratives of disability rights activists, presenting three compelling accounts, each echoing a singular theme: the critical importance of accessibility 💜

, and share about their poignant experiences grappling with inaccessible venues and the persistent struggle for inclusivity, both in physical and digital realms,

With the elections in full swing, let’s ensure that we and take a step towards making our public spaces more inclusive! Head to the link in bio, to read about their experience and endorse the ‘Charter of Demands’ - of, by and for - Persons with Disabilities 🤝

Exciting updates from The Urban Revamp Design Challenge!

🏙️ Last weekend, teams presented their redesign proposals for two public spaces in Delhi: Banda Bahadur Marg, GTB Nagar, and Chaudhary Fateh Singh Marg, Timarpur.

Over the past month, participants have been working on community-friendly public space interventions guided by insights from our visioning workshops. 🌟

After a particularly competitive evaluation, we selected three teams per site to advance to the jury round. Our jury members were impressed with the effort put into the redesign proposals, especially given the short timeline.

Huge thanks to our jury members for their valuable input and to all participants for their hard work! Stay tuned for winner announcements!

Time for another ! Meet Srijan Rai, a Public Policy Associate at The Quantum Hub (YLAC’s sister concern). When he’s not shaping policies, he’s keeping up with sports, delving into the complexities of declining democratic institutions, admiring Anurag Kashyap’s cinematography, and firmly believing that the best ideas arise during periods of hibernation. Read about his journey in the policy sphere here:

“I am an idealist Political Science student searching for pragmatism and praxis in Public Policy. Being a student of Political Science makes me study all events around me through the lens of social sciences, be it the rise of underground hip-hop in Delhi or the sharp differences in the decolonisation discourse in India and abroad.

Having previously worked as a parliamentary researcher and in policy implementation, I appreciate the significance of actionable policy research. I have found a like-minded space at TQH, working on advocating for changes in social policies and, at the same time, understanding the tech policy ecosystem in India. I have been privileged to work on some great projects related to gender, climate, and e-commerce during my time here. Being surrounded by colleagues with excellent domain knowledge and the quirkiest Bollywood gossip has been my highlight.”

has recently published a study showcasing 12 graphs created from individual-level data from five rounds of the National Family Health Survey between 1992-93 and 2019-21. The data reveals significant positive changes, including an increase in female education, and a decline in maternal mortality rates.

While acknowledging the encouraging progress, we must intensify efforts within these spheres to accelerate the pace of transformation and strengthen the overall empowerment of women.

Swipe to see key findings.

To read the study, head to link in bio!

This election season, Nipun Malhotra (CEO of Nipman Foundation) and Sanskriti Bhatia from the YLAC team write in The Print to highlight the striking absence of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India’s political arena. They emphasize the critical need to invest in ecosystems that nurture and empower promising PwD candidates. By ensuring their active representation in electoral processes, we can not only bridge a crucial gap in India’s democracy but also foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

This month, our Mobility Champions came together in Delhi and Bangalore for enriching speaker sessions! In Delhi, Mr. Venkat Jayagopi from the National Institute of Urban Affairs () led an insightful discussion, offering valuable perspectives to our Champions. Meanwhile, in Bangalore, Aloke Mukherjee and Chetan Sodaye from WRI () shared their insights on last-mile connectivity and pedestrian safety with our cohort.

From defining areas of impact to fostering government collaboration, these sessions ignited meaningful conversations. Looking forward to witnessing the solutions our Champions will deliver to address the pressing challenges they’re tackling! ✨

The recent observation by the Supreme Court is a wake-up call that emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive implementation of the RPwD Act. YLAC and India Autism Center collaborated to highlight the directions issued to the states by the bench.

In this crucial election period, let’s exercise our power as active citizens and ! Join us in advocating for change and making sure the voices of all people are heard. Endorse the Charter of Demands - Link in bio 👆🏻

Today, on April 22nd, the world comes together to celebrate International Earth Day, putting a spotlight on the crucial theme of ‘Planet vs Plastic’.

At YLAC, we’re deeply committed to empowering young people to take meaningful action on issues like climate justice. Through our programs, we provide a supportive space for youth to engage in discussions, workshops, and projects addressing pressing societal challenges. Our fellows have been at the forefront of this movement, dedicating their time and energy to explore and combat the detrimental effects of plastic and pollution on our planet.

Together, we can be catalysts for change in the fight against climate injustice.

Join us in celebrating Earth Day by taking action in your own community. Let’s work towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world for generations to come. 🌍💚

This election season, we teamed up with YouthKiAwaaz to know the views of our voters’ on accessibility & disability rights! The survey delved into party manifestos, digital accessibility, and whether disability rights are a significant agenda for voters. With over 3,000+ responses, we have some fascinating insights.

Let’s discover what we’ve found out and !

We’ve wrapped up the first phase of the Digital Champions Program in 3 states with a bang! Nationwide and regional competitions brought out the best in schools, teachers, and students, with everyone taking home prizes like trophies, tablets, and goodie bags. The entries we received were truly inspiring, showcasing the incredible talent and enthusiasm of students all over India. Here’s to an even more amazing next phase!

🎓 We’re looking back on an enriching session hosted by The Policy Square, where we discussed the realm of public policy education.

Our esteemed panelists, Saumya Varma , Kohima Goyal, Sanskriti Bhatia, and Himani Chouhan shed light on the critical decision of choosing between Indian and foreign universities, offering perspectives on academic rigor, various scholarship opportunities available out there, cultural immersion, and post-education career prospects. From weighing the benefits of international exposure to considering the impact on career trajectories, every insight provided valuable guidance for aspiring policy enthusiasts.

Stay tuned as we bring you more enlightening discussions, guiding you towards informed decisions for your academic journey and beyond!

Reflecting on two inspiring days of advocacy and action for climate justice at our first offline YLAC Ambassadors event in Delhi and Mumbai! ✨

From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops, the YLAC ambassadors Sahil Pradhan (), Adrija Jana (), and Shahen Pardiwala () brought people together to discuss pressing environmental challenges and amplify the voices of change-makers. The event in Mumbai was focused on getting to Know Your Tree followed by a guided discussion by Dharmesh Barai (.barai) while the event in Delhi was focused on a discussion around the river Yamuna by Soubhagya Das Pattanaik () followed by a Climate Anxiety Workshop by Youth for Climate India ().

Every conversation, connection, and shared moment brings us a step closer to a climate conscious future 🌏🌱

👟 Ready to ? This challenge invites you to understand accessibility barriers that people with disabilities face every day in their communities and online spaces. Whether it’s navigating uneven sidewalks, encountering digital platforms with poor accessibility features, or facing other obstacles, let’s shed light on these challenges and work together to create a more inclusive world 💜

Here’s how to participate : 📸 Take a photo or video of accessibility barriers you encounter, propose creative solutions for improvement, and share your findings using the hashtag . By participating, you’re not only raising awareness but also taking a crucial step towards empathy and understanding. Don’t forget to tag 3 friends to spread the word and invite them to join the movement ♿️ and by endorsing the Charter (link in bio)!

🎓 Considering higher education in public policy or related fields like international affairs and development studies? The Policy Square presents an exciting opportunity! Join our session on ‘Higher Education in Public Policy’ where you’ll engage in insightful discussions with our esteemed speakers:

🎤 Sanskriti Bhatia - University of Cambridge (Incoming M.Phil in Public Policy)
🎤 Himani Chouhan - National Law School of India University, Bangalore ’22 (Master’s in Public Policy)
🎤 Kohima Goyal - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS ‘22 (Master’s in Public Policy)
🎤 Saumya Varma - University of Oxford ‘22 (Master’s in Public Policy)

During our session, expect engaging conversations about the application process, navigating scholarship opportunities, and gaining invaluable advice on shaping your academic journey in this dynamic field.

📅 Date: April 4th, 2024
🕡 Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
📍 Where: A venue in South Delhi

Register today using the link in bio.
Don’t miss out on this chance to explore your higher education options in public policy!

In a front-page story in Sunday’s , Rohit Kumar, co-founder at YLAC, and Nipun Malhotra, co-founder at Nipman Foundation, talk about the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in politics and emphasise the urgent need to create a more conducive ecosystem for their integration in India’s democracy.

Click on the link in our bio to read more!

⏳ Only 10 days left to apply for scholarships in the Policy in Action program!

This month-long online engagement is tailored for young professionals and university students keen to explore the fields of public policy and development. Media students and journalists seeking to elevate their policy analysis skills will also find immense value!

Gain hands-on experience working on live projects for policymakers, including MPs, MLAs, ministries, and other government institutions.

📢 Spread the word by tagging public policy enthusiasts, journalists, and young professionals in your network!

Don’t miss out! Learn more and apply by visiting the link in our bio!

Reflecting back on our roundtable discussion - held on February 15th, 2024, where stakeholders united to address the systemic gaps affecting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). It’s their diverse perspectives and inputs that culminated in the creation of the ‘Charter of Demands’ - of, by & for - Persons with Disabilities! (Link in bio). The discussions ranged from - education & employment to accessibility and healthcare. 

The resulting charter not only reflects the demands of the invisible minority but also serves as a roadmap for policymakers, organizations, and political parties to contribute towards building a stronger and more unified voice for the community of PwDs in India. 

👉🏻 Swipe right to know more and !

A worrying trend has been identified, revealing that a palpable ideological chasm has emerged between young men and women. Research shows that while young women tend to be more liberal or progressive, young men as a group are becoming more conservative across the globe. This widening gap in gender attitudes among the youth needs to be bridged before it wrecks more havoc. There is a need to catch them young, initiate dialogues on social issues and foster respect for individual autonomy.

In this article, Shipra Baduni () and Nidhi Kinhal () from YLAC write about how different programs, which include aspects of media, storytelling, and experiential learning, are means through which young men can be sensitised and drawn into discussions on inequality. Besides highlighting the importance of YLAC Equality clubs, the article acknowledges the great work being done by Men Against Violence and Abuse (), the Centre for Health and Social Justice, The YP Foundation (), and Yuvaa ().

You can read the article through the link in our bio!

🌍 We’re counting down the days to our exciting AI-driven virtual hackathon next month, in collaboration with EarthAI!

🚀 Here are some highlights from previous hackathons in London and Nairobi, where collaborative innovation was key:

Participants kicked off by brainstorming climate adaptation ideas with OpenAI credits. 🌱 With guidance from mentors, both in-person and online, they honed their problem-solving skills. Then, it was pitch time! After just a day of learning and hacking, teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges. 🎤

🌆 Delhi, it’s your turn now! Calling all tech and climate enthusiasts to join us online on April 5th & 6th.

⏰ Last date to apply: March 25th

Link in bio!

As the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections draw near, we are calling upon the vibrant youth of India to engage in the democratic process and voice your vote. YLAC is launching “Voice Your Vote: Election, Inclusion, and Information”, and we want YOU to be part of it! ✨

Your role? Take this campaign to your college/organization and spark conversations about the electoral process, inclusion, and (mis)information in your community. The initiative welcomes any and all university students as well as working professionals who share a passion for elections, information, and inclusion.

If you are ready to ignite change and make a difference, register today by visiting the link in our bio! Also tag three friends who you think should become a ambassador! 🙌

Exciting news! Several of our Equality Clubs in schools across the country have successfully concluded all three modules - Gender Equality, Economic Equality, and Diversity and Inclusion. Teachers and students celebrated their learnings with engaging discussions and activities on Graduation Day! 🌟

Together, we’re one step closer to equality as our students graduate from the Clubs. 🌈🎓

🌎 Calling all developers, climate scientists, generalists, and students! Join us for an AI-driven virtual hackathon in collaboration with EarthAI!

At this critical moment for both climate and AI, we pose an essential question: How can the most disruptive technology be harnessed to address the planet’s most pressing challenges? 🚀

🗓 If you’ve wondered the same, mark your calendars for April 5th and 6th!

Participants will be tasked with creating AI-driven solutions targeting specific climate change issues such as carbon footprint reduction, renewable energy optimization, and climate risk assessment. Our goal is to unite diverse minds - from tech experts to environmental activists - to collaborate on projects with tangible impact. 📈

Register now - Link in bio!

Exciting news! Applications are now open for the Policy in Action Program, running fully online between June-July 2024 📢

Policy in Action is a month-long online engagement for young professionals and university students keen to explore the fields of public policy and development. Dive into this highly competitive, project-based engagement tailored for young professionals and university students to gain essential policy analysis, advocacy, and leadership skills. Get hands-on experience working on live projects for policymakers - including MPs, MLAs, ministries, and other government institutions.

The program will kick off on June 29th and conclude on July 28th, and the best part - the edition is entirely virtual and open to Indian citizens from anywhere in the world.

Don’t miss out - apply before May 12th! For scholarships and early decisions, submit your application before April 7th. Head over to the link in our bio for more details.

Join our YLAC Ambassadors on a journey of environmental exploration and creativity! Let’s come together, reconnect with nature, and take meaningful action toward conserving our environment!

Don’t miss the chance to meet Dharmesh Barai at Maharashtra Nature Park, Mahim, Mumbai on 24th March 2024, for a unique session on ‘Knowing your tree’ and getting to know about his journey as a climate activist.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Lodhi Gardens on 7th April, 2024, for an inspiring alumni gathering. Connect with your fellow alums, delve into the story of climate enthusiast Soubhagya Daspattanayak, and participate in a workshop on climate anxiety by Youth for Climate.

To register for the event, head over the link in our bio!