Young people have a much larger role and responsibilities in creating civil society. Realising on it Chinmaya Mission, Guwahati Chapter organsied a talk amongst young people titled ‘Youth and civil society’ at its campus on August 22. The talk was delivered by Ranjan K Baruah, youth activist and convener of North East youth Foundation who has been working amongst young people from different parts of the region. Defining civil society the resource person mentioned that civil society is an evolving network of associations and institutions of family and community, of production and trade, and of piety and compassion. Individuals enter into these relationships as much by consent as by obligation but never under coercion. In the talk he focused on individual rights, rule of law, good governance, market, limited government, etc and how youth can take part in building a vibrant civil society. “Good governance is key to development as it brings transparency and accountability”, said Ranjan K Baruah while addressing the participants. He also mentioned that instead of increasing ministry, it’s time that government must downsize the ministry and limited government is important and government should keep away from things which can be well managed by people. More government interference shall enhance more corruption and in this regard it will be challenging to have a civil society in the true spirit. No civil society can be realistic in absence of individual rights, rule of law, good governance. He appealed the participants to take part in decision making process and raise their voice as true democratic participation will lead us towards development. It is important for the young people to use democratic tools like Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for building a vibrant civil society, said Baruah. The programme was moderated by Dr Sunita Agarwalla of Chinmaya Mission. 60 youths from different parts of the city participated in the programme.
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