'Campus Ambassador program' launched for youngsters

To train youths in collecting safety-related data and actively report law violations, 'Campus Ambassador program' was today launched here by US Ambassador to India Richard Verma.
"Introduction of innovative practical solutions is important to address the global concern for women safety," Verma said at the launch while endorsing an app called 'safetipin' using which people can rate safety of a place after dark and report unsafe activities to the police.
"Globalisation, technological advances, and the spread of social networking offer new opportunities for youth to connect and become active participants in finding solutions to the world's toughest development challenges," Verma said.

These kinds of initiatives and practical solutions are a huge part of what we (USA) do and what we stand for. With programmes such as this, we will be ambassadors of not just our countries but also such causes, he added.
Activist Kamla Bhasin said that modern India and people should do away with "outdated" dogmas and traditions that challenge the rights of women as Indian citizens and as human beings.
"Culture is created by societies; it is not God-made. And it is created in a certain context and if that context no more exists or if the culture is not relevant to the current times, it should be done away with," Bhasin said.

During the programme, women who have done extraordinary works for society in various fields including governance, corporate world and sports were awarded.
High commissioner of Canada to India, Nadir Patel, also drew from his personal experience to underscore the need for women empowerment and extended his and Canada's support to the programme.