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THE MARCH
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Against Terrorism Against Corruption
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Why?
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The objective was to awaken and empower the youth to participate in the democratic
process. 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 part of our daily life, corruption is subtracting dramatically from what
is rightfully ours.
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This march is the first step of a youth campaign aimed at amplifying the collective
voice of the citizens of India against Terrorism and Corruption.
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This initiative has a three pronged purpose.
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1) Awareness:
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Creating public awareness and mobilizing people, organizations and communities towards
the cause of rooting out terrorism and corruption from the country.
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2) Accountability:
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Organizing a forum and an activity structure in partnership with various NGO’s and
bodies to involve citizen participation (especially young people) in the democratic
process and address social issues.
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3) Action:
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Waye spearheaded this year-long nationwide movement, starting
with this march, that will have the active support and participation of all sections
of civil society including educational institutions, NGO’s, residents’ welfare organizations,
youth groups, social service organizations, cultural organizations, corporate houses,
and individuals from all walks of life.
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When and Where?
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On March 1, 2009, thousands gathered in New Delhi for The March against terrorism
and corruption organised by Art of Living ,
WAYE and co-organizer Youth For Equality (YFE).
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What?
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Under the aegis of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
The Art of Living & WAYE
mobilized youth and citizens of India to participate in a nationwide movement.
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The March began at 5pm from Parliament Street to India Gate. The air was filled
once again with slogans of "Inqilab Zindabad", "Youth for Equality", "Zinda ho to
aawaaz karo, himmat ho to saath chalo" and once again history repeated itself.
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The participants saluted the India Gate and prayed for a revival of the same energy
that got India her Independence.
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Abound with energy, the street witnessed thousands of youngsters sporting tricolour
tattoos and t-shirts proclaiming the country as their valentine. The presence of
inspiring, patriotic music and mellifluous singing saw the historic coming together
of youth and patriotism.
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Students and faculty from the Deaf and Dumb Society symbolized the common man that
day, they who are forever denied voice. They inspired all with their presence and
instilled more fire to the fight against all injustice.
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His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, conceptualized
'The March' and His vision is to create responsible leaders who make the country
a better place to live in. His message to all gathered there was, "The whole country
is just looking at you, for you to take leadership. The youth of India should come
upfront and unite against terrorism and corruption. Let us have a prosperous and
just India."
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Addressing the gathering, Khurshed Batliwala, Director, WAYE,
reminded one and all about the the childhood story of the single stick that breaks easily
and the bunch of sticks which could stand the hardest pressure. He said, "The greatest
danger that our country today faces is that of good people doing nothing.”
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"If our youth generation is not happy with their present and is worried about the
future, then they have to begin the change themselves and get more and more people
to join them," said Dr. Kiran Bedi on the occasion, reinstating the belief in all
those gathered there for they had taken the right decision, the decision of taking
responsibility of making the change they want to see…
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Mr Prahlad Kakkar, amazed at the huge presence said, "When the young, educated people
of this country decide to be the change they want to see, no force on Earth can
stop them."
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Thousands of youth with the motto "my country is my valentine" gave their voice
to this historic campaign.
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Alliances
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Supporting the initiative were eminent personalities like…
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Dr (Mrs) Kiran Bedi congratulating the youth for their efforts ensured "I am with
you in this fight"
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Mr Bitta (Chairman, All India Anti-Terrorist Front)
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Mr Prahlad Kakkar (Ad Guru & CEO, Genesis)
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Mr. Arvind Kejriwal (Pioneering activist – RTI and Magsaysay Awardee)
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Mr Anirudh Bahl (Editor, Cobra Post & Writer)
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Prof. Binod Khaitan (President, AIIMS Faculty Association) & Chaudhry Zile Singh
(President, BMS)
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... who addressed the audience with practical advice on how to combat terrorism
on both at the grassroot and higher levels using powerful tools like the RTI, Citizens
Charter, e-governance and the power to vote.
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Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) with their 160 Delhi Union extended their support
to this initiative. As a mark of solidarity, the public transport system of BMS,
including auto rickshaws, rickshaws, tempos, buses etc, did not ply at the airport
railway station during the march from 2pm – 5pm.
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YOUTH FOR EQUALITY
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www.y4e.com
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Youth for Equality (YFE) is a group of alert aware citizens who believe in involving
themselves to "Get the system right and keep the system right."
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YFE is an all India organization encompassing men and women of all walks of life
irrespective of caste, creed, class, religion and region. It draws its strength
from its large support base mainly from the youth and students of India along with
all the responsible citizens of the country.
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Partnerships with YFE, Radiocity and Nasscom.
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