Background

The measure of a healthy democracy is how well-informed and participative its citizens are towards the civil and political processes of the country. Therefore, the lifeblood of a healthy democracy is marked by free and open access to knowledge about people’s rights to ensure that each and every voice counts. Given that a vast number of people in our country are unaware of their civil and political rights, they are unable to address the different socioeconomic and political inequalities that afflict their lives. As such, people are unable to participate in governance models and are prevented from representing themselves or from bringing attention and aid to issues within their communities. Not only does it stifle their potential, but they remain excluded from the purview of justice, representation, and progress. 

This is unfortunate, especially considering how Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution outlines that every citizen possesses the freedom of speech and expression, in addition to having the right to know about the government, its roles and functions, and its methods of operation. In the absence of such civic and legal literacy, people remain stuck within cycles of poverty and marginalization. The situation is only worse for women, for whom gendered oppression intersects with their limited access to educational resources and employment opportunities, thereby further hindering their ability to participate actively in leadership and governance, owing to which they are unable to advocate for their rights, whether that is at the community level, or in their daily lives. 

This is why true empowerment is contingent on plugging these knowledge deficits that exist within our societies. END+ was founded with the vision to address these gaps by equipping young students with the tools and knowledge needed to understand as well as efficiently exercise their civic and sociopolitical rights, thereby targeting the root cause of civic disengagement, and contributing to the cause of shaping informed and active citizens. Such participation equips young individuals with the ability to have a fighting chance to bring about positive changes within their communities and to effectively hold accountable the authorities that are expected to provide those changes. It also prepares them for adult life by demystifying political processes and the government activities that affect their own lives, thereby strengthening the spirit of democracy at the grassroots.