Latest news with #AmanpreetThakur
Indian Express
24-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘I Too' campaign seeks to instil empathy, social mindfulness among Tricity youth
Also by Amanpreet Thakur A social awareness campaign, 'I Too' (I Think Of Others), has been launched in the Tricity to encourage empathy, compassion and a sense of moral responsibility among the youth. The initiative, led by social group Suvichar and supported by volunteers, is spearheaded by former IAS officer and TEDx motivational speaker Vivek Atray, who termed it 'a call to rise above self-interest and build a more mindful society'. 'In September and October, a lot of activity happens, so we are looking forward to doing a lot in the coming few months,' Atray said, outlining plans for the campaign's interactive sessions and outreach. 'The central theme is empathy. In today's world, we must rise above selfish motives and do something meaningful for others.' Atray noted that many young people show emotional sensitivity towards animals, which he described as 'a beautiful thing', but stressed that compassion must also extend to the elderly, differently abled and others in need. 'Youth are nation-builders. If we make them aware and guide them to think of others, we can build an excellent nation,' he said. The campaign's volunteers will visit schools, colleges, universities and organisations across the Tricity to engage with students and staff, urging them to adopt the 'I Too' mindset in everyday life. Though rooted locally, organisers emphasised that anyone, anywhere can use the slogan and symbol to spread awareness. 'Social media is both our friend and enemy,' Atray added. 'We must use it wisely to reach out and share positive messages.' At the launch, Col D S Cheema spoke about the 'power of thought' and its influence on behaviour: 'Thinking is like the soul talking to itself. Our thoughts shape our actions, habits and character. You become what you think.' He emphasised that cultivating both the right mindset and skillset can help people share the 'fragrance' of their personality with others. Calling the campaign timely, Saguna Jain said, 'Today, everyone is leading a personalised life, obsessed with individualism. Words like independence and happiness are being misunderstood. True happiness comes when we spread it to others. So many people live in isolation today. Campaigns like these can rebuild human connection.' Hardeep Singh Chandpuri, recalling his student years in Australia, said empathy was once integral to social life. 'But now everyone just thinks about themselves. This campaign must reach people who really need help,' he said. Explaining the name of the initiative, Charanjit Singh said: ''I Too' is not just a slogan. It's a commitment. Everyone should write it and put it on their wall — a daily reminder to care for others both personally and professionally.' Closing the event, Col Cheema highlighted the concept of social mindfulness: 'It's about how you behave when no one is watching, except the Almighty. Most human behaviour is driven by punishment or reward. True mindfulness is what you do beyond that.' Citing research ranking Japan highest and India lowest in social mindfulness, he added, 'This needs to change.' With a sustained outreach planned across educational institutions and a growing group of supporters, the 'I Too' campaign seeks to build a culture where empathy, moral values and social mindfulness become second nature. 'I THINK, YOU THINK, WE THINK — this is the ultimate goal of I Too: I Think Of Others,' Atray said.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
After a decade on probation, Chandigarh teachers to go on hunger strike tomorrow
Written by Amanpreet Thakur and Nivedita Ten years after joining service, teachers recruited in 2015 under the Chandigarh Education Department are still awaiting confirmation. With no progress despite favourable court orders, the Joint Teachers Association (JTA) on Monday announced a hunger strike on Guru Purnima (July 10), calling it a symbolic protest for 'dignity and justice'. At a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, JTA president Ranbir Jhorar said, 'we're raising our voices here because no one else is listening. When any employee is exhausted by the struggle, the media becomes the only hope'. The teachers were recruited in 2015, but a paper leak in Punjab led to a criminal investigation. While 49 names surfaced, only six were charge-sheeted. 'The SIT cleared the rest, and yet the department continues to treat the entire batch as suspect,' Jhorar said. He added that three challans were filed between 2017 and 2021, effectively closing the investigation for most. Though the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashed the government's 2018 cancellation of the recruitment and the high court upheld that order in 2019, the administration filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. 'But there's no stay,' Jhorar pointed out, adding, 'why are we being punished when there is no legal bar'. He called the never-ending probation 'the biggest torture,' stating that government rules allow probation to be extended only once, up to a maximum of two years. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) also mandates confirmation after successful completion of the probation period. 'There's no written communication of misconduct or failure, so what's the justification for the delay,' he asked. The JTA also raised concerns about 2023 recruits under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) not being given 7th Pay Commission (CPC) benefits. 'They joined after April 1, 2022, when central pay rules were already in force, but are still stuck on outdated pay scales,' Jhorar said. He blamed the delay on the DoPT's failure to issue cadre-specific orders. In addition, the association highlighted that deputationist teachers from Punjab and Haryana working in Chandigarh schools were not being given due seniority, despite a 1999 Supreme Court ruling (Roop Lal vs. Lt. Governor). 'This violates Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution,' the JTA chief said. The teachers plan to escalate their protest if their demands are ignored. 'This is not a fight against the department, but for the enforcement of rules and court orders,' Jhorar said. The association has submitted detailed representations up to the Chief Secretary and even secured political support, with BJP Chandigarh president Jatinder Malhotra writing to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in March. 'Even IAS and IPS officers whose cases are pending in court are serving in regular roles. Why are rules applied differently to us?' Jhorar asked, concluding, 'if rules exist, they must apply equally — not be bent at will.' The writers are interns with The Indian Express
