By Pramodini Naik,
Assistant Director, CYDA
The Independence Day is not only a milestone in India’s journey of freedom, but also a reminder of our responsibility to uphold the democratic values, rights, and duties that define our nation. At Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), this day is an opportunity to inspire adolescents and youth to see themselves as both beneficiaries and protectors of this freedom. CYDA is celebrating Independence Day at the Community Resource Centers (CRC) with adolescents and young people from diverse backgrounds, reaffirming our belief that youth are central to building an inclusive and sustainable future.
Empowering Youth through Civic Awareness: India’s Constitution grants every citizen fundamental rights, but also calls upon them to uphold duties such as promoting harmony and safeguarding public property. The National Youth Policy2014 emphasizes instilling civic responsibility and national pride among youth. Through CRC-based celebrations, CYDA creates a space where young people can learn about these values in interactive, participatory ways.
India’s Youth: The Engine of Change: With 253 million adolescents (10–19 years) and over 365 million young people (15–29 years) (Census 2011), India has the largest youth population in the world. CYDA works with this demographic to promote self-exploration, skill-building and leadership, enabling them to address social and environmental challenges. Independence Day celebrations become a platform to connect historical struggles with present-day responsibilities.
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): CYDA’s youth empowerment approach aligns with:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education) – Building knowledge about history, rights, and civic duties.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – Ensuring marginalized youth have equal opportunities to participate in national celebrations.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) – Encouraging democratic participation and social responsibility.
Community Cohesion and Inclusion: The CRC is a safe and inclusive space where adolescents and youth come together across social, cultural, and economic divides. Independence Day celebrations strengthen community bonds, promote dialogue, and build a shared sense of purpose — values CYDA has championed for over two decades.
From Celebration to Action: For CYDA, national celebrations are not just about symbolic gestures. Our Independence Day event integrates activities such as cultural performances and meaningful discussions on current social issues concerning young people. This ensures that the spirit of freedom translates into tangible community action.
For the adolescents and youth we work with, Independence Day becomes more than just a commemoration — it transforms into a powerful reminder to uphold and advance the values of justice, equality and sustainability. By connecting the legacy of 1947 with the hopes, challenges, and dreams of today’s generation, we ensure that independence is not merely remembered as a historic event, but continuously renewed through meaningful action, responsible leadership, and a shared commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
