Dhanalakshmi S. Gowda, a master's student at JSS Academy of Higher Education in Mysuru, will attend an International Youth Exchange program and boot camp on 'Inclusive and Sustainable Cities' in Italy from September 3 to 9. Dhanalakshmi is a GRAAM 'Youth for Governance' (Y4G) Fellow (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement). GRAAM (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement), in collaboration with PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia) and the Hans Seidel Foundation, organizes 'Youth for Governance' (Y4G), a year-long fellowship program, to address India's youth's restricted participation in democracy. The Y4G fellowship program for empowering young leaders seeks to maximize the potential of dynamic persons as change agents. GRAAM's goal with this initiative is to increase young engagement in democratic processes, encourage active citizenship, social responsibility, and, ultimately, improve democratic institutions.
GRAAM has nominated Dhanalakshmi to represent India on the world stage in Italy this year. The Youth Boot Camp for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, now in its second year, is a one-of-a-kind platform designed to provide young leaders with the information and skills they need to be champions in eliminating prejudice in their communities. Expert lecturers and policymakers will provide subject lectures throughout the rigorous five-day boot camp. Participants from all around the world will engage in dynamic and action-oriented debates to deconstruct racism and prejudice in order to promote a more inclusive society. The boot camp schedule includes deep and engaging seminars and training sessions designed to empower young leaders to make good change in their communities and beyond. "GRAAM aspires to empower youth, foster their leadership potential, and promote a more inclusive and participatory democracy in India," stated Dr. Basavaraju R. Shreshta, India coordinator of the G20 C20 Delivering Democracy Working Group and Executive Director of GRAAM.
