Let’s make a difference Initiatives of Change, Panchgani, Pune
Background
‘Lets Make Difference ’ is an annual National Youth Conference organized by ‘Initiatives of Change’ at Asia Plateau, Panchgani for young people in the age group of 16 to 30 years. The eight days residential training programme is from 1st to 8th June, every year.
Since 2008, Empowering the Vision Project has been supporting Tibetan university students to participate in this National Youth Conference. This year too ENVISION has supported eight Tibetan participants coordinated by our Staff member, Tenzin Tsundue.
Mr. Viral Mazumdar is the key mentor of the conference and he has been conducting this conference for the past 21 years with volunteer LMAD coordinators team. 170 participants from various backgrounds participated in this conference.
Conference Objective/implementation
The conference encourages every individual to find his/her own unique contribution towards society starting with an internal process of change. This conference helps bring inner transformation within individual, to lead life with ethical and moral values. There is the opportunity to learn the importance of listening to own inner conscience and to introspect & evaluate one self.
The conference started with a welcome dance performed by the LMAD coordinator team followed by division of participants into groups. Each group was lead by three coordinators. Participants were given the schedule of the conference and were briefed on the norms to be followed while at the conference.
Participants were introduced to ‘Quiet Time’-introspection through inner voice after the morning exercise. It was the best time in the day to listen to our inner voice and write down our thoughts. In the afternoon, there was a group discussion with our coordinator on the importance of quiet time and sharing of our first day’s quiet time experience.
The next day was more about broadening the concept of ‘Quiet Time’ and we were introduced to the four fundamental principles of IofC: Purity, Honesty, Unselfishness and love (PHUL). This philosophy is mainly to encourage a person to look within oneself to find the ‘I’ keeping one’s ego aside. In the group discussion, we shared and discussed about these principles and to which we can relate the most.
We were taken on a sightseeing trip to Mahabaleshwar market and Mapro farm on the third day. This was a great time to know each other and also taste some local dishes. Returning to our rooms, we discussed with our roommates about what are the changes required to make our country better. A talent show was conducted later in the evening where many participants shined with vocal talents, mimicry and dance. Tsetan Dolma, one of our Tibetan participants sang a Hindi Song which overwhelmed the audience.
Power of One was one of the most inspiring session. There were four resource persons, who shared the story of their struggle to bring change in society and they were all unique individuals who dared to dream beyond the conventions. The significance of the power of an individual was remarkably presented to us.
The sixth day was focused on relationships. During the morning quiet time, we were given guided questions for introspection. Many participants openly shared their relationship issues and several broke down while sharing.
The Pyramid Exercise demonstrated that the foundation of every individual life should be strong and should relate to some of the important factors in our life such as relationships, health, wealth, aspirations, happiness, career and love. LMAD team selected four participants as Star Performers of the Conference. It was a moment of great pride for us when Tsetan Dolma was selected as one of the Star Performers from amongst 170 participants. Tibetan participants performed a group song Thank You India during the Closing Ceremony.
Testimonial from Participants
We experienced a feeling of oneness, a sense of belonging. It was a fun learning experience. We enjoyed thoroughly while simultaneously learning virtues that can guide us for the rest of our lives.
Tenzin Dickey(Chennai)
LMAD conference is a place to discover, correct and direct oneself to good, better and best.
Tsetan Gopa(Delhi University)
Quiet time and listening to your inner voice is something very special that i took from the conference,which is something that i can practise for lifetime and i feel each and every individual must practice.
Tsetan Dolma (Bangalore)