The scene at the work room in the YUVA Centre in Kharghar, New Bombay, reminds us of a heated college classroom debate in progress. A group of 34 young students are animatedly discussing a sensitive point that highlights the problems associated with poaching of endangered species in the forests. At the helm of affairs, the moderator steps in to soothe some frayed nerves…..

We are at the Liberty and Society Seminar and the pre-lunch session of the four day event is under way. The topic: 'Environment: The Tragedy of the Commons'. Dr. Parth Shah, President, Centre for Civil Society (CCS), is moderating the argument that has the audience, consisting of students aged 18 to 28 from institutions all over India, totally involved. The discussion then moves on to the problems associated with traffic congestion in the metros. Rohan, a strapping teenager from Damodar College, Madgaon, Goa, has some interesting ideas that promise to reduce the bottlenecks witnessed in the cities everyday, such as an efficient public transport system, which dissuades one from using his/her own vehicle and development of water transport for coastal cities like Bombay.

As the group disperses for a well deserved lunch, Parth reveals the agenda for the post-lunch session. 'Point Counterpoint', as it is called, breaks the ensemble into six groups. Three topics, namely: (a) globalization; (b) reservation in the private sector; and (c) necessity of censorship, are put forth and each group deliberates on the pros and the cons of the topic assigned, for a period of ten minutes. What follows is a thoroughly participative two hour session that invites feedback, discussion and even brickbats. Most importantly, it ensures total involvement and participation from all the participants.

The Liberty and Society Seminar (LSS) organized by the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is a four-day residential colloquium that aims to provide college students and recent graduates a greater understanding of the society, economy and culture within the classical liberal framework, which emphasises limited government, rule of law, free trade and individual rights. The format of the LSS is interactive with discussions, working groups, documentary videos and field trips.

Held during the last week of November 2004, this LSS was the fifth of a series of six such events planned during 2004, for which CCS invites applications from major educational institutions across India. Till December 2004, 31 such programmes, anchored by leading academics and practitioners, have been attended by over 1,200 students. The positive response generated is reflected in an active LSS e-group and involvement in other programmes of CCS, including setting up of 'Friends of Freedom' clubs in respective colleges / cities.

The LSS in New Bombay saw 34 students from colleges in Madgaon, Pune, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Trichy and Bombay, amongst other places, collaborate over several interactive sessions. This motley group studied in diverse streams such as Science (3), Arts (7), Commerce (7), Law (7), Management (5) and Engineering (4) and saw the LSS as a valuable tool to augment their critical thinking and exposure to ideas and concepts of civil society. The plethora of topics being discussed have kindled quite a few of them towards considering careers in the non-profit sector, thus fulfilling CCS's broad aim of improving the quality of life for citizens of India by reviving and reinvigorating civil society.

Recognising the importance of investment in human resources, the Trust has focussed its grant making efforts on attracting young people to join the development sector through fellowships and training support. This together with a recognition that most urban youth, who are decision makers of tomorrow, are increasingly removed from the context of poverty, deprivation and their role in civil society. The Trust has supported CSS since March 2003, with a view of encouraging youth participation in civil society through their well designed programmes for college students and those in schools of journalism and media, as part of its Youth and Civil Society Initiative.