In a world where education serves as a gateway to opportunity, the role of youth as both beneficiaries and change-makers becomes vital. When empowered, young individuals can transcend adversity, shaping their lives and communities. This was evident in the inspiring story of Angad Chavan, whose journey from hardship to aspiration underscores the transformative impact of youth-focused interventions.
Introduction
In the crowded and often forgotten streets of Ramnagar Yerwada, a place where the dreams of many were silenced by harsh realities, there existed a young boy named Angad Chavan. His story, one of struggle and resilience, unfolded amidst the everyday struggles of a lower-middle-class family trying to make ends meet. Born to Ramesh and his wife, who had moved from Karnataka to the urban sprawl of Yerwada in search of a better future, Angad’s early life was marked by uncertainty and hardship. Ramesh worked tirelessly, yet the weight of financial stress was a constant companion. Despite the promise of city life, the reality was far harsher than they had anticipated. School became his sanctuary, a place where Angad could escape the pressures of his home life. Yet, amidst these struggles, education became a lifeline—a platform not only for learning but for self-discovery and empowerment.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world to its core, and like many others, Angad’s family found itself grappling with the economic fallout. His father, already working tirelessly, lost his job, and the family’s financial stability crumbled. Angad, once again, found himself without the basic necessities of life.
CYDA’s Intervention
CYDA’s Youth Resource Center, play a pivotal role in nurturing resilience and fostering confidence among youth. It is a beacon of hope for students like Angad and these are more than just extracurricular hubs—they are incubators of leadership, creativity and social responsibility. For Angad, YRC was a turning point. Initially shy and withdrawn, he discovered his voice through participation in community projects like traffic-watch initiatives. The exposure to teamwork, responsibility and activism helped him gain the confidence to dream bigger. CYDA’s focus on empowering youth through holistic development nurtures not only academic growth but also emotional and social skills crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
For Angad, the intervention inspired a vision far beyond his immediate struggles—a determination to become an IAS officer and drive systemic change. Here, Angad discovered his passion for music. It was not just the strumming of the guitar that brought him solace; it was the understanding that he could use his newfound talents to inspire and uplift others.
Angad’s role evolved from being a passive participant to a leader. One such project was the traffic-watch initiative, where Angad took on the responsibility of raising awareness in his community about traffic rules and safety. This experience not only sharpened his leadership skills but also solidified his belief in the power of change. He realized that while he could not change the world overnight, he could start by making a difference in his own neighborhood.
This was the power of YRC intervention — it gave Angad not just the resources to improve his life, but the mind-set to think beyond his immediate circumstances. Through its programs, he learnt that he was not bound by the limitations of his environment; he had the ability to shape his own future.
Youth engagement helped him find his voice, build his confidence and develop the leadership skills necessary to navigate the world. With the support of mentors, friends and his unwavering belief in himself, Angad was no longer just a dreamer — he was a resilient dreamer, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
CYDA provides a safe space for young individuals to express themselves, discover talents, and connect with peers who share their aspirations – Admits Angad
Empowering the Dreamers of Tomorrow
Angad Chavan’s journey from adversity to aspiration is a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential of youth. With the right support systems, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into stepping stones for success. Education, combined with youth empowerment and access to basic facilities, plays a crucial role in shaping brighter futures for individuals and communities alike. By nurturing young minds and fostering leadership, organizations dedicated to social impact not only change lives but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and empowered society. The youth perspective in education is not just relevant—it is indispensable for shaping the dreamers and doers of tomorrow.
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer, CYDA)
