India is a young nation going by the Census Report, 2011 were youth (between ages

10-24) constitute 34 percent of the total population with 75 percent under age group of
35 growing at a rate of 2 percent from 2009. In a world where one in every four
persons is a youth, every democratic system needs to absorb the aspirations of this
vibrant group, especially as, across the globe, youth acquire the right to franchise at an
average age of 18. The significant number of youth population in India has acted as a
stimulator for nations growth. This assumes significance when civil societies who are
a necessary change agents are run by youth or have active youth involved.
At a time when countries of the world are undergoing the process of democratization,
where civil societies are playing a significant role, the countries have placed enormous
responsibilities and expectations on the youth.
It is at this juncture that social organisations like Red cross Society play a crucial role
in formulating opinion of youth and providing a platform for them to express their
vision for the country. Social organisations need to produce thought leaders by
cultivating thoughts and expression on democracy, free speech and most importantly
participatory governance among youth.
Many social organisations need to tap the potential of youth who can add vigour and
lend enthusiasm to cultivate social and political leaders for a dynamic working of
democratic process. The grassroots approach in solving issues provide the perfect
training ground for them to understand the needs of the society and assist in the
decision making process. The youth have been able to guide the society and assist in
providing informed choice to the people.
Young people possess energy, but it should be channelized in the right direction.
Misguided youth may do greater harm to the society than even the worst enemy can
do. Moreover, it is on the shoulders of the young that the future of the country rests
because they represent new values, new thinking and the new ways of life.
Society should mould itself according to the thinking of the young because it is
difficult for the older generation to have new thinking. The young should always look

with hope and confidence to the future. They must have the spirit to work among the
masses and also give a sense of direction for the others to follow.
In fact the older generation becomes hardened in their thinking. So it is difficult for
them to adopt a new path. The faith of the young people is never so rigid. They can
adopt, modify and change their ideas according to the demands of the circumstances.
So youth of India should take this responsibility on their shoulders.
The great ideas enshrined in our culture will help us to set the energies of nation in the
proper direction. So if the younger generation does not take up this challenge, they
would be almost the enemies of the future.
The Young people of India should try to give a practical shape to the ideals of
democracy which have kept before us. An ordinary person is not adventurous enough
to take up the challenges to adopt certain ideals which may be good for the nation.
Generally the actions of the individuals are guided by the normal way of thinking and
also by the normal conventions. It is only the young who can accept unconventional
ideas with spirit and enthusiasm.
Younger generation in India has always been depending upon the older generation.
Our social set up did allow them to have independent thinking and independent way of
life. But now younger generation is to mould the thinking of the older generation.
They will have to give proper shape and form to the policies which might have been
out-dated and worn out. Only the young in India can seize the opportunities for doing
something for the country. So they will give new enthusiasm and energy to carry
forward the programme which has been chalked out for the country.
Various social movements which seem to be the basis of progress need the help of the
younger generations. For example, for the older generation the idea of having planned
families might not be proper and at moments they might consider it a political move
on the part of the party in power. It is so because their conventional thinking does not
agree with the new setup of circumstances. But the younger generation has vision of
the future and is guided by that very vision. So "a nation is built in its educational
institutions" through younger generations.

As part of youth development Indian Red Cross Society has given much thrust in
college and school levels for various activities. Youth Red Cross at College level and
Junior Red Cross at School level have taken important role to organise various social
awareness and training camps to nurture the thoughts of social services.
The 7 Red Cross Principles are focussed to the society at large in all aspects:
Humanity : The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a
desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield,
endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human
suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to
ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship,
cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationally, race, religious beliefs, class
or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being solely
by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality: In orders to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides
in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological
nature.
Independence: The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while
auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of
their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be
able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary service: It is voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by
desire for gain.
Unity: There can be only one Red Cross Or Red Crescent in any one country. It must
be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality : The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all
societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each
other, is worldwide.