Does this arouse a spark of curiosity? Does it arouse a spark of hope? Does it arouse a spark of an urge to be heard? Does this SPARK awaken the dormant voice inside you?
Welcome all to the first issue of SPARK: Voice of Youth. There is a strong desire inside us, a desire for change. But is our voice being heard? This is a place where we can come together and share our concerns, questions, problems, opinions, etc. without any inhibition. A magazine exclusively for us, the youth. A magazine “Of the Youth, By the Youth, For the Youth.”
“Students should focus on just studies and not be concerned with anything else going on around them.” And once we are employed, “Look out for yourself and settle down first before worrying about anything or anyone else.” Sounds familiar? Spark will examine these views and see if they actually benefit our progress and that of society.
The media does all in its power to focus the youth, their energy and enthusiasm in many unproductive and harmful activities. It promotes only certain types of thoughts, ideas, ideologies, culture, and values. Is this what we really want and is it good for us?
It is natural that all of us would have many different views and ideas on the problems facing us. But there would also be a common ground. Having different views should not be a barrier to discussion. We wish to make “Spark” a platform where different views can be freely expressed and exchanged constructively.
Let us not blindly believe everything that is told to us. Let us investigate to arrive at the truth.
Let language not be a barrier between us. So “Spark” will be multilingual – Hindi, Marathi and English to start with, with authors contributing in the language they are most comfortable in. Also, “Spark” believes in gender equality, so when we use “he” or “him”, we mean, in most cases, “he or she”, “him or her”.
Do come forward to voice your opinions, the voice that has been silent for all these years. We will look forward keenly to your feedback on this issue and urge you to share it with your friends.
Editorial Team: Hrishikesh, Prathamesh, Sheena, Shrijit, Vimla
