Presenting the MTV Youth Icon winners
This year eight 20-somethings from different spheres of society have been chosen as the icons for tomorrow...
RAHUL MISHRA: (A designer, who made it from a small village, Malhausie (HP) to Milan where he won a scholarship.)
Point of view: I look up to the artisans who make amazing works of art in abject poverty.
Message for the youth?
Don't get carried away by brand names. Try out Indian designers because our artisans need all the help they can get.
ANKIT FADIA: (Popular ethical hacker; at 15, was helping the US in 9/11 investigations!)
Point of view: Cyber security is a lucrative job prospect.
Message for the youth?
Develop your interest and let it blossom. But most of all dream big!
MANGESH HADAWALE: (The farmer's son first saw a film camera while shooting his directorial debut, Marathi film 'Tingya'. It was turned down by 41 producers before it got made!)
Point of view: Don't have pity for those who have less than you. Look on us as equals.
Message for the youth?
Question the government, and vote. The government cancelled farmer loans but have the right people benefited? There was money announced for terror victims. Did the right people get it? Stand up and ask questions!
ISHITA KHANNA: (A entrepreneur whose organisation, Ecosphere is helping people in Himachal Pradesh set up a self-sufficient economy.)
Point of view: Help people develop villages; stop migration, help the environment.
Message for the youth?
The youth need to make better choices about what they buy. Small things like buying Indian fruits and vegetables instead of imported ones, buying organically produced items will make a big difference to the economy and ecology.
MARY KOM: (Is from a tribal community in Manipur and the first woman boxer to win four consecutive world titles one after a maternity break! When she applied for the Khel Ratna award, Milkha Singh, insulted her by saying he didn't know what she did!)
Point of view: Give women's boxing a chance to enter 2012 Olympics; we'll win more than the men!
Message for the youth?
Give patronage to sports other than cricket. Take up sports you're interested in and give it your best shot. Live your dreams.
SARATH BABU: (His mother sold idlis and funded his education at BITS Pilani and IIM-A. Then he started Food King Catering to give employment to the poor. Today he has employed 250 people and has a turnover of 9 crores annually!)
Point of view: Never give up, hang on to the smallest positivity in your life.
Message for the youth?
Be active in politics. Vote, get involved and don't get put off by the seamy side. Maybe you can be the reason everything changes!
NITISH MISHRA: (Bihar's Disaster Management Minister who spearheaded the evacuation of about 10 lakh flood-affected people. Possibly one of the world's largest evacuations.)
Point of view: Come see that my Bihar is developing and pray that caste will not be such a big factor here soon. I will keep fighting!
Message for the youth?
Please vote, there are so many youngsters in India but we're just not adequately represented.
BLAAZE: (Has sung for films, but it's the self-funded songs he's made on issues like the riots, police brutality and religion that stand out.)
Point of view: Rap music is intended to be the voice of the people.
Message for the youth?
Act now. Act with a conscience. Be honest. It starts with the self. By being true to ourselves, the country will eventually reap what we sow.
