To bend a bamboo, start when it’s still a shoot.
With that philosophy in mind, Dewan Belia India Malaysia (DBIM) is bringing together 70 Indian youth representatives from various backgrounds and political ideologies to discuss, debate and approve proposals related to national policy, law and the interest of Indian society for three months (November 2021 to January 2022).
To be held in a hybrid mode, the programme open to youth representatives aged 16 to 30 marks the first event of its kind for Indian youths to channel opinions and suggestions on national policies and politics.
Among others, the programme will also focus on tabling the motions for five specific ministries including the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry.
“Young people should be exposed to the process of democracy and administration of the country for the sake of a comprehensive community development. It’s now or never,” commented DBIM’s programme director Kiran Raj Sathivel.
“The programme is held in the wake of lack of awareness of the democratic process and political apathy among young people.”
In addition, the issue of socio-economic development of the Indian community, especially low-income families (B40) also did not improve due to policy and development plans that did not fall in line with the needs of the Indian community in terms of implementation and economic empowerment.
“Therefore, DBIM wants to change the political landscape through this programme by practicing bipartisan approach in order to cultivate leadership skills, political awareness & activism among Indian youths in Malaysia,” added Kiran Raj.
According to DBIM, the programme is organised by an independent secretariat together with Undi18 as an organising partner. The secretariat is spearheaded by Kiran Raj, who is a youth leader and activist.
The programme has also received support from several organisations such as Architects of Diversity (AOD), Project 57, Gerakan Belia Se-Punjabi Malaysia (GBSM) and Enlight Malaysia, among others.
A total of eight community leaders and activists including P. Prabakaran (MP for Batu), Tharma Pillai (advocacy director at UNDI18), Kasthuriraani Patto (MP for Batu Kawan), Sivarraajh Chandran (former MP for Cameron Highlands), Sharan Raj (Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s central committee member) and Dr Thanussha Francis Xavier (MUDA’s vice president) are expected to address DBIM’s 70 delegates during their mentoring sessions. – Nov 29, 2021
