India is one of the most popular countries in the world. Young, vibrant, vivacious and on the ascend. Its needs, its purpose and drive are dictated by the motivations of the young who constitute 54% of its population. They are responsible for India emerging as one of the major socio-economic powers of the world and are the reason why India is increasingly being recognised all over the world for its vitality, which is a rich energetic blend of youthful exuberance and traditional wisdom.
The Young FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) Ladies Organisation was therefore formed to address the hopes, desires and aspirations of the youth of Young India. FICCI ( www.ficci.com ) is the premier apex corporate organisation in India. Since independence it has been working to promote the interests of an assertive and self-reliant India. FICCI along with the FICCI Ladies Organisation would also strive to work towards encouraging the objectives of social responsibility while making a positive contribution to the society at large.
The Young FICCI Ladies Organisation was thus formed to forge these two objectives. The Indian hopes and aspirations in the new millennium and the objectives of its parent bodies FICCI and FLO ( www.ficciflo.com ). There was a need for a body, an organisation which would give a voice to Young India and work with and for them.
Ms. Shallu Jindal as the founder President worked hard to bring YFLO into existence was then entrusted with the responsibility of not only forging an identity for the fledgling body but also to provide the right impetus in the form of a positive action plan. As YFLO founder President she set about her job in right earnest by appropriately calling in for a meet which was called Today's Vision – Tomorrow's Mission. The seminar hosted leading young achievers like the then Member of Parliament, Sachin Pilot, a good cricketer Ajay Jadeja, famous TV personalities Smriti Irani and Vikram Chandra. Anchored by Ms. Shallu Jindal the discussion centered on the overall empowerment of women.
By bringing in related issues like education, employment and entertainment in the empowerment of the young women of India the seminar threw up many relevant ideas and provided the right direction for the future. Widely covered, the media brought into sharp focus the discussion and agenda which was the positive message for the future.
Bringing together a harmony of purpose
A country's power in the new millennium is governed by its economic might and for the economy to move on a fast clip. Sane decisions are a must in relation with investments so that they bring in positive returns. This theme became the central issue for the next discussion Smart Investment and smarter returns and it dealt with people's hopes and aspirations related with their investment decisions in bullion, share, mutual funds, real estate and Art. Each subject was discussed with alacrity, wisdom and precision and set into motion all the ideas intrinsic to the growth of an emerging economy like India in the right direction.
Working Together
To me - caring for those who are in unfortunate circumstances is a duty we owe to ourselves. If, we the privileged think that we can live our lives in isolation from those who are less privileged, than we are either terribly shortsighted or inhuman. We must never forget that we are part of the same human society that comprises them. If we do not realize our responsibility and duty to keep our society healthy, very soon our own isolated existence will not remain healthy either. The reason why we have to take upon this responsibility is that we have been blessed by God with the means to do so. And here comes to my mind what Shri Ramkrishna Paramhans had said- "The service of mankind is a service of God."
The next discussion for a youthful energetic Young India was on nation building through sports, which reflected on the need of a more successful and aggressive nation in the competitive sports arena. A nation's pride gets the much needed boost if it succeeds on the international stage, bringing in its wake, the much needed pride and energy through recognition by people worldwide. Sports without doubt, are an area in which India desperately lags behind because of lack of infrastructure, training facilities and funding.
After having worked on issues related with society at large, YFLO decided to turn its gaze on its basic unit, the family through its two seminars on Parenting and Complex Relationship – Simple Solutions. Both the seminars worked on the premise that by resolving issues that create friction within a family the society would be served positively and thus the country can grow in the right direction.
YFLO under Ms. Shallu Jindal was cognizant of the complex dynamics that govern the growth of a young society on the ascend and she worked tirelessly to not only address the issues but also to provide an action plan for the organisation to work with. Her consistent resolve has attributed the growth of YFLO. Even after she handed over her official position, yet the impetus she provided has made YFLO grow in the right direction. The award given in April 2006 to 12 Young Women Achievers from different walks in life was a step in this direction, which amongst others awarded actor Karishma Kapoor, ace shooter Sushma Singh, entrepreneurs' Priya Paul and Divya Gurwara, artistes Yamini Reddy and Zila Khan.
This idea of continuity with positive change which she established under her stewardship as the basic kernel of YFLO has kept this very young organisation's flag flying. As it is growing from strength to strength Ms. Jindal looks back on her year as YFLO Founder President with affection, pride and nostalgia.