India’s Youth Lead the Way: YEPW Spreads Peace Through the Eco Ten Minute Movement

In 2025, a growing wave of youth-led peace efforts is spreading across India. At the center of this movement is the India Youth Empowerment Peace Working Group (YEPW), a network of young people working with universities, local governments, and civil society to build a culture of peace. Their most recognizable initiative—the Eco Ten Minute project—is proving that even small, consistent actions can transform communities.

Eco Ten Minute: A Simple Idea Creating Real Impact

The message behind Eco Ten Minute is straightforward:
“Anyone can act for peace in just ten minutes.”

Since the beginning of 2025, the project has already been held more than 40 times across India. In August alone, events were organized at:

• Tikaram Jagannath University (Aug 4)

• Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University – MGRDPRU (Aug 6)

• Akshara Techno School (Aug 7)

• Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka State Assembly building (Aug 10)

Participants engaged in neighborhood clean-ups, awareness activities, and community building—all rooted in the belief that caring for our environment strengthens peace.

Youth–University Partnerships Strengthening Local Peace Efforts

MGRDPRU (Karnataka)

MGRDPRU has been working closely with India YEPW since 2024. Together, they have conducted clean-up efforts in 10 areas across the Kadag district, creating a model of youth-led public service.

In August, MGRDPRU also co-hosted a dialogue titled “The Peace City We Want to Build.” The ideas gathered were later delivered to the Deputy Commissioner of Kadag District, helping local authorities better understand the growing peace initiatives led by young people. This exchange encouraged the district government to pay closer attention to HWPL and IPYG peace activities.

Eco Ten Minute in Bengaluru: Expanding Through Community Collaboration

In Bengaluru, Eco Ten Minute continues to spread through active partnerships:

• Maheshwari Vividoshagallara Mahila Mandala, a local women’s civic group

• Akshara Techno School, where more than 170 students and teachers participated

• India Plogging Army led by influencer Nagraj G, who joined the activity at Vidhana Soudha

These efforts helped amplify the project through social media and contributed positively to discussions around a state-level support resolution for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

Peace Education and Youth Empowerment in Maharashtra

In Pune, Tikaram Jagannath University (TJ University) has partnered with India YEPW since August 2024. During the International Youth Day event on August 12, students reflected on the meaning of true peace—not just the absence of violence, but a society where justice, dignity, and mutual respect are upheld.

Students wrote their hopes for peace on paper airplanes and released them together, symbolizing a shared commitment to peaceful communities. The university also announced plans to establish a peace club and host regular peace events.

Through its campus radio station, TJ 89.6 FM, the university shared information about HWPL, IPYG, and peace education across Maharashtra, helping more young people learn about peace initiatives.

Youth at the Center of India’s Growing Peace Network

The India YEPW movement is more than a campaign—it is a living example of what happens when young people lead, collaborate, and imagine new possibilities for their society. Working with universities, local leaders, and community organizations, YEPW continues to show that:

• Peace can be practiced through everyday actions.

• Environmental care strengthens community well-being.

• Youth leadership can influence government and civic decision-making.

Across India, YEPW is planting seeds of peace—one university, one community, and one ten-minute action at a time.

Source: https://vo.la/lBFCelQ