Medha Patkar urges youth to defend democracy, protect rights of marginalized at the national camp

Veteran social activist Medha Patkar on Monday called upon the country’s youth to take an active role in defending democratic values, natural resources and the rights of marginalized communities, saying youth-led movements are more relevant than ever in an era increasingly influenced by misinformation.

Inaugurating the 30th National Camp of Rashtriya Yuva Sangathan in Cuttack, Patkar said the decline of ideological politics and growing corporate control over natural resources pose serious challenges to society.

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Referring to people’s movements in Odisha, including the ongoing resistance in Sijimali, she alleged that mining and industrial interests were putting increasing pressure on forests, mountains, agricultural land and local communities.

“Many struggles in Odisha have succeeded in checking the exploitation of natural resources, but the challenges are expanding as more regions come under threat,” she said, urging young people to remain engaged with grassroots movements and social causes.

Delivering the keynote address, Gandhian thinker and Gandhi Peace Foundation National President Kumar Prashant underscored the continuing relevance of non-violence as a tool for social transformation.

Drawing on Mahatma Gandhi’s response to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, he said courage and moral conviction are the foundations of non-violent resistance.

“Non-violent revolution is essentially a change in values. Constitutional principles become meaningful only when people actively defend and uphold them in public life,” he said, encouraging youth to participate fearlessly in democratic processes and social action.

The inaugural session, chaired by Surya Narayan Nath, brought together prominent Gandhian leaders, social activists and civil society representatives from across the country.

Speakers included Rajendra Jena, Prafulla Samantara, Krishna Mohanty, Dr. Satya Ray, Jayanta Kumar Das, Manoranjan Mohanty, Harihar Sen, Aryabhatta Mohanty, Kishore Jena, Gayatri Das and Antaryami Baral.

Patkar formally inaugurated the camp by watering a sapling, symbolising environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Youth activists Laxman Nayak and Mithun Nayak, who were imprisoned during the Sijimali movement, were felicitated for their commitment to people’s struggles.

Former National Coordinator Dr. Biswajit outlined the organisation’s global vision in a world marked by conflict, uncertainty and rising individualism.

The inaugural programme was conducted by Prerna Raut of Maharashtra, while Mihir Pratap Das, President of Utkal Sarvodaya Mandal, delivered the vote of thanks.

The week-long camp, attended by delegates from 18 states, will continue till June 7 and focus on youth leadership, social justice, environmental protection, non-violence and democratic engagement.