Youngsters – The Grassroot Leaders
For decades, the governance of our villages has been controlled by a handful of people who have held on to power generation after generation. The same families, the same political circles, and the same systems have ensured that leadership remains in the hands of those who prioritize their personal gains over the welfare of the people. Promises are made before every election, but once the results are out, development plans are left to rot in files, and villages continue to suffer from mismanagement, corruption, and neglect.
A Revolution in Telangana’s Local Governance
While educated and capable young individuals dream of a better future for their communities, they often find themselves stuck in a cycle of frustration. They are taught to believe that politics is for the privileged, for the wealthy, and for those with connections. They are made to feel powerless, forced to either accept the leadership of others or simply criticize from the sidelines. But why should that be the case? Why should only a select few hold the reins of power while the rest watch helplessly? Telangana has always been a land of fighters—people who have stood up against oppression and demanded their rightful place. It is time for a new fight, not on the streets but in the governance system itself. It is time for young, educated, ethical individuals to take charge, step into leadership roles, and prove that change is possible.
To achieve this, the Youngsters of Hyderabad Youth Welfare Association has launched the Youngsters – The Grassroot Leaders initiative. This program is designed to incubate, train, and support young individuals who wish to contest in the upcoming Sarpanch elections in Telangana. Unlike traditional political organizations, we are not aligned with any political party, nor do we function as one. Our sole aim is to empower first-time contestants who have the passion, vision, and capability to transform their villages through ethical and responsible leadership.
A Holistic Approach to Leadership Development
Leadership is not just about winning elections; it is about understanding governance, engaging with people, managing resources effectively, and upholding ethics in decision-making. Through this initiative, we ensure that every aspirant receives comprehensive guidance and practical support to navigate the challenges of grassroots politics.
One of the biggest hurdles for first-time candidates is the lack of structured training and support. Most independent candidates struggle with preparing nomination documents, planning election campaigns, and managing promotional activities due to financial and logistical constraints. Many young individuals hesitate to contest elections because they fear they will not be able to match the influence and resources of seasoned politicians. Our initiative eliminates these barriers by providing workshops, mentorship, promotional material, and strategic financial assistance to deserving candidates.
Participants in this initiative will undergo extensive training in public speaking, community engagement, governance strategies, and election law compliance. They will also receive free assistance in preparing their nomination documents, ensuring that all legal formalities are handled efficiently. This includes guidance on election affidavits, campaign finance reporting, and ethical campaigning standards as per the Election Commission’s guidelines.
To ensure that every contestant is able to run a fair and impactful campaign, we provide digital and print promotional support at no cost. Our team of professionals will manage their social media presence, create engaging content, and strategize outreach efforts to help them connect with voters effectively. Additionally, we will design and print essential campaign materials such as banners, posters, and pamphlets free of charge, allowing candidates to focus on their message rather than logistical struggles.
However, contesting an election also requires financial stability. While we extend partial funding support for essential security arrangements and promotional activities, it is important that candidates are personally capable of handling the minimum expenses required to run a campaign. We do not encourage financial dependency, and we strongly believe that a leader who cannot sustain themselves financially cannot effectively serve the people.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
This initiative is not open to everyone. We are looking for individuals who genuinely want to bring positive change to their villages, not those seeking power for personal gain. Every aspirant must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered:
1. They must be contesting for the first time – No prior involvement in elections or active political participation.
2. They must be aged between 24 to 38 years – Leadership must be driven by youthful energy and fresh perspectives.
3. They must hold a degree from a recognized university – Education is a key factor in ensuring effective governance. Any degree, whether in technology, medicine, law, science, or arts, is acceptable.
4. They must be independent candidates – No association with any political party is permitted. They must contest the elections as individuals, free from external political influences.
5. They must uphold ethical communication and professional behavior – Candidates must be emotionally and psychologically stable, capable of handling leadership responsibilities with maturity.
6. They must have a stable source of income – We believe that financial stability is crucial to ensuring that leaders remain accountable and do not engage in corrupt practices.
7. They should not be burdened with unethical, high-interest debts – While moderate financial struggles are understandable, those under extreme debt pressure are encouraged to focus on their financial stability before stepping into politics.
8. They must be willing to contribute a non-refundable registration fee of ₹15,116/- – This fee supports the program’s expenses and is eligible for 80G tax exemption, allowing participants to claim tax benefits.
Once an individual successfully registers, they will undergo a face-to-face meeting and document verification process. Our team will visit their premises to complete the necessary legal formalities, including the collection of KYC documents and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines their responsibilities and ethical commitments.
To ensure accountability, each participant must provide a refundable security deposit of ₹1,00,000/- through an SBI Demand Draft in favor of Youngsters of Hyderabad Youth Welfare Association. This amount serves as a commitment towards ethical conduct and responsible leadership.
Upon the declaration of election results, this security deposit will be refunded in full within 48 hours through NEFT, provided that the candidate has upheld the agreed-upon ethical standards and has not engaged in any activities that damage the reputation of our NGO. In the event of misconduct, including character assassination, spreading misinformation, or any legal violations, we reserve the right to forfeit the deposit to cover legal expenses and reputational damage control.
A Movement, Not Just a Program
Unlike traditional political campaigns that focus solely on victory, this initiative is built on the belief that participation itself is a success. Winning or losing is secondary to taking a stand, challenging the status quo, and proving that young leaders can compete on an equal footing with experienced politicians. Even if a participant does not win the election, they will have gained invaluable experience, recognition, and the confidence to continue their leadership journey.
For those who emerge victorious, this is just the beginning. They will be responsible for implementing ethical governance, ensuring transparency, and making decisions that genuinely benefit their communities. For those who do not win, the journey does not end here. They will play the role of an active opposition, hold elected representatives accountable, and prepare for future elections with even greater strength and strategy.
This initiative is not just about electing new leaders—it is about reshaping the way local governance works. It is about instilling a new culture of accountability, transparency, and progressive leadership in Telangana’s villages.
Our organization makes it absolutely clear that we are not a political party, nor do we have any interest in becoming one. Our mission is youth empowerment and grassroots governance development. We do not support or oppose any existing political party, and our role is purely to facilitate the entry of ethical, capable, and responsible individuals into the political landscape.
If you believe in leading with integrity, if you are ready to serve rather than just criticize, and if you have the courage to stand for your people, then this is your opportunity to step forward and make history.
Join the Movement. Lead the Change.
Email Inquiries: communications@yohywa.org
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