Yuvaa organized its first-ever Youth Conclave on August 8th, which saw thought-provoking discussions and engaging interactions. Here's everything that happened!
When there's so much happening in the world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and run low on hope some days. The constant barrage of news and challenges can make it seem like optimism is out of reach. Yet, focusing on meaningful conversations and connecting with others about what truly matters can help us find hope amidst the chaos. The Yuvaa Conclave 2024 was nothing short of a monumental gathering, bringing together some of the most influential voices in various fields to have conversations that resonate with today's youth. Held in the bustling heart of New Delhi, the event kicked off with a powerful opening speech by Kevin Lee, CEO of Yuvaa, who set the tone for the day with his message of hope and resilience.
"There is so much that has happened in the world since the pandemic hit, we're all catching up to it. The aim of this event is that when you leave the venue, you feel more hope," Kevin Lee stated in his welcome address. He then emphasized how the carefully curated panels were focused on addressing the questions and concerns that the youth are grappling with today.
The day began with a moving spoken word performance by Nayab Midha, who presented her beloved piece ‘Muskurao.’ The performance earned thunderous applause as she conveyed the message of holding on to hope even in the face of adversity. It was followed by several panels that brought important conversations to the forefront.
Also Read: Here are 4 reasons why you shouldn’t miss out Yuvaa's 'Be A Man, Yaar! 2'
Here are some panel highlights:
“Why Hope is Worth Fighting For”
One of the most anticipated sessions was the fireside chat “Why Hope is Worth Fighting For," with filmmaker Vinay Shukla in conversation with Nikhil Taneja. Vinay shared his experiences filming the acclaimed documentary “While We Watched”, shedding light on the importance of young people fighting for what they think is worth fighting for. He shared anecdotes about his time with journalist Ravish Kumar, bringing a light-hearted touch to the discussion. “Hum log Ravish Kumar ke sath roz hasa karte the, that's what made the shooting process so easy,” he recalled.
“Real vs Reel of the Creator Economy: Is Content Creation a Viable Career Choice?"
The Creators Panel on the topic “Real vs Reel of the Creator Economy: Is Content Creation a Viable Career Choice?" brought together influencers Dharna Durga, Harshita Gupta, Shivesh Bhatia, and Ella D’Verma in conversation with Anusha Shetty, Creative Head of Yuvaa. The panel discussed the realities of the creator economy, discussing the challenges and rewards of content creation as a career path.
“Can the Modern Indian Woman Please Stand Up?"
Moderated by Maanvi, Editor-in-Chief of Yuvaa, the panel featured Sanjana Sanghi, Dr. Tanaya Narendran (Dr. Cuterus), Sejal Kumar, and Shivani Garg. Sponsored by Udaan Collaborative, the discussion explored the choices and agency of women in today's world. The panelists tackled topics like burnout, new dating norms, breaking taboos around sexual health, and reclaiming control over decisions concerning their bodies. “Who is the modern Indian woman? And between #girlboss and #girlrest, what does she want?” was the question at the heart of the discussion, with each panelist sharing their own perspectives.
“From Doordarshan to Doomscrolling: Getting Gen Z to Care About the News"
Another panel brought together Divyanshi Sumrav, Meena Kotwal, Abhinandan Sekhri, and Arun Singh in conversation with Kevin Lee. The panel discussed the evolution of news consumption, particularly among Gen Z, and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in an age dominated by social media and streaming platforms. Abhinandan Sekhri, CEO & Co-founder of Newslaundry highlighted how smartphones have revolutionized news consumption while competing not just with traditional platforms but with entertainment giants like Netflix. The spirited debate between Divyanshi Sumrav and Arun Singh on whether news should be seen as content added another layer to the discussion.
“Greenwash, Gaslight, Gatekeep: Should We Be Panicking More About Climate Change?"
The panelists, including Dia Mirza, Aakash Ranison, Moni Sagar, Bhumika Saraswati, and Geoffrey Dean, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about the global and individual responsibilities of combating climate change. Dia Mirza emphasized the importance of small actions, while Aakash Ranison pointed out the need for collective efforts to address the crisis. Bhumika Saraswati brought attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. This discussion gave us a new way to think about climate change.
"Artificial Intelligence vs Human Stupidity: Online Safety in a Post-AI World"
Vrinda Bhandari, Anurag Minus Verma, Apar Gupta, and Supriya Paul discussed the implications of AI on privacy and online safety. Anurag Minus Verma highlighted the role of AI in helping marginalized communities, particularly in overcoming language barriers. Vrinda Bhandari raised concerns about the privacy risks associated with AI, particularly concerning facial recognition technology. The panel provided a balanced view of the potential and pitfalls of AI, making it one of the most engaging sessions of the day.
Closing chat with Kunal Kemmu!
The event concluded with a lively closing chat with Actor and Director, Kunal Kemmu in conversation with Nikhil Taneja. His authenticity and candidness won over the audience as he discussed the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of personal responsibility while using digital spaces. The session was a perfect ending to a day filled with meaningful conversations.
Whether it was through thought-provoking panels, engaging performances, or fun activities like Tanya Maniktala’s AMA session, Manjeet Sarkar's Stand-up comedy, and the interactive Gen Z gossip and games with Nona Uppal and Ria Chopra, the conclave had something for everyone. Throughout the day, the Yuvaa Conclave saw over 600 enthusiastic attendees. The energy in the room was palpable, with young people leading the charge in discussions about hope, change, and the future.
Have you had a chance to catch up on the panels? Let us know discussions you enjoyed in the comments below.
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