Lirminta Rengpip, 24
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… Colorful. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? Education, gender equality. What changes would you like to see in the world? Gender equality. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Stop corruption.
Ishaan H, 22, India
What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? Issues of morality and identity. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? An increased cultural consciousness and embrace of scientific thinking. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Foster solidarity between government organizations, for a start. What changes would you like to see in the world? A difference made in the lives of the oppressed, animals included.
Armaana Chawla, 14, India.
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… A very vibrant country with hospitable people. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? Poverty, lack of education, and corruption. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? I would ensure safety of women and make it worthwhile for youth to join politics. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? An equal opportunity for every child to have access to high quality school and college education. Every child should be encouraged to pursue what they are talented at or interested in.
Saket Swarma, 28
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… The land of many cultures and religions. A place that is beautiful and raw. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? One of the biggest issues is homophobia, with teenagers afraid to come out as who they are. What changes would you like to see in the world? There are many changes, but mostly I would like to see people be kinder one another other. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? I hope that we reduce the pollution and care for our environment a little more, take care of wildlife, our rainforest and leave the untouched forests untouched.
Kavya Trehan, 22, India.
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… An organized cacophony. What changes would you like to see in the world? Less buildings, more space, no phone zones, green compounds, animals in schools. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Truly be “For the people, by the people.” What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? I hope people start paying attention to the damage they’re doing. Reduce the use of plastic and be aware of wastage. Stop taking animals and greenery for granted!
Amaaya Dasqupta, 18
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… India is a country of contradictions. It’s full of life and color, alive at all times. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? I think the biggest issue we all face is figuring out a way to balance our personal identity/self expression with social expectations and norms. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? I would be able to identify and differentiate ideas that are regressive, and change the overwhelming need our politicians have to “uphold Indian traditions/values.” How do you think we can get young people involved in politics today? The most important thing is to make young people believe that they can make changes. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? I want to live in a world where no one is afraid of being who they are.
Rodali, 23
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… There’s so much more than meets the eye in a place like India, everywhere you go there’s a new smell, sound, taste to be experienced. What changes would you like to see in the world? I’d like see people being open to new things, people being more aware of what’s important. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? I really hope that our plans for our planet are smart ones and that the right people are at the top of it. I hope all the shit in society is drained out of it and the positive, happy and intelligent is what stays.
Rabanne Jamsandekar, 27
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… Crowded, loud, overwhelming but charming. Bombay teaches you to slow down and take things as they come. There’s always something to see. One week in Bombay is more than enough, though. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? With the rise of social media and applications that enhance your beauty, self-image issues in the real world are quite the issue. Also, no one takes depression seriously here. And homophobia. What changes would you like to see in the world? I’d like to witness a wave of peace and acceptance, an end to hunger and poverty, a legitimate cure for depression (among other deadly illnesses). More flowering plants, butterflies and glittery sidewalks. What do you think governments need to do to make those changes reality? Get Mariah Carey on board.
Troyee Barua Dutta, 21, India.
What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? Women’s safety, issues concerning religion. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Address the issues of young people. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? For it to be respected before it is too late and for it’s people to respect one another. How do you think we can get young people involved in politics today? Young people are generally very opinionated and if this was encouraged and appreciated, it may be easier for them to get involved.
Justine Rae Mellocastro, 26
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… I feel like India is a country you come to learn about survival. It is extremely diverse in every aspect. Beautiful people, scenery, you find the most humble people in the most remote areas of the country. What are the biggest issues facing young people in your country/city today? Young people in India today are more open minded and are constantly shot down by a generation of old thinkers. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? That everyone lives harmoniously.
Rahul Gautam, 26
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… It’s more than a country, it’s a sub-continent. Full of contrast cultures. What changes would you like to see in the world? I just want to see people doing what they actually want to do. What do you think governments need to do to make those changes reality? Governments shouldn’t superimpose personal ideologies of politicians regarding religion. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? I would just ignore the five year self beneficiary plan. How do you think we can get young people involved in politics today? By just getting them informed. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? I just hope it doesn’t end soon.
Avni Rai, 24
Describe your country to someone who’s never been before… It is one of the most diverse countries in the world. If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Include every part of the population in the smaller decision making process. To make young people believe what they think matters. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our planet? The need for sustainability in every aspect of life.
Credits
Photography Bharat Sikka
Styling Deep Kailey
Hair Ben Jones using Bumble and Bumble
Make-up Anu Kaushik (Delhi), Rosari Belmonte (Mumbai)
Photography assistance Sushant Kadam
Styling assistance Nikhil D, Sophia Stewart
Production Ransom Films
Models Amaaya Dasqupta. Armaanda Chawla. Avni Rai. Ayangbe Hannen. Ishaan Harihovana. Justine Rae Mellocastro. Kayva Trehan. Lirminta Rengpipi. Prerna Garg. Rabanne Jamsanderkar. Rahul Gautam. Ravi Gulia. Rodali Barna Dutta. Saket Sharma. Sohil Khan. Suraiya Foss-Phillips. Troyee Barua Dutta.