In a move to nurture the next generation of change-makers, the non-partisan civic organization Democratic Sangha launched its Young Leaders for Social Change (YLSC) programme in Vijayawada on Saturday. The initiative aims to equip school students with the tools to understand democracy, champion constitutional values, and tackle real-world challenges in their communities.

Key facts

  • Program duration: Four months (October 2026 to January 2027)
  • Target group: Students from classes VIII to XII
  • Mentor: Yasaswini Peddi, a social-impact professional
  • Includes an experiential visit to Parliament in New Delhi

Building civic leaders from the ground up

The YLSC programme is designed as an immersive, interactive experience blending classroom learning with hands-on projects. Students will engage with public leaders and social-sector professionals, diving into topics like human rights, public policy, and governance. It’s about turning theory into action—helping young people not just learn about democracy, but live it.

Why Vijayawada—and what’s next?

Vijayawada marks the fourth city to host the programme, following successful cohorts in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu inaugurated the chapter, signaling strong local support. With mentor Yasaswini Peddi guiding the cohort, the programme promises a focus on grassroots innovation and community development.

The minds behind the mission

Democratic Sangha, founded by Chaitanya MRSK with co-founders Regina Cassandra and Deepti Alapati, has built a reputation for promoting civic education and public participation. Their work extends beyond YLSC to initiatives supporting rural women’s leadership and democracy fellows. At the launch, Chaitanya, Regina, and Yasaswini underscored the urgency of empowering youth to shape a more engaged, equitable society.

“YLSC seeks to help young people understand democracy, constitutional values, leadership, human rights, public policy and governance.”

The quote isn’t just a description—it’s a call to action. In a time when civic awareness feels more critical than ever, programmes like this offer hope, one student at a time.