National Youth Day 2021: These young minds are proving how age is just a number if you want to bring change in society!

From donating toys to opening a dog shelter with pocket money! Read inspiring stories of these young people on this National Youth Day 2021.

The day to celebrate "you" and "me" is here! National Youth Day is celebrated to mark the birthday of Swami Vivekanand, a popular Guru, and philosopher. Hence, this day is also a reminder for all of us to derive inspiration from his ideals. It was he who always recognized the power of youth. And, it is now us, who should always aim to stand on his beliefs. On National Youth Day 2021, meet these young minds who proved how a small effort is required to bring a positive change.

Raj Dagwar gives Rs 10 to strangers and listens to their stories

Raj Dagwar is an Engineering student living in Pune. He understands what people go through when they have no one to listen to them. The 22-year-old had gone into depression in 2019. Now, he stands with a placard, "Tell me your story and I will give you Rs 10." People come and go on Fergusson College road where he stands for 5 hours every day ( 6 pm to 11 pm). But then, he waits for those people who seek for a company and listens to their stories.

Richa Thyagarajan holds dance workshops to raise awareness on menstruation

This 15-year-old is a classical dancer from Bengaluru. Richa had gone through a difficult phase in her life when she entered her menarche. However, this teen did not give up and pledged to remove the taboo around menstruation. She felt that it was important for both, girls and boys, to accept this biological process. After that, she started using her dance skills to aware people. Richa holds dance workshops and raises funds through her dancing videos.

Suchana Saha offered two flats on lease to health care workers during COVID, free of cost

National Youth Day 2021 cannot be completed without this story. Suchana Saha is an animation cinema student at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. This 26-year-old learnt how healthcare workers were struggling during the initial days of COVID. After realising that they were not able to go back to their homes, she made her mind to help them. She decided to use two family-owned flats that were vacant. Suchana posted a status on Facebook and got more than 20 queries and replies from several nurses.

Nitya Rathi and Kartikeya Singh created a platform to connect young people with extraordinary women

One day, Nitya and Kartikeya from Delhi were discussing the series 'Night Stories for Rebel Girls'. They realised that several women took extraordinary efforts in life. However, they also realised that such stories do not come out due to the lack of platforms. Then, the 12 and 14-year-old decided to create one such, to connect youth with them. The duo started 'Rebel Girls' in a small room of Delhi with 15-20 children. The first session included journalist and editor, Richa Anirudh. Nitya and Kartikeya have also opened a website named 'Rebel Girls'.

Garvita Gulhati convinced restaurants to serve half-full glasses of water

Garvita Gulhati is a 19-year-old from Bengaluru. She realized that Bengaluru was going through a water crisis in 2015. After that, she started an organization with the name 'Why Waste'. She began visiting restaurants to convince them to fill only half-full at a time. However, no one was interested in talking to kids. It took her some time to tell people her intentions. Now, 'Why Waste' has partnered with the National Restaurant Association of India. She believes that her mission will be easier after the collaboration.

Aryamaan Lakhotia started 'Toy Bank' to collect toys and to give them to orphanages

This 17-year-old is a founder of 'Toy Bank' from Kolkata. When Aryamaan was 14, he decided to open such a platform where people can donate toys. He, along with his sister, started from a Facebook page. He fixed a central point for dropping off the toys and later, gave it to the children of orphanages. Now, the 'Toy Bank' works actively in seven cities across the country. Aryamaan has also collaborated with some NGOs and orphanages to fulfil his goal.

Zabi Khan started a dog shelter from his pocket money

This resident of Hyderabad has been volunteering at Animal rights NGOs in the city from the age of 13. When he was 16 years old, he realized that there was no one to look after abandoned dogs. He could not stop after that. Zabi rented land with his pocket money. He finally opened the shelter on his 18th birthday. Zabi named the shelter 'A place to Bark'. He also convinced his college administration to move the shelter near the college. Zabi showed the administration various presentations after which they took him seriously. This young saviour of dogs is also planning to start an animal sanctuary in Hyderabad.

These people did all they could do to push society towards better. If they can do it, so can you, don't you agree?

Also Read: Brush up your knowledge with lesser-known facts about the Constitution of India

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