For that change

“Usually it’s the hesitation in the middle class and upper middle-class to initiate social change. Being able to motivate and convince people,who are sceptical and rigid,to accept change,makes me believe that I can make a difference,says Charmi Vora (19),who is a part of the movement Social Leaders Programme (SLP),under Blue Ribbon Movement,an initiative where volunteers leverage efforts to create massive social change.

With aspirations higher than the sky,the movement is named after its shade. “The blue of the sky is the same for all beings and signifies that change is driven from the heart,moves from person to person and becomes universal in nature,” says Akshat Singhal (28),co-founder of the movement.

The SLP,under the Blue Ribbon Movement,trains people in awareness creation,advocating social issues or bringing change through action. “Mostly NGOs try to make themselves important rather than redundant. During this programme,the volunteers are taught to be independent and not just follow what the programme co-ordinator says. It is an intiative where volunteers choose what they want and develop an action plan rather than follow what is written and given to him,” says Abhishek Thakore (29),founder of the Blue Ribbon Movement.

From inviting auto drivers for chats over a cup of tea to meeting local corporators and sharing citizen opinion,from creating awareness about ecology preservation through hybrid cars to various blood donation,clothes donation and cleanliness drives,the group aims to transform each aspect of society.

“Unlike those who were fuming over auto drivers for going on strike,we decided to understand their point of view. Through these light-hearted converstations we were able to understand the other side” says Rahul Nijhawan (20),an engineering student.

“When we sat down and listened to their woes,they were touched by our concern. The fact that they accepted their faults also leads to change,” he said.

A report prepared by the group on their interaction with the auto drivers and possible solutions will soon be put up on a public forum.

While for Rahul,joining the movement has helped use his free time in doing productive things,for introvert Charmi,it has turned her into a confident and passionate individual.

“While most of the social initiatives have fixed agendas,we ask our participants to take up issues close to their hearts and devise their own methods to tackle it,thereby turning them into leaders,” said Thakore.

Though the programme is for a shorter duration,once they get a taste for power they have to bring about social change they are leaders not just for the moment but for life,” said Abhishek who quit his corporate job to start the initiative.