Vision: To nurture responsible citizens for the world.
Introduction
Yuvak Biradari (Bharat) is a national award winning organization working at pan-
India level since 1974, cherishing the goals of humanity and nation building. It is a
social, educational, cultural and youth movement in India. It has endeavoured to
establish and promote Insaani Biradari (Universal Brotherhood). It also aims at
strengthening the social fabric of India in order to realize the vision of a vibrant,
prosperous, peaceful and enlightened nation.
Biradari draws its philosophical inspiration from the Preamble of the Indian
Constitution, and from the thoughts and visions of Mahatma Gandhi and
Rabindranath Tagore. One of Biradari's prime concerns has been national
integration, whereby the multi-cultural and multi-religious society of India needs to be
brought together as One People, One Nation.
Drawing inspiration from the famous “Bharat Chhodo” (Quit India) movement
launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 against the colonial rulers, Biradari gave the
clarion call of "Bharat Jodo" in 1974 in order to build a strong socio-cultural
foundation that could ensue and sustain rigorous development in the coming
decades.
The guiding principles of Yuvak Biradari consist of the twin concept: Rachana
(construction) and Prabodhan (awakening). Biradari awakens 'reason' and
'conscience' in youth so that they can identify themselves as one with fellow human
beings, perform their duties and contribute to society. Their capability and potential
must get ample opportunity and an environment conducive to their balanced growth
so that they muster the courage to explore untrodden paths and make their life
meaningful. We call this process construction. The united strength of expressive,
sensitive and energetic youth strives against various social evils (viz. inequality,
injustice, poverty, unemployment, exploitation, social dogmas and superstitions) so
that they can nurture a healthy habit of standing up and meeting challenges to make
a better tomorrow. This is one of the ways Biradari contributes to human welfare and
development.
Yuvak Biradari has imbibed the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (meaning
‘The whole world is One Big Family’). We believe and profess ‘noble karma’, and as
our longest serving president Late Shri Basu Bhattacharya said, “Yuvak Biradari
strives for prasaar (spread)—and not merely for prachaar (propaganda)”.
On one hand Biradari has worked for the spread of public awareness and promotion
of universal human values through the medium of art and culture and on the other
hand it has undertaken several constructive activities to tackle common social
issues. On occasions of natural calamities and disasters in different parts of India,
Biradari has responded with relief measures and voluntary service.
Yuvak Biradari recognizes the power of youth as potentially the most capable
contributor to human development and nation building. For Biradars, ‘youth’ means
not only a particular section of the populace that falls in a certain age-group, but all
those people who could dream, dare and determine to play a constructive role in
promoting human values. Furthermore, the word ‘Biradari’ evokes the feeling of a
closely-knit brotherhood — which is essential to work in tandem without any
discrimination on any parochial bases.
Yuvak Biradari professes what is not taught in any curriculum, and it does what is
normally not done by other institutions. Perhaps this unique nature and approach of
work drew the attention of Indian society. Biradari feels honoured and encouraged
that the value of positive differences its programs have been making in various
aspects of life since 1974 has been recognized by many bodies. Yuvak Biradari is
the proud recipient of the ‘Indira Gandhi National Integration Award’ by the
Government of Maharashtra and the ‘National Youth Award’ conferred by the
Government of India. Biradari’s Founder and Managing Trustee Kranti Shah was
conferred with the Padmashri by the President of India in 2010 for his contribution to
the social sector through Yuvak Biradari. Besides, many other regional and national
organisations across India have been supporting, encouraging, recognizing and
honouring this organisation.
Yuvak Biradari reinvents itself with the ever changing circumstances as it
understands that continuity and change are intertwined characteristics of any
resurging society.
At times, it seems that Yuvak Biradari is probably the only organisation of its kind in
India that has evolved from an organisation to an institution and finally into a
movement with a series of unique ideas and programs.
