Cyclists to spread awareness about Yuva Spandana Kendras

MYSURU: Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and NIMHANS, which runs the Yuva Spandana Kendra (Youth Empowerment Services), have tied up with the Great Malnad Challenge - a 700 km cycling expedition from Mysuru to Guddekere near Shivamogga - to spread awareness on problems facing the youth in the state.
On Saturday, Mysuru MLA Vasu and deputy commissioner D Randeep flagged off the expedition at the Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple.
With more than 50 cyclists participating in the expedition, the youth department and Nimhans hope to increase knowledge among the people about the activities of the Yuva Spandana Kendra, which has helped close to 5,000 youths from across the state overcome their problems, ranging from depression to difficulties in their many relationships.
The centres are set up in all districts of the state by the government, with the aim to provide counsel to troubled youngsters. Well trained volunteers called Yuva Parivarthaks run these centres, which can be accessed by all youngsters aged between 15 and 35, who are suffering from depression or have problems managing their emotions, etc.
The programme aims at empowering youth through guidance, and provide them the necessary mental strength to deal with their troubles.
20% cases resolved
Dr Pradeep, of Nimhans Hospital in Bengaluru, said, that ore than 4,800 cases have been registered across the state in the Kendras, since their inception.
"The Kendra in Mysuru, established in April 2014, has regis tered 184 cases. Of these, most are related to education, career, and problems in relationships; it could be between a boyfriend and girlfriend, with their parents or in-laws, etc. Of the 184 cases, around 20% cases have been resolved. As many as 1,508 cases have been registered between April and August this year. With 259 cases, Chamrajnagar tops the list," he added.
Dr Pradeep added that youth empowerment and sports minister Pramod Madvaraj had played a vital role in involving the cycling expedition to help spread awareness on the Kendra.
Covering a distance of nearly 700km, the Great Malnad Challenge, starting at Mysuru, will see cyclists pedalling through the pristine Western Ghats, touching Kukke Subramanya, Kemmanagundi, Agumbe. It will end on October 22 at Guddekere near Shivamogga.