INDIAN YOUTH ACTIVISTS: December 2010

Desh Ratna is the founder, crusader and benefactor of the Ek foundation (http://ekfoundation.in). Born in a small village in Bihar called Birpur, Desh Ratan originally hails from a town called Balia in Uttar Pradesh. He has had the chance to witness the real ‘Bharat’. He has always performed his roles of an informed and responsible citizen. A man, who does not consider himself a merchant of dreams but, believes in living them.

He is passionate about social work which includes work that reaches the masses. His journey for social change began in his school days where he worked for senior citizens and physically challenged people at Birpur District.

In 1994, he was awarded a Gold medal for his social and humanitarian activities and that encouraged him even more. He was involved with Tarumitra for more than seven years (1992-99) and continued to work with Aman Co-operative society as a president (1994/1995) and won many accolades for his efforts. In school, he was an all rounder. After, passing his matriculation with 94% marks, an all India topper in three subjects, he opted for science as his future stream. He was President for various societies in school including being the school captain (2000-01).

In his early youth he worked for leprosy patients and beggars of Darbhanga House, Patna (2001-03). He then paved his way to Delhi University where he involved himself in the leadership process by the very first year. He worked as the Junior Secretary of College Union and later became the president of National Social Service wing of the college.

It was under his able guidance and leadership that Ramjas College NSS wing reached new heights and achieved great goals. Under which he inspired many by organising health checkups, blood donation camps and education campaigns.

Education has been a very important concern for him. And he considers himself fortunate to have been part of the learning process. But he believes in sharing the gift with all. Which encouraged him to, open a School for poor kids and give them free tutorials for their 10th and 12th exams.

Alongside, he initiated Information Technology Club, Science Society and other clubs in the college. Being a free opinionated man, he was an active member of the literary and debating society.

He has used his literary skills by being part of various magazines published under his leadership with social messages as an NSS leader and part of various other NGOS. To name a few he co-edited the Journal GOONJ by SPACE NGO and UNESCO, was also part of a literary compilation called ‘Expressions’.

After graduation he enrolled himself into Campus Law Centre and started his work for a larger impact. He believes in change that can be pursued and felt by all. He wants each and every one to be part of that change.

He initiated a campaign National Campaign for Combating Terrorism ( NCCT) under the guidance of Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. It is a youth initiative to establish peace, the name to which was also given by Dr. Kalam. He has worked compassionately woth AIDS patients for more than 3 years. He has served as the PEER Leader for Aids Awareness mission year - 2005-2007 with UNESCO & SPACE NGO.

He has been part of numerous events for the empowerment and emancipation of women. The girl child issue is very close to his heart. The current Miss Universe tour for her humanitarian activities which included AIDS awareness and the save girl child campaign were result of his efforts and contribution. As Desh puts it, “I want to see a man proud of his place and I want to see a place proud of his men. A fight to show that we care and to share the love we have.”