“A Change Is Brought About Because Ordinary People Do Extraordinary Things.”- Damini Kain

Want to become a writer at Eat My News? Here is an opportunity to join the Board of Young Leaders Program by Eat My News. Click here to know more: ​ bit.ly/boardofyoungleaders

1. Tell us about you and your life?

I'm Damni, a student activist. I'm currently pursuing Masters in Political Science from Hindu College, Delhi University.

2. What led you into social activism?

In times when we are seeing democracy dying every single day, hyper nationalism taking charge over constitutionalism and dissent being criminalized, I think one cannot stay silent. It is exactly this which drove me towards social activism.

3. What is that one cause you care deeply about and why?

This is a tough question , but if I have to choose then it is "Justice" which transcends issues of caste, class, gender, race and a plethora of factors that make the society unequal.

4. If one wants to contribute and make a difference in social causes, how can one do it?

Begin by talking about things that are deliberately hidden. Break the 'normalization' of injustice. Empathise and engage in difficult conversations. Read and spread awareness. In a nutshell, do what Dr. Ambedkar once said, "Educate, Agitate and Organise".

5. Who is your role model and why?

Every single person who defends the Constitution against Manusmriti is a role model for me. I learn from them and their articulation. They inspire me to keep the struggle on.

6.Your opinion about social media activism?

Activism in all forms should be appreciated but not limited. Our consequences develop meanings only when placed in contexts. For instance, amidst a lockdown due to  pandemic, social media is the only way to protest. Hence, one should go with it. Both groundwork and social media are important. Social media can be a great place to disseminate information within seconds. But the information should actualise on ground aswell.

7. Tell us more about your role an responsibility at your college?

My college time, specifically while doing Masters has been one of the most adventurous and lively periods of my life since I contested for the President in one of the biggest university elections. Things were challenging especially  when student politics at DU have been extremely hyper-masculine, male dominated, caste and class based. But, a rational and sensitive mind can challenge such discourses which essentialises politics as a "dirty-game". Politics for me has been freedom and we have ro reclaim our socio-political spaces.

8. How can we encourage more young students such as yourself to take up leadership role?

Each of us is a leader. We're thinking humans. We've led some or the other situation at some point of our time. The youth should be one of the most fearless and pro-active section of people. This is the time to push our boundaries and dare to do things.

9. What have been your biggest challenges and learning from what you do?

For a dissenting voice, the biggest challenge is a state which wants to curb one's freedom of expression, which forgets that there is a difference in being critical of government and being against the state.

Something that I've learnt all this while is to keep the resistance on. One has to keep asserting principles of freedom, equality and social justice. My experience has taught me that resistance is a long process and it should never die.

10. What are your career goals and how is what you are doing is going to help you with that?

My aim to become a Professor includes being in a space which is democratic enough for free debate, discussion and debate. The society which I envisage is very much required for engaging in teaching where education is not just technical but sensitises us towards our society. Monitoring and surveillance restricts the very purpose of education. A free and open society is a must for a meaningful learning process.

11. What's your message to encourage students to do internships and attend conferences?

Students should not hesitate from engaging in activities which heals them and helps in their personality development. But overtime, the rat race has grown out of proportion hence increasing the stress. Conferences and internships shouldn't be done out of pressure due to high competition. It should be done out of interest.

Moreover, in the garb of 'experience' , certain companies do not pay students for internship. I would like to say that unpaid internship is an exploitation of labour. No matter whatever experience you're getting through that but you're giving the company a product by devoting your labour, time and energy which should be monetarily compensated. The companies use your output for building their profits. 'Experience' alone is not a fair award. Hence one should engage in paid internships because your labour, hardwork, time and energy spent matter.Conferences should be attended as they increase our zone of expertise knowledge.

Damini Kain

Interviewed by- Priyanshi Arora