Neuroscience reveals that the younger generation possesses a remarkable capacity for divergent thinking, creativity and risk-taking—qualities that enable them to innovate and reimagine solutions (https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2020/07/2020-World-Youth-Report-FULL-FINAL.pdf) for societal challenges. These qualities make the youth ideal candidates for entrepreneurship, particularly in tackling societal challenges through innovative solutions
Yet, despite these strengths, only 17% of social enterprises globally survive beyond three years, as noted by the Failure Institute in 2018. This glaring statistic underscores a deeper systemic issue: while youth are often regarded as the torchbearers of nation-building, the “wicked challenges” they strive to solve—from climate change to social equity—are inherently complex, intersectional and require deep, transformative approaches at a population scale.
This paradox is evident in India, a nation with the world’s largest youth population, where the demographic dividend remains largely untapped. Structural barriers—ranging from inadequate support systems to the lack of nurturing spaces & role models for young leaders—impede their ability to thrive as social entrepreneurs. In India, these challenges are further compounded by hierarchical and patriarchal mindsets that undermine youth agency.
This is where entities like the vartaLeap coalition and ComMutiny-The Youth Collective step in, with a mission to make youth-centric development mainstream by creating ecosystems that empower young changemakers. This is done by promoting intergenerational collaboration and creating judgment-free spaces where young leaders can experiment, fail and learn—turning setbacks into “nuggets of wisdom.”
Tackling Wicked Challenges: How its being Done
One of the most compelling examples of this ethos in action is the Beyond Right and Wrong – Climate Action Championship, a platform that uniquely blends mentorship, grassroots innovation and actionable feedback to amplify youth-led ideas. With over 120 climate action pitches submitted by youth intrapreneurs from grassroots organizations, the championship exemplifies how young minds can tackle the “wicked challenges” of our times—issues that are deeply entrenched, multi-dimensional and require innovative solutions.
Teams representing grassroots organizations receive mentorship from diverse stakeholders, including CSO leaders, media professionals, educators, policymakers and donors. Through dialogue based events, these stakeholders don the hats of coaches and allies, providing critical feedback and resources to refine the pitches. The championship’s inclusive approach ensures that even teams that do not advance gain valuable insights to strengthen their initiatives. The collective mantra through 50+ online and in person events has been, ‘we want young people to succeed!’
Beyond Right & Wrong: A New Paradigm
While individual mentors and allies can be invaluable, the success of youth-led social entrepreneurship requires a systemic approach. This involves breaking down barriers to youth leadership and creating supportive ecosystems, including non-hierarchical collaboration, tailored financial support, mentorship, skills training, and enabling policies.
Inspired by Rumi’s timeless words, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there,” the Beyond Right & Wrong initiative reimagines youth leadership as a space free from judgment. It challenges traditional hierarchies and celebrates the organic energy of young people to drive change.
Beyond Right and Wrong is not just a campaign, event or movement, it is a call to action and an invitation to become a youth ally. It reminds us that youth leadership is not a solitary endeavor; it’s a collective responsibility.
