Amity in association with United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) India and Bhutan launched “Youth Power 2010-11” in April 2010 to spread awareness on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) outlined by United Nations amongst the youth. The Grand Finale was held at Amity University, Noida Campus, Sector-125 today.
Youth Power Envoy Program (Inter-Amity) and Youth Power Project Program (National Level) implemented in April 2010 by Amity received participation from over 5000 students. Spread over nine months, it comprised several intensive rounds, which included introspection exercises, group discussion, experiencing learning, sharing knowledge and leadership camps on the various Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
The Youth Power Finalists of each school prepared special charts displaying information on MDG and displayed each goal. The nine phases of the Youth Power programme were Headstart, focused on ‘Do I want to make a difference’; My Voice focused on ‘Can I communicate my viewpoint; I can I will focused on Select an issue, research and strategies; Knowledge is Power focused on Sharing information about MDG Goals in their schools; Face the leader focused on Discover one’s potential; MDG Prastuti Pratiyogita focused on Involving the underprivileged section; Global Footsteps focused on Interactions with United Nations Youth Ambassador Ms. Monique Coleman and The Grand Finale focused on Identifying the Youth Leader. The eminent panelists who witnessed the Youth Power finalists in the grand finale were Ms. Rashmi Singh, State Project Co-ordinator, Project Management Unit GNCTD-UNDP; Ms. Rineeta Naik, Asst. Information Officer, United National Information Centre for India & Bhutan and Ms. Arunima Nathani, Student, Amity School of Rural Management.
Dr. Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Group of Schools; Ms. Mohina Dar, Senior Advisor, Amity Group of Schools, Col. Ahluwalia, Sports Advisor, Amity Group of Schools and Ms. Vira Sharma, Managing Editor, The Global Times was present.
During the grand finale, Eight Youth Power finalists shared their journey as they competed for the title of the ‘Youth Leader’ 2010-11. A panel of experts evaluated the projects submitted by the participants.
Ms. Kritika Dhawan, Class XI, Amity International School (AIS), Pushp Vihar won the title of ‘Youth Envoy’ 2010-11 for her project based on MDG-4 i.e. “Reduce Child Mortality Rate”. During her project Kritika visited different villages and apprised people about the need for compulsory vaccination and several initiatives of the government regarding vaccinations. She also briefed the locals regarding the need to maintain good hygienic conditions. Apart from winning the trophy for her project, Kritika will also do one month internship at United Nations Information Centre.
Ms. Surabhi Dogra, Class XII, AIS, Saket was the First Runner-up for her project on MDG 5, Improving Maternal Health. During her project, Surabhi visited various slum colonies and villages and met with the women living in those areas. Surabhi told them about the personal hygiene and its importance. She even distributed sanitary pads to the women, who were earlier using very unhygienic methods.
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Ms. Rashika Sood, Class XI, AIS, Mayur Vihar Second Runner-up for the project on MDG 8, “Develop a Global Partnership for Development”, during her project, spread awareness on the very noble cause of Organ Donation and its importance. She contacted Organ Retrieval Banking Organisation (ORBO) of All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and distributed the pamphlets of organ donation during her visit to different markets and public places.
Apart form the top three awardees, the projects of other finalist were also appreciated by the judges. Ms. Vishruti Sahni, Class XII, AIS Noida based her project on MDG 1, Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. The theme of her project was promotion of sports through Squash Game. She herself being an avid squash player, selected 4 children from Nithari Village from Noida and taught them the game. She provided these children with all the sporting gears and encouraged them to take up sports for livelihood in future. Her motto was that the poor children should learn the sport which is considered as a game for wealthy people.
Ms. Tanvi Sethi, Class X, AIS Gurgaon-Sector 46 based her project on MDG 2, Achieve Universal Primary Education. She selected the children of the maids of her locality and taught them the basic knowledge of English, Hindi and Maths. She even told their parents about the importance of education.
The project of Ms. Drishti Jain, Class IX, AIS Vasundhara, Sector-6 was based on MDG-3, Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women. She visited the nearby villages and met women to spread an awareness regarding the rights of women.
Ms. Anupama Singh, Class X, AIS Gurgaon-Sector 43 based her project on MDG 7, Ensuring environment sustainability. She appealed and encouraged the shopkeepers near her locality to avoid the use of polythene bags. She also spread awareness regarding the recycling of waste products.
Appreciating the views of the Youth Envoys, Ms. Rashmi Singh, State Project Co-ordinator, Project Management Unit GNCTD-UNDP said, “the battery of young people who have come forward for a holy and integrated social cause have showed immense maturity at a young age as leaders. The huge wisdom of power applied by the students in empowering the people of the nation and world at large is amazing.” Ms. Singh said that India and China are the giants, competing the world but the fruits of development of both the countries are not equally shared by all strata of the society. Therefore, we need to understand the paradox of development in these countries. The paradox is that there is development but the Human Development Index in terms of health, gender equality in every aspect is not increasing. There is poverty amongst plenty. In such a scenario the youths can bring changes by accepting the challenges and can bring development.
While addressing the august gathering, Ms. Rineeta Naik, Asst. Information Officer, United National Information Centre for India & Bhutan, averred that one has to understand the immense potentiality of oneself. The efforts of the students to make people aware of the Millennium Development Goals are extremely laudable which shows their commitment and passion for the projects undertaken by them. Empowering people which is the main aim should be sustained in the long run and the awareness should not be only for the youth. The laws and policies of the country should be such which helps in the development of the country.
Special awards were given for the outstanding display of projects. Surabhi Dogra, AIS, Saket was awarded for The Most Innovative Project; Sanskriti Sidana, AIS, Saket for Best Presented Project; Sagarika Pradha, Sprindales School Dhaula Kuan for Most Viable project, Kripi Badonia, AIS Noida and Angad Singh, AIS Gurgaon 43 for Most Impactful project and Anupama Singh, AIS Gurgaon 43 for Best Researched project.