Youth Ki Awaaz

From social media accounts to educational apps, children’s digital footprints are growing. The Draft Rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) propose strict verifiable parental consent mechanisms before processing their data. While these rules aim to protect young users, they also raise critical concerns: Do strict consent requirements hinder access to online learning, mental health resources, or social platforms that empower children? At Youth Ki Awaaz, we’ve been tracking these developments and, in collaboration with experts, published a report last year on Operationalising Verifiable Parental Consent—highlighting challenges and gaps in implementation. To further this conversation, we are partnering with The Quantum Hub, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), and Nipman Foundation to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, child rights experts, and legal professionals to deliberate on how these rules impact children’s online experiences. 📅 Join the discussion on “Balancing Privacy and Agency: DPDPA’s Impact on Children and Persons with Disabilities.” Sign up now to be part of this crucial dialogue: https://lnkd.in/g9vVFgUk Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Aditi Agrawal Arjun Goswami Amlan Mohanty Anshul Tewari Nipun Malhotra Amol Kulkarni Uthara Ganesh Sunil Abraham Tamoghna Goswami Abhishek Jain Shireen Vakil Nivedita Krishna Kavitha KK

A key issue in the Draft Rules on Digital Personal Data Protection Act is around processing of children's data and consent for persons with disabilities. At TQH and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) we have been tracking these developments closely through multiple drafts of the Act. Last year, we also published a report and survey around Operationalising Verifiable Parental Consent. To further this work, and discuss substantive developments on these issues we are convening policymakers, industry, content creators, marketers (for teen focussed products), child rights organisations and legal experts to deliberate on the draft rules on DPDPA in partnership with Youth Ki Awaaz and Nipman Foundation. If you would like to attend this discussion on Balancing Privacy and Agency: DPDPA’s Impact on Children and Persons with Disabilities, sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gSZuU7Pa Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Aditi Agrawal Arjun Goswami Amlan Mohanty Anshul Tewari Nipun Malhotra Amol Kulkarni Uthara Ganesh Sunil Abraham Tamoghna Goswami Abhishek Jain Shireen Vakil Nivedita Krishna Kavitha KK

Youth Ki Awaaz is #hiring! We’re looking for a #ContentManager to join the team at Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA)—India’s largest youth-driven platform and a powerhouse for citizen media. At YKA, our Content and Community Manager will: 👉🏽 Ensure the user-generated stories are aligned with our community guidelines and other review processes 👉🏽 Work closely with YKA’s community of writers, offering guidance and feedback to help them improve their writing skills and storytelling. 👉🏽 Dive deep into WhatsApp-based engagement via our Yoot chatbot, driving conversations and collecting insights on youth-centric issues. 👉🏽 Develop editorial strategies that amplify youth voices across India and collaborate on social media storytelling to ensure these voices are heard far and wide. If you have strong editorial sensibilities, a passion for community-building and a commitment to hyper-local storytelling, we’d love to hear from you. Please note that the selection process would entail an interview, a short test and a final interview! The process will take between 15-30 days. Qualifications: i. 1-2 years of experience in editorial and community management ii. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a knack for building relationships with writers and contributors. iii. Familiarity with social media platforms and best practices for driving engagement. iv. Passion for civic engagement and addressing issues that matter to India’s youth. Write to us with your CV and a simple answer to what makes you the best person for the job! Email it to careers@youthkiawaaz.com with ‘Content and Community Manager’ in subject line. And join us in shaping the future of citizen media in India.

Our justice system demands a 'perfect victim' to believe that someone has been harassed, and this is why very few people register complaints. Here are some of the stories of women who dared to come forward with their stories to seek justice. Not only were they silenced and threatened directly and indirectly, but they were disrespected, dismissed, and invalidated. Click on the link to read more. Youth Ki Awaaz

Just a few screenshots from the first cohort of The Writing School's 'Writing with Impact: Advanced' course! Over the past month, we’ve dismantled the myths of what it takes to write with clarity and purpose and learnt: 🔥Crafting powerful narratives for policy & community writing through our live community sessions 🔥SEO that works for humans first, algorithms second Building a loyal audience from scratch; readers who genuinely care about what you have to say. 🔥The practical and ethical nuances of using AI as a collaborator 🔥Content strategy that never lets you hit a wall, and much more! What truly sets this cohort apart is their hunger for depth. The discussions are as sharp as the writing, filled with smart, incisive questions that push everyone to think harder and aim higher. If this sounds like the challenge you’re ready for, our next cohort begins in February 2025. Seats are limited because we believe in small, intentional groups where everyone thrives. That's why the course has an 80% live learning element! Apply here: writingschool.io I’ll say it again because it’s that important: Invest in your writing. Writing is the foundation of communication, influence, and clarity. The better you write, the more doors you open for you. And not just professionally but in the way you express, connect, and create meaning in your life. The time you invest in sharpening this one skill pays you back in ways you can’t even imagine. #linkedinlearning #onlinewritingcourse #cohortbasedcourse #writingaccelerator #buildawritinghabit #youthkiawaaz #thewritingschool #writingforchange #upskilling Youth Ki Awaaz

Please read my latest piece in GlobeScope at Youth Ki Awaaz , in which I examine the divergent diplomatic approaches and strategic calculations in Indo-Canadian relations through a comparative institutional framework. The op-ed scrutinizes the methodological differences between Canadian and American diplomatic responses to similar geopolitical challenges while analyzing the structural implications of leadership transitions in Ottawa and Washington. It critically assesses media discourse patterns and their intersection with foreign policy narratives at home and abroad. The analysis contributes to the ongoing scholarly discussions about diplomatic crisis management, institutional responses to transnational security challenges, and the evolution of middle power relations in an increasingly multipolar world. I'm extra delighted to share that Ramjas Political Review has selected this piece for publication, and I'll share the edited version by RPR once it's available. Comments, suggestions, and discussions are most welcome! #InternationalRelations #ForeignPolicy #DiplomaticStudies

What does it take to strengthen democracy when it's crumbling? Democracy thrives when every voice is heard. Over the years, leading Youth Ki Awaaz has taught me one profound truth: stories can change the world. But not just any stories – those driven by people, especially those at the grassroots, who live the realities that often go unheard. Take Ashwini, for example, whose YKA story spotlighted the lack of electricity, water, and sanitation in the village of Rajghat in Dholpur, Rajasthan – and led to a court order that held the government accountable, transforming the lives of Rajghat’s residents. Or consider our training programs for community storytellers that has trained over 6,000 young people, empowering them to use their voices for change. Many have gone on to become top journalists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, driving conversations that matter at both local and national levels. At YKA, we’ve built a platform where hundreds of thousands of young voices can express, challenge, and shape narratives that matter. And yet, as we evolve, we recognize that our most critical mission is giving the media back to the people. When communities lead the conversation, they not only share their truths but also foster empathy, break silos, and push for accountability in ways that institutions often cannot. YKA’s 2025 strategy is rooted in this belief. We’re reigniting our community’s passion for storytelling by empowering everyday changemakers to reclaim their narratives, share their lived experiences, and spark change. This isn’t just about storytelling. It’s about strengthening democracy by making sure the media reflects the diversity and depth of our society. It’s about challenging the top-down approach and reimagining media as a space for people’s power. To my network: I’d love to hear your thoughts. 1. How can we collectively ensure that more voices, especially those at the grassroots, shape the public discourse? 2. ⁠What more can we do to use storytelling as a tool to fortify democratic values? If this resonates with you, let’s connect and explore this further. Together, we can create systems that empower and not just inform – systems that truly strengthen the foundations of democracy. #Storytelling #Democracy #Empowerment #YouthVoices #CivicEngagement

What does it take to strengthen democracy when it's crumbling? Democracy thrives when every voice is heard. Over the years, leading Youth Ki Awaaz has taught me one profound truth: stories can change the world. But not just any stories – those driven by people, especially those at the grassroots, who live the realities that often go unheard. Take Ashwini, for example, whose YKA story spotlighted the lack of electricity, water, and sanitation in the village of Rajghat in Dholpur, Rajasthan – and led to a court order that held the government accountable, transforming the lives of Rajghat’s residents. Or consider our training programs for community storytellers that has trained over 6,000 young people, empowering them to use their voices for change. Many have gone on to become top journalists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, driving conversations that matter at both local and national levels. At YKA, we’ve built a platform where hundreds of thousands of young voices can express, challenge, and shape narratives that matter. And yet, as we evolve, we recognize that our most critical mission is giving the media back to the people. When communities lead the conversation, they not only share their truths but also foster empathy, break silos, and push for accountability in ways that institutions often cannot. YKA’s 2025 strategy is rooted in this belief. We’re reigniting our community’s passion for storytelling by empowering everyday changemakers to reclaim their narratives, share their lived experiences, and spark change. This isn’t just about storytelling. It’s about strengthening democracy by making sure the media reflects the diversity and depth of our society. It’s about challenging the top-down approach and reimagining media as a space for people’s power. To my network: I’d love to hear your thoughts. 1. How can we collectively ensure that more voices, especially those at the grassroots, shape the public discourse? 2. ⁠What more can we do to use storytelling as a tool to fortify democratic values? If this resonates with you, let’s connect and explore this further. Together, we can create systems that empower and not just inform – systems that truly strengthen the foundations of democracy. #Storytelling #Democracy #Empowerment #YouthVoices #CivicEngagement

This year, the most unexpected and happiest moment for me was winning the Laadli Media Award for Gender Sensitivity by the United Nations Population Fund and Population First. Writing, publishing and getting recognition is so inaccessible - reserved for people with the right networks and connections. Whether it is academia or mass media, you cannot get published unless you are a brand, or a person with connections. For the past three years, I’ve been writing on Gender issues on Youth Ki Awaaz, a platform that truly breaks this gatekeeping around writing and publishing. This award is a reminder of why platforms like this matter. It’s been a year of extreme personal and professional ups and downs, but this recognition has been a proud moment that I’ll cherish. Here’s to 2025—writing more, sharing more, and continuing this journey.

A recap all that 2024 was for us at YKA, and all that's to come ft. Anshul Tewari 🔥 Wishing all of you a happy new year. Here's to always speaking up, and writing truth to power. 🙌🚀