Yuvoday Volunteers Lead the Way in Championing Mental Health Inclusion

Empathy, Not Sympathy: A Youth-Led Movement for Change

Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra | 19 January 2025 – True inclusion means ensuring that everyone belongs, and the recent Purple Jollase 2025 event radiated this spirit. Co-hosted by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Divyang Bhawan Foundation, with UNICEF as a key knowledge partner, this event brought together changemakers united in their mission to enhance mental health support for persons with disabilities.

Among the shining examples of this mission were five young Yuvoday volunteers from Chhattisgarh: Vinod, Anyrose, Krishna, Suryakant, and Kartik. These youth leaders captivated attendees with their stories, discussions, and unwavering advocacy for mental health. Representing the UNICEF Pavilion, Yuvoday hosted a vibrant corner where they led interactive sessions, shared lived experiences, and amplified the importance of mental well-being and inclusivity.

Recognition of Grassroots Leadership

The efforts of these dedicated volunteers did not go unnoticed. The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar, visited the Yuvoday corner, lauded their impactful work, and encouraged them to expand their reach in ensuring that mental health support extends to every corner of society.

Shekhar Singh, IAS, Commissioner, PCMC, highlighted the significance of partnerships in inclusion, saying:

“Purple Jollase is more than an event—it’s a movement towards a more accessible India. By working with UNICEF, we are ensuring persons with disabilities receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Abhishek Singh, Social & Behavioural Change Specialist, UNICEF Chhattisgarh, added:

“Mental health challenges for persons with disabilities often remain invisible. Yuvoday volunteers are breaking this silence, not for personal gain but for the greater good. They exemplify the power of youth-led change.”

Powerful Testimonies & Impact

Among the volunteers, Krishna Yadav, a wheelchair user from Janjgir and a passionate advocate for community empowerment, shared:

“People often see my wheelchair before they see me. But mental health isn’t about what we can or cannot do—it’s about how we feel. At Purple Jollase, sharing my experiences has been deeply empowering.”

The initiative also earned praise from Sanjay Singh, Chief of UNICEF Maharashtra, who expressed his admiration:

Scaling Change Through Technology & Collaboration

To amplify its impact, Yuvoday has developed a mobile application for volunteers to document activities, track community engagement, and access mental health resources. This technological leap strengthens the initiative’s reach, which now spans 10 districts in Chhattisgarh through collaborations with district collectors and local stakeholders.

Actor Anurita Jha also commended the initiative, saying:

“Yuvoday ensures every voice is heard, and every struggle is acknowledged. This is the societal change we need.”

A Call for Collective Action

As the curtains close on Purple Jollase 2025, the work of the Yuvoday volunteers stands as a testament to youth leadership, collaboration, and empathy. Through their energy and commitment, they are redefining what inclusion truly means—dignity, respect, and belonging.

Join the movement and learn more about Yuvoday at www.Yuvoday.org. Together, let’s champion behavioral change for an inclusive future!