Hyderabad|India|November'2010: Hyderabad based youth NGO Passionate Foundation, founded and run by the youth to involve their peers in community service and social responsibility launched ‘Wake up Hyderabad’ campaign to celebrate the International Year of Youth of the United Nations here in Hyderabad today. The campaign was launched by the Chief Guest Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of AP Legislative Assembly Mr. Nadendla Manohar, along with Padmashri Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, Renowned Dancer and Choreographer;Mr. Ramesh Jackson, GM - Marriott Hyderabad and several youth achievers and youth icons graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nadendla Manohar said that the youth are the future. They must learn to become global citizens. He told youth to get into Politics. It is a misnomer that to get into politics you need money and muscle power. Without them also so many made into politics. There is always a place to start. A good way to get into politics is to start from villages, he said.

He further added that more youth need to be encouraged to get into community service. Right to Information (RTI) is one way for more youth to get involved in welfare activities. Unlike many nations, 65% of Indian population is youth, so he urged more youth to get into social projects and make a difference to themselves and to the society.

Padmashri Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, famous dancer speaking on the occasion said that youth of today are far more proactive to welfare of the society than before. Our youth are on par with the best in the world. If given a chance, they can do wonders, she said.

Mr. D. Ramchandram, advisor to Passionate Foundation also spoke on the occasion. He spoke on how this year is important to youth. Despite of many youth organisations such as LEOs, Rotaract, Junior Jaycees, AIESEC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendras, etc., the visibility of youth community projects is negligible. When youth power is channelised, our nation will be the best nation. The International Year of Youth is a renewed commitment, the year presents an opportunity to raise awareness, he said.

Wake up Hyderabad is a campaign to involve the youth into community service and decision making. 65% of Indian population is below the age of 35 and what the youth think and do will have great impact on the nation in years to come. This is an effort to harness the power of youth for a better tomorrow, informed 19-year-old student and young achiever Mr. Chaitanya MRSK, Founder Secretary - Passionate Foundation.

The year long activities in the Wake Up Hyderabad campaign include – * Representation to the Hon. Speaker to involve youth at the committee meetings of the A.P. Legislative Assembly, * Youth Evening – to Honour youth achievers and youth icons, * District level talks and conferences, * City stand up events and an * International Youth Conference in August 2011.

The International Year of Youth proclaimed by the United Nations is an effort to harness the energy, imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming the challenges facing humankind, from enhancing peace to boosting economic development.