Udayan Care

What makes someone a true leader? Is it vision? Decision-making? The ability to inspire? Or is it something quieter like the courage to listen, the discipline to reflect, and the humility to admit you’re still learning? As I sat with these questions, I realized how much leadership, for me, has always been more about being than doing. Titles, strategies, and systems matter. But the real test of leadership, especially in the social sector, lies in how we respond to complexity with clarity, compassion, and connection. In a moment of curiosity, I typed into ChatGPT: “Dear respected ChatGPT, what’s Dr. Kiran Modi’s leadership style?” The response made me smile. It described me as a transformational and empathetic leader someone driven by social impact, inclusivity, and resilience. I don’t claim to embody these perfectly but I strive toward them. And perhaps, in the striving, we shape what leadership truly means. 🌱 Rethinking leadership competencies There’s often a rush to define “leadershi...

  INTRODUCTION Care leavers refer to the youth who have transitioned out of care upon attaining 18 years of age after living in alternative care, primarily a Child Care Institution in India. Once they leave the childcare homes, they face several problems, including employability and workplace challenges. As has been evidenced by several studies and also emphasized in the Mission Vatsalya policy scheme of the Govt. of India, Aftercare is meant for all young persons who, during their childhood, have grown up in any form of Alternative Care and had to leave them upon attaining 18 years of age. This transition for a young person leaving the childcare setting and moving to independent living throws up various challenges and offers opportunities as they go through these situational and emotional changes. This transition period is delicate because if young persons remain unsupported during this time, opportunities available to them may be lost. Under this policy, state governments have to...

  Introduction Did you know that over 50% of Indian Youth today are facing challenges with their mental health ? [1] Research strongly supports that mental health issues have a significant impact on social and economic outcomes throughout life. The underprivileged youth are more susceptible to mental health issues because of disadvantaged upbringing, exposure, and thought processes. In most instances, the burden associated with common mental disorders rises in childhood and peaks in adolescence and early middle age (10-29). [2] Therefore, early intervention is necessary, but underprivileged youth lack sufficient resources and awareness. In this blog, we will explore the issue and understand the mental health challenges of underprivileged youth. Mental health and underprivileged youth There is no denying that mental health challenges impact people disproportionately. Underprivileged youth, as mentioned earlier, are more vulnerable, mainly due to their socioeconomic status. While...