Raising voice against system anti-national: Youth leader

Jaswant Shetra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 2

“The establishment has been trying to suppress the freedom of speech of people which is against the spirit of our Constitution.” Former JNU students’ union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar stated this while addressing youngsters on the opening day of two-day Youth Conclave — Speaking Minds — which commenced at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan here on Thursday.

“The people who are raising their voice against wrongdoings in the system are being called anti-national. We have the right to speak on every issue concerning our society and our people. This right is provided by the Constitution of this country to every citizen and we do not need any certificate from anyone that we are nationalists,” said the renowned youth leader.

“Certain forces have been trying to create division among people in the name of religion and caste system. It is unfortunate that the politicians are playing with the sentiments of the people to achieve their political goals. It is the duty of the youth to stand up and raise their voice against whatever wrong is happening in the country,” added the youth leader while calling upon the youth to join the political struggle to clean the system.

A large number of youngsters from Ludhiana and other cities took part in the conclave, which was also attended by peace activist Gurmehar Kaur, actress Shreya Mehta, Jasmeet Bhatia and municipal councillor Mamta Ashu. The speakers touched upon various social, political and economic issues confronted by the youth of the country. The youth leaders also interacted with participants during an interactive session and gave tips on how to become self-dependant and achieve success in life.

Gouravdeep Singh, founder of ‘Initiators of Change’, said the idea of organising the youth conclave was to bring youngsters on one platform to interact with the finest minds of India and youth leaders on social, political and youth-related issues.