It feels like just yesterday when the year began, and now, as it comes to a close, we at Youth Ki Awaaz, find ourselves reflecting on the incredible voices that resonated through the digital spaces we inhabit. Throughout the year, an array of talented writers emerged who didn't just write stories but made us laugh, cry and connect with them. As we gear up for a new year, here's a shoutout to those voices that stood out and made 2023 a memorable ride.
Blogs that were read the most
1. In this reflective open letter, Monica, not a parent, critiques flaws in Indian parenting, highlighting issues such as the lack of planning and a controlled household atmosphere.
Why Is Parenting Unappealing To Modern-Day Adults? — A Millennial POV
2. Jyothi wrote a piece expressing his concern with widespread changes implemented in the history syllabus by the government, pointing out concerns such as the exclusion of Darwin's theory, deletion of references to the caste system and Gujarat riots, and alterations in historical narratives.
As A Science Student, Here’s Why I Am Concerned With The Recent Syllabus Changes
3. Rishija spoke about the broader cultural obsession with the 'rags to riches' narrative. The article discusses the recent viral video of Humans of Bombay founder Karishma Mehta defending her privileges and critiquing its impact.
The “Rags To Riches” Trope And The Fairytale Of Being “Self-Made”
4. Hemraj’s inspiring piece on his journey of pursuing a PhD also reached thousands! Born into a humble carpenter's family in a remote village in Rajasthan, Hemraj P. Jangir persevered to overcome all obstacles, ultimately achieving a Doctorate through unwavering determination.
Resilience and Determination: My Path to PhD
5. Highlighting the disturbing issue of digital gender-based violence against girls, Sramana emphasizes the importance of teaching digital safety instead of restricting access to technology, proposing the incorporation of digital safety education into school curricula to empower girls in the digital age.
Digital Gender-Based Violence: Sexualisation Of Girls’ School Uniform
Personal stories that left an indelible mark
6. Exploring the emotional impact of testosterone injections on a trans man's ability to cry, Prithvi delved into personal experiences, challenging stereotypes around masculinity and emotions.
Man, I Miss Crying! Let Me Tell You Why
7. Reflecting on the movie "The Whale," Dharmesh draws parallels between the character's self-destructive behavior and their own struggles with grief, queerness, and the societal pressure on LGBTQ individuals.
I’ve Gained 11 Kgs In 9 Months: Watching ‘The Whale’ As My Belly Expands
8. As a bisexual trans-non-binary person, Patruni shared their heartfelt journey of embracing parenthood with their supportive partner, navigating gender dysphoria, and expressing excitement about being a drag queen dad.
I’m A Drag Queen, Who’s Soon Going To Be A Dad! It’s An Awesome Feeling
9. Amidst the tragedy of the Morbi suspension bridge collapse that claimed 135 lives, Aditi turned grief into action, starting a Change.org petition, which, backed by over 15,700 supporters, pressured the Gujarat Government to implement a groundbreaking policy.
Morbi Bridge: How I Contributed to a Life-Saving Policy After 135 Died
10. Discovering her asexuality at 16, Sumaiya reflects on the common misconception that asexuality is solely linked to trauma, challenges societal stigmas surrounding asexuality, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diverse sexualities.
I Am Asexual, And I Can Have Romantic Relationships
11. In a poignant realization prompted by an argument, Ritika delves into the extensive calculations revealing the staggering worth of their stay-at-home mom's unpaid labor, prompting a newfound appreciation for her unheralded contributions.
An Ode To My Mother, A Could-Be-Crorepatni #MothersDaySpecial
12. Navigating the complex journey from childhood curiosity about womanhood to confronting painful realities of health, Ruksar shares a personal narrative encompassing breast health, societal stigmas, and the resilient pursuit of one's dreams.
13. Dr Anuradha reflects on the challenges faced during childhood, the absence of inclusive policies, and the stark realities of pursuing higher education and job opportunities.
“When I Hid My Trans Identity, Private Dental Clinics Readily Hired Me”
14. In this article, Ezra profiles individuals like Fred and Radz who redefine family dynamics and shed light on queer parenthood challenges conventional norms, fostering equality, understanding, and acceptance.
“My Children Are Proud Of Having Two Fathers” – On Queer Parenthood
15. Reshma's journey into BDSM, initially driven by a need for emotional release, evolved into a nuanced exploration of desires, preferences, and the vital role of detailed communication and aftercare in fostering positive and meaningful connections.
BDSM Has Taught Me About My Sexual, Romantic And Social Life
Stories from the ground
16. Sofia explores the paradox of Kerala's respect for diversity while shedding light on the restrictive influence of religious institutions on women's choices, impacting aspects from education to marriage in the state.
Opinion: How Religion Still Controls Girls’ Lives In Kerala
17. The picturesque valley of Kashmir faces a silent epidemic as Fahim reveals a troubling increase in self-harm cases among girls, almost three times more likely than boys.
“I Feel Like I’m Living In A Cage” Hidden Battle For Women In Kashmir
18. In India, where the transition from middle school to high school is a pivotal moment, Pragya shares the inspiring story of Maya, a girl from an economically disadvantaged background who, despite societal norms and barriers, triumphed in an entrepreneurship competition.
’11th Mein Rape Ho Jaata Hai’: What Saya’s Father Told Her About Education
19. In this article, Nandini and Siri explore the challenges faced by migrant workers in Bengaluru, as they confront issues such as safety, working conditions, social security, and discrimination.
“I Was Kicked Out Of My Job Without Pay”: Voices Of Migrants In Bengaluru
20. Ritu sheds light on the issues of workplace harassment, unrealistic academic pressures, and caste-based discrimination, unravelling the intricate mix of factors pushing these students toward a mental health crisis.
Inside the Glaring Mental Health Crisis in Maharashtra’s Medical Colleges
21. Ritu scrutinizes the allocated budgets for PwD welfare, questions the effectiveness of schemes, and highlights the urgency for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address the diverse needs of the PwD community.
In Maharashtra, Persons With Disabilities Wait For Their ‘Amrit Kaal’
22. In this piece, Gunjit exposes the plight of ad-hoc teachers at Delhi University who, despite years of dedicated service, faced displacement during recent recruitment drives, prompting concerns about opaque selection processes, political affiliations, and a disregard for qualifications.
Caste Networks, Govt Loyalties: How DU Hires For Permanent Positions
23. Ritu highlights the enduring challenges faced by girls in Mumbai government schools regarding menstrual hygiene, and the Maharashtra government's failure to address the issue effectively despite available funds.
The State Of Menstrual Hygiene In Maharashtra Schools Is A Bloody Injustice
24. Gunjit critically examines the impact of Delhi's Electric Vehicle Policy launched in 2020, shedding light on the challenges faced by e-rickshaw drivers.
3 Yrs Since Delhi’s EV Policy, What’s Changed? E-rickshaw Drivers Speak
25. Sofia delves into the controversies at EFLU (English and Foreign Languages University Hyderabad), highlighting issues such as the mishandling of sexual assault cases, concerns about women's safety, allegations against professors, and the administration's attempts to suppress dissent.
Hyderabad Campus Sexual Assault Shows How Unsafe Our Campuses Are
26. In this article, three survivors recount the harrowing events of the Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013. Huzaifa speaks with three people whose experiences bear witness to the communal violence, displacement, and challenges faced by the victims.
3 Survivors Recount The Horrors And Resilience During Muzaffarnagar Riots
27. Huzaifa speaks about Uttar Pradesh's Madrasas's imposition of a "loyalty test," and regulatory efforts that raise concerns about their identity, purpose, and the future impact on millions of students and the region's cultural and religious heritage.
Survey & Surveillance: Why The Future Of Uttar Pradesh’s Madrasas Is At Stake
28. Sanam wrote about the annual predicament of stubble burning among farmers in Punjab, rooted in a historical context and exacerbated by a cycle of debt, time constraints, inadequate resources and insufficient government support.
8 Districts, 450+ Farmers: I Saw Stubble’s Burning’s Human Cost In Punjab
29. Gunjit argues that the election process in Delhi University, marked by aggression, money, and manipulation, often results in an unrepresentative student union, leading to raising questions about the purpose and efficacy of student politics in shaping the university's future.
Money, Muscle Power And Chaos: The Bizarre World Of DUSU Elections
30. Tanishka explores the controversial phenomenon of slum tourism in Mumbai, focusing on the Dharavi slum and discusses the varying perspectives of residents toward this form of tourism.
Slum Tourism In Dharavi: The Survival Of The Poor Is A Spectacle For The Rich
Stories that stood out because of their unique take
31. Dinesh delves into the intricate web of surveillance capitalism, unravelling how the "free" internet is sustained by trading user data and exploring the implications on privacy and democracy.
You’re Under Surveillance Every Time You Go Online. Here’s What To Do
32. Suman shed light on the gendered nature of leisure and labour, emphasizing the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women, and explored how mobile phones, particularly smartphones, serve as a transformative tool, providing moments of leisure, connectivity, and digital literacy for women.
How Mobile Phones Are Helping Women Find Leisure
33. Simran delved into a distressing phenomenon in India where mothers, burdened by societal oppression, resort to tragic acts, highlighting the dire consequences of patriarchy, unsafe abortions, and the absence of autonomy for women.
What Mothers Dying By Suicide Can Teach Us About The Abortion Debate
34. Sragdharamalini explores the historical and contemporary issues faced by tea-tribe plantation workers in Assam, delving into the exploitation, marginalization, and resistance embedded in their culture.
The Jhumur Of Assam’s Tea Gardens: Singing Two Centuries Of Suffering
35. Roshan and Chetna highlighted the alarming issue of campus safety and security for women in BHU (Benaras Hindu University) and discussed the students' protests and their demands for justice.
“Another Sexual Assault In BHU And No Action Taken, As A BHU Student I Want Answers”
36. Swastika highlights the critical importance of comprehensive sex education, particularly in challenging misconceptions around queer sex. The article is a comprehensive guide that highlights the necessity of dispelling myths, understanding diverse sexual expressions, and promoting safe sex practices.
Beyond The Basics: A Guide To Understanding And Practicing Safe Sex
Language was not a barrier for these impactful stories
37. Hemraj reflects on his journey to Delhi for his M.Phil in 2015. Despite obstacles, he finds a sense of belonging and chooses not to return to traditional agricultural work in their village, opting for research and higher education
“कैरियर क्लियर नहीं था, पर यह क्लियर था मैं गांव में बढ़ईगीरी नहीं करूंगा”
38. Pratyush writes a brilliant story on the stark sexism in India's treatment of its women athletes and our gendered bias in viewing their achievements.
क्यों महिला खिलाड़ियों को ‘देश की बेटी या बहन’ बनना पड़ता है?
39. Writing about her visit to a red-light area in Delhi, Jyoti delves into the harsh realities faced by women engaged in sex work. In this background, she raises critical questions, introspecting about societal judgments, the plight of these women, and the complexities they face in a world marked by societal stigmas and individual hardships.
“दिल्ली के रेडलाइट इलाके में जाकर भी उनसे नहीं पूछ पाई कि वे यहाँ क्यों”
40. Sangeeta highlights instances of forced demolitions in various locations, including a village and archaeological park, raising concerns about human rights violations and displacement. Asking hard-hitting questions about democracy and human rights in India today, she writes about government actions on marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for social justice and accountability.
देश में गणतंत्र या बुल्डोजर-तंत्र?: दिल्ली के तुग़लकाबाद के निवासियों का सवाल
41. Seeti Tewari, via Charkha Features, writes about the prevalent issue of bride trafficking in rural Bihar, particularly in the Seemanchal region. It highlights the practice of families from other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, buying young brides from Bihar, often leading to troubled marriages and exploitation.
“हमारे यहां अगर दलाल को पैसे नहीं देंगे, तो शादी होगी ही नहीं”
42. Kumari Neha, via Charkha Features, writes about persisting menstrual taboos in rural India, highlighting discriminatory practices like confining girls to cattle sheds during menstruation. She talks about how despite some positive changes, deep-rooted beliefs and conservative attitudes in rural areas hinder the complete eradication of menstrual stigma.
“गांव में कई घरों में पीरियड्स में लड़कियों को गौशाला में रखा जाता है”
43. Mayookh Barua, via The Third Eye, highlights how the modern education system shies from introducing young students to the "concept of love".Targeting patriarchal norms that pervade it, the article also manages to explore love from an inclusive lens.
प्यार को सेक्स समझते हमारे स्कूलों में खुद से प्यार करना कब सिखाएंगे?
The past year marked a significant chapter for our community at Youth Ki Awaaz. It was a time when our members passionately shared their thoughts, engaged in meaningful conversations, and immersed themselves in compelling stories that resonated deeply. Here's to 2024 – may it bring greater growth and more impact for each and every one of us!