Why Did We March?

Why Did We March?

The objective was to awaken and empower youth to participate in the democratic process. Unfortunately, it is the very spirit of patriotism that has been corrupted – resulting in blatant and brutal acts of terrorism that threaten each citizen. In all spheres that are a part of our daily life, corruption is subtracting dramatically from what is rightfully ours.

This March was the first step of a youth campaign aimed at amplifying the collective voice of the citizens of India against Terrorism and Corruption.

The initiative had a three pronged purpose:

  1. Awareness –  The March aimed at creating public awareness and mobilizing people, organizations and communities towards the cause of rooting out terrorism and corruption from the country.
  2. Accountability –  Organizing a forum and an activity structure in partnership with various NGOs, bodies to involve citizen participation (especially youth) in the democratic process and address social issues.
  3. Action - Taking sustainable action at the grass root level, system level and policy level towards nation building

 

The Pledge

We, the young people and citizens of India refuse to accept any governance which tolerates terrorism and accepts corruption as a national value.

We have come together today to make a commitment towards fighting terrorism and eradicating the culture of corruption from our country.

We pledge to take the following actions:

  1. I will no longer blame, complain or remain silent and inactive about the dual challenges of terrorism and corruption that plague our great Nation
  2. I will exercise my right and duty of franchise by voting in leaders who do share the core spiritual and human values, such as integrity, humility, equality, compassion and non violence that Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation lived by, and who rather than indulging in community appeasement, practice community empowerment.
  3. Personally, I pledge that I will not indulge in any form of corruption or violence and I will do my best to stop others around me from doing the same through dialogue and example.
  4. Collectively we pledge to conserve and respect nature and our environment and preserve and celebrate the rich diversity of the traditional and cultural heritage our country.

Jai Gurudev!

Jai Hind!

Vande Mataram!