In an era of unprecedented upheaval and transformation in India, one young man is making waves with his vision for the future – Anand Piramal, a 21 year-old final year student at the University of Pennsylvania, started a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) a few years ago called Dreaming Of An Indian Awakening (DIA) through which he aims to usher in an appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage among the country’s youth. In essence, India is going through what can be termed a Renaissance of sorts and a youth initiative like DIA recognizes the necessity of breeding a generation of cultured and inspired young Indians.

When I quizzed Anand over lunch on the source of his inspiration for such a bold initiative, he had an interesting anecdote to share. “I was on a beach in the south of Italy during my year off from studies, walking with an instructor of mine, and I was praising the marvels of Italian culture and heritage. My instructor seemed rather surprised. He told me that I should go to India and sing paeans about my country instead, a land far richer in history and culture. That was one of the most poignant moments of my life,” he reminisces.

DIA has hosted several forums in Bombay where illustrious figures from the spheres of business, sports, science and the arts have given lectures and participated in interactive discussions with large numbers of high school and college students. Such eminent personalities as Dr. RA Mashelkar, Mallika Sarabhai, Sam Pitroda and Harsha Bhogle have eagerly participated in DIA’s events and have voiced admiration for the ambitions and efforts of the youth movement. DIA, as an initiative by the youth and for the youth, so impressed India’s President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, that he invited Anand Piramal to Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to encourage the young man in his efforts.

Another striking example is that of Sonal Shah, whom I had the opportunity to listen to at an India-themed conference in Philadelphia. Sonal, a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, founded IndiCorps - a development-focused non profit organization that encourages the Indian diaspora to actively take part in India’s progress by applying their skills, time and resources towards projects targeting the Indian grassroots. The initiative has seen numerous qualified Indians trek to poor and underdeveloped districts in India to aid in boosting literacy and encouraging development amongst other things. Sonal Shah’s efforts resulted in her being honored as the India Abroad Person of the Year in 2003. Another youth initiative with similar goals as DIA and IndiCorps - Develop, Empower, Synergize India (DESI) is also active through their base at the University of Maryland.

Initiatives like DIA, DESI and IndiCorps show the amount of raw potential that the Indian youth possess and the eagerness with which they are willing to give back to their country. The idea is to present our youth with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage and unique culture that they are heirs to as well as engage in the development and uplift of their motherland, at a time when Generation X is at a risk of growing up bereft of a powerful social and civic conscience due to their materially enchanted and politically apathetic lives. Indeed, it is through initiatives like these that a new generation of global Indian leaders will evolve. What I find most impressive, may I add, is the encouragement such initiatives are receiving. Whether receiving awards and citations or being personally lauded by India’s Head of State - a visionary committed to development, education and empowering the country’s youth - the interest and appreciation being shown by society is truly heartening.

The lack of strong role models, leadership and unity in the country today is alarming to say the least. Perhaps what India’s youth need most at this point in time is inspiration - the inspiration to become strong & principled leaders, to encourage collective action and unite India with a common vision for empowerment while unstintingly promoting peace and secularism. NK Singh, the senior Indian bureaucrat and member of the Planning Commission, while on a visit to the University of Pennsylvania, observed in his column in the Financial Express that, “One overall impression I have is that almost every student is keen to return to India. They do not necessarily seek to join the business of his or her family, but to do something different and creative, and to give back to the society which has enabled them to achieve these high skills.”

The Indian youth of today need to dare to dream. The opportunities to contribute to the development of India and give back to your country whilst better understanding your heritage and strengthening the global Indian community are enormous!