Instagram tie up with YLAC India for Counter Speech Fellowship in Kolkata

Instagram, in association with Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), launched its flagship youth program - the Counter Speech Fellowship. Coming to Kolkata for the second time in two years, the Fellowship is a part of Instagram’s efforts to be the safest and kindest platform for teens to express themselves, informed Tara Bedi, Public Policy and Community Outreach Manager, Instagram, India.

The Counter Speech Fellowship engages creative teens to use the power of visual storytelling to start meaningful conversations on issues that are important to young citizens around the world. The program is built around the idea of using arts for positive expression and advocacy, and is designed as an incubator for the future generation of leaders and activists. In 2019, the fellowship will be launched in Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad and will focus on six themes - bullying, diversity, mental well-being, body positivity, gender equality and sustainability, informed Rohit Kumar, Co-Founder, YLAC India.

The fellowship was launched in 2017 and expanded to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata in 2018. 180 teen leaders have graduated from the fellowship so far across these cities. All content will be posted on Instagram using the hashtag #CounterSpeechYLAC.