by Brother Jittin Mathew
MUMBAI, FEB 25, 2019: Over 650 youth came from urban and rural settings, bastis and slums of Mumbai gathered at Bosco Boys Home (BBH) for a special programme entitled ‘Making Mumbai: A Youth Convention’ on February 17.
The programme was organised to impress upon the youth the importance of having a vision for a better future. It was a specia
l opportunity for Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) and BBH to collaborate and work for youngsters.
The theme for the gathering was ‘Claiming Identity’. It meant claiming their rights, responsibilities, claiming who they are, and what they are in society. The day-long event comprised of two parts, first, a panel discussion from morning 10 am to 1 pm, followed by post-lunch games, and then a cultural programme in the evening.
The YUVA group approached Father Corlis Gonsalves, the Director of BBH and pre-planned the event with Deacon Romero D’Souza. Father Gonsalves welcomed the gathering and declared the event open. Youngsters from various indigenous communities, working professionals, rural marginalised sectors as well as urban youth came for the event with a vision to unite and make Mumbai city a ComplexCity.
The morning session had a panel discussion with youngsters from different backgrounds and places like Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey Colony Goregaon, Dharavi, Navi Mumbai, Ambujwadi, Lallubhai Compound, Mankhurd. They were provided a platform to share their problems and discuss solutions for the same.
Topics ranged from identity crisis, working with disabled youth, demand for more inclusive spaces and facilities, socio-economic realities, the struggles in accessing basic services, the changing face of Navi Mumbai over the decades, how the greenfield city has not given space to those who have helped build it and much more.
Shashank from Sanjay Gandhi National Park spoke about deforestation and space for nature and animals which is dwindling. Sana Shaikh from Dharavi highlighted the importance of focusing on identity building and how the strongest thrust on identity formation comes from one's own efforts.
A representative from the transgender community, Deepa, spoke about identity struggles throughout the years and the need for more gender sensitisation and awareness sessions. The cultural programme comprised of songs, street plays, bands, poetry recitations, mimes, storytelling, and dance highlighting the various issues affecting the city. The boys of BBH also performed a dance, which was well appreciated.
Renowned writer and founder member of the group Dalit Panther, J V Pawar, was one of the chief guests for the event. He gave a rousing speech at the opening ceremony speaking about the writing of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, the role of B R Ambedkar, the importance of respecting the Constitution, the power of democracy, and how the youth play a major role in driving change. Encouraging the youngsters, he said, “I am a 75-year-old youth. The responsibility to drive change lies with each one of us.”
“This event today is dedicated to the youth from across the city so that they can ideate and plan for working with one another towards sustainable and inclusive urban spaces. The development of the city is inclusive,” Vijay Bharat, the project coordinator for child protection for YUVA, Mumbai region said.
“Thanks to this event, I see myself having many options to choose from for my future studies. It also helped me to analyse and see a cleaner Mumbai with a much healthier relationship between the people,” Sanu Sheikh, a participant said.
Deacon Romero D’Souza, the prefect of studies, concluded the event by speaking about BBH and also presented the different courses available at the Home for youth to attend. The vote of thanks was given by Roshini Nugehali, Executive Director of YUVA.