PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 24: IIM Ranchi started the third edition of the Young Change Makers Programme (YCP), with the theme “Pillars of Society.”
Designed to nurture socially conscious leaders, YCP 3.0 builds on its legacy of empowering changemakers to address pressing societal challenges and create meaningful impacts.
Empowering students to address societal challenges
The Young Changemakers Programme is a transformative initiative that equips students with the skills and empathy needed to engage with real-world problems.
Over its previous editions, YCP has successfully bridged gaps between communities and changemakers, fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and social impact.
This year’s theme, “Pillars of Society,” celebrates the contributions of unsung heroes who tirelessly shape our communities, inspiring participants to embrace their role as changemakers.
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Narratives from community heroes
The inauguration began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising enlightenment and unity.
The first honoured guests of the event were the people of Rasabeda, whose stories of resilience and dedication to healthcare, education, and community development left a lasting impression on the audience.
This was followed by inspiring narratives from the women drivers of the Pink Auto Initiative, who shared their empowering journeys of creating safer public spaces and supporting their families.
Dignitaries deliver powerful addresses
Their presence, alongside dignitaries such as Professor Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, and Professor Gaurav Marathe, Chair of Social Impact & YCP, set a powerful tone for the event.
Professor Deepak Kumar Srivastava delivered an inspiring talk about the past, present, and future of YCP and the larger vision for creating social change, motivating participants to see themselves as key drivers of transformation.
Raj Singh, founder of the Samachar Wala YouTube channel, delivered a thought-provoking address on the current societal dynamics.
He emphasised that while YCP is a commendable initiative, it highlights the societal gaps that need to be addressed, making the program even more vital in today’s world.
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A standout moment of the ceremony was the unveiling of the YCP mural, “The Social Canvas.” Participants and guests left their handprints on the mural as a symbolic act of unity and equality, reminding everyone of the shared responsibility to foster societal progress.
This was followed by Professor Gaurav Marathe addressing the participants and their families.
He spoke about the importance of aligning personal aspirations with the broader goal of social change and emphasised the urgent need for programs like YCP to build a better, more equitable society.
