“Empowering young people for a better generation.”

Mohammad Shakeel, a political activist and changemaker, is a passionate social justice advocate. Hailing from Mahbubnagar, he has dedicated his time and energy to raising the voice of the underprivileged and runs a political consultancy. 

As part of his changemaker fellowship, he founded – Ignite Youth Ministry – which aimed to empower young people from rural backgrounds and raise awareness to fight against injustice. Three years later, he sits down with Rubaroo and reflects on his journey. Let’s explore what he said.

From a Volunteer to a Changemaker

In the summer of 2018, Rubaroo looked to expand its outreach in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations in Telangana. Upon reaching Mahbubnagar, Shakeel proactively connected the team to several schools and colleges for their outreach program. And that set the stage for a volunteer to transition to a budding changemaker. 

Shakeel enrolled in the Changemaker-Changeloomer 2020 fellowship program and impressed everyone with his idea to work with young people from rural backgrounds. He bagged the fellowship, kept his word by reaching out to people even during the pandemic, and facilitated resources.

“Mera area kafi backward hai, waha child marriage hote hai, toh waha par maine Rubaroo ke zariye reach kiya. Mujhe pata chala ki sexual reproductive health pe baat karna galat nhi hai. yeh openly discuss karni chahiye. Aur phir Agaaz mein maine sikha ki har religion ek hi baat pe focus kar raha hai. Yehi learning ko aage lekar chal raha hu mera project.”

A Changemaker is a Learner First

Executing the project during the pandemic posed a challenge for Shakeel. However, his determination had no limits, as he left no stone unturned to empower young people from rural areas. He let go of the fear by reaching out to fellow changemakers and connected virtually with his participants. Not just that, Shakeel continued her journey of learning by participating in Agaaz-e-Baatcheet 2022 and becoming a youth champion.

“Rubaroo join krne se pehle mai introverted tha, socially awkward feel krta tha, aur Changemaker ki journey jo virtual hui – mujhe kafi hectic lag raha tha. Par team ne mujhe kafi support kiya. Aur dheere dheere yeh feeling chali gayi aur mai freely interact karne laga hu. Rubaroo ke wajah se I got that quality.”

Changemaking – A Never Ending Pursuit

During his journey, Shakeel shares how his work has helped reduce the number of child marriages in the villages in Mahbubnagar. He observed disinformation and the prevalence of child marriage among underprivileged communities. In the pursuit, Shakeel shares how interacting with a diverse group gives a perspective and renders a non-judgemental attitude. 

“Maine malum kiya ki judge easily karna sahi nhi hai. Pehle mai directly bol deta tha, par ab samjh aaya ki har pehlu ko samjh kar react karna chachiye. Bas yehi chahta hi ki har young person yeh journey ka hissa bane aur khudko explore kare.”

Lastly, Shakeel requests young people to be a part of Rubaroo and undergo their journey of self-discovery through freedom of expression and a safe space.

About The Author

Faiz Jiwani

Living by the principles of humanity, striving for pluralism, orating a story of millions of dreams, transcending thoughts into writing, and a budding researcher willing to unearth the mysteries of consciousness! That defines me the best! I’m a passionate Content Writer cum Storyteller, a Facilitator working on interfaith, gender, and youth development, and a Co-Founder of The Dialogue Project. You’ll find me engrossed in deep conversations, listening to music, watching great films, and always up for a chat!

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