From Ten Books to 600 Officers: How YASED Transformed a Marginalised Community Through Education

 

YASED – Youth Association for Social and Educational Development was established in 1994 in Arur Ambedkar Nagar, born out of a powerful vision to uplift and empower marginalized communities through the tool of education. At a time when basic resources like land ownership were denied to these communities, education emerged as the only viable path to liberation and socio-economic improvement. Recognizing this urgent need, a group of 10 passionate individuals came together to form YASED, driven by the dream of producing at least one government official or administrator from each household in the colony.

Starting with just ten people and a small collection of ten books, YASED began as a grassroots movement that believed in self-transformation through knowledge. Despite facing severe discrimination and societal stereotyping—often being mocked with questions like, “How could people from the colony know all this?”—the organisation persisted. Their resilience and commitment to education have resulted in the formation of over 600 government officials to date, transforming lives and reshaping the identity of an entire community.

Over the years, YASED expanded its reach beyond Arur Ambedkar Nagar by establishing satellite branches in nearby villages. These branches serve as learning centres, encouraging children and young adults to read, reflect, and engage with revolutionary thoughts and the lives of icons such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Karl Marx, and Periyar. These efforts not only promoted literacy but also helped instil a sense of political awareness and self-respect among the youth.

In 2017, on April 14—the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar—YASED launched a renewed chapter in its journey, titled YASED 2.0. This phase aimed to strengthen its educational mission with a more structured and dynamic approach. Although activities were temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of the movement remained unshaken. Post-pandemic, YASED 2.0 re-emerged with greater force and focus, proving once again that a movement rooted in education and equality never truly rests—it only grows stronger with time.

Looking ahead, YASED envisions a future where the teachings of Buddha and Babasaheb Ambedkar are deeply embedded in the community’s conscience. Their goal is to develop Arur Nagar into “Bauddhabhoomi”—a land of enlightened thought and egalitarian values—and to construct a Buddha Vihar that will stand as a beacon of peace, learning, and resistance. YASED continues to prove that sustained effort, knowledge, and unity can break generations of oppression and create lasting change.