Meet Abishek Iyappan, who is trying to teach the city's youth life skills through his initiative 'Chingari movement'

Making the right choices in the initial stages of life can take one a long way. But, many youth today, who are in the age group of 13 to 23, lack guidance. Most of them tend to get lost in their life and regret their decisions later in life. City-based Abishek Iyappan, from Para platform for learning, is on a mission to reach one lakh youth and teach them life skills that include building a career of their choice. And this, he does my closely working with them and by helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Abishek, who has named it a Chingari Movement (Chingari meaning spark), wants to ignite young minds so that it can be channelised in the right direction. Abishek says, “Youngsters between the age group 15 to 23 years are the most distracted ones. They are not aware of what to do in life and whom to approach. Again, there are two sections here: Those who choose to take up any career early in life to make quick bucks; the second who take up any career upon the advice of their friends or family. After a few years, when reality hits them hard, they realise the value of time, money and the importance of choosing the right career at the right age.”

Abishek, a one-man army, for now, visits schools and colleges and conducts workshops for free. Chingari aims to communicate to youngsters that by knowing thyself, they can make all the difference in their lives. “I am one of those people who is unhappy with the current education system. Chingari movement is my way of rebelling, to bring the change. While the privileged lot get all the counseling they need, it is students in the rural sector and those studying in B and C grade colleges in cities who face such issues.  I want to reach such institutions and help the students there build a career of their choice,” he adds. 

Chingari movement is nine-months-old and as of now, he has been able to reach 250 students. “Over the last three months, I couldn’t do much because there were exams and holidays. I am planning to reach more youngsters starting this month,” Abishek adds.“I believe that goals and visualisations can work magic, and with the right goals and action plan, anyone can become successful, lives can change drastically. People will be happier doing their jobs, most importantly – take ownership of their life and craft it beautifully,” he signs off.

Those interested in volunteering for Chingari movement can contact Abishek at chingari.movement@gmail.com