Sanjib Kumar Ghosh, Campaign Coordinator, Task Force on Women and Violence, Bhubaneswar, says, “We have been taking the message of the campaign to several colleges in Orissa through a programme called Udaan (Flight). Using the forum of the National Social Service (NSS), we address the students through informal presentations. I do most of the presentations myself. Unlike a formal presentation, where the speaker speaks to his audience I try to engage the college students. The idea make the exchange interesting, relaxed and enjoyable. I get them to share their opinions and dreams. I speak to them in the language and the idiom they are comfortable with. We sing songs together. We laugh and share jokes. It helps break the ice. I agree with them that adolescence is the time to explore new untested frontiers and ideas and protest against injustice. I open up conversation on their careers and ask them what makes them angry – what are the issues on which they would like to raise their voices. I agree with them that they have every right to make a noise but tell them it would be wise to raise their voices at the right time and in the correct way. I am constantly amazed at how much students want to share their views with the team and how much they are willing to learn. When I raise the issue of domestic violence, I can see their eagerness to share their experiences and discuss fall-outs. Their perception of gender realities is sound and they are very keen to make a change. If we can engage youth – a huge demographic group – to invert stereotypes and challenge accepted cultural norms that discriminate against women and perpetuate violence, I think we will begin to see a change. We have made a beginning and I am hopeful that the students will remain motivated to see that girls and women live a safe, violence-free life.”