Masihuzzaman Ansari, newly elected Chairman of National Federation of Youth Movement (NFYM), spoke in detail with Mohd Naushad Khan about his vision for youth in order to empower them for a better tomorrow.
You have been elected as Chairman of National Federation of Youth Movement (NFYM). How do you view this new responsibility?
NFYM is a youth organisation founded by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in 2023. Its goal is to address the issues facing young people, guide them properly, and help them move in a positive direction. In a diverse society like India, being chosen as the chairman of such a federation is certainly a challenge, but it’s also filled with opportunities and hope. I see this role as a significant opportunity to work for youth-related issues. As a young person myself, getting a chance to work for the youth and to understand India’s diversity through their perspectives is truly an honour for me.
You mentioned that India is a diverse society. In that context, how easy or difficult will it be for you to lead a national-level organisation? Do you have prior experience in similar organisations?
In a diverse society, the process of learning and understanding is constant. The more inclusive a person becomes, the more they must learn. As for experience, I’ve served as the National Secretary of the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), which is the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
I’ve also held various positions at both the state and national levels, including serving as the State Secretary and later the State President of SIO in Uttar Pradesh. These roles gave me the opportunity to understand not just Uttar Pradesh but also the broader context of North India. I’ve closely observed organisational methods and expansion strategies. So yes, I do bring experience from those roles, and I believe that experience will help me fulfil my responsibilities at NFYM.
In today’s socio-political ambience, what role do you see the Youth Federation playing?
India is a country with a large youth population, and the current thinking of this generation will shape the future of the nation. But the question is: what is the current mindset of the Indian youth? What direction are they heading in?
Today, political parties often mislead youth for their own short-term gains, using them to further their agendas. Instead of demanding their rights – such as employment or fair treatment – many young people get caught in the traps of these ideologies. NFYM aims to counter this opportunistic environment by promoting a harmonious society, encouraging mutual coexistence, and building a democratic and inclusive social fabric. The Federation can play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
What is the core objective behind the establishment of NFYM?
NFYM is a national platform of youth organisations operating at the state level across India. Its purpose is to organise young people around leadership, social responsibility, and constitutional values. The Federation aims to harness the creativity, innovation, and energy of the youth for nation-building. We believe youth are not just the future, but also a powerful force in shaping the present.
At a time when India has its largest youth population in history, NFYM is working to provide intellectual direction, leadership training, and organisational opportunities to mobilise youth for social change. Our goal is to create a shared vision among youth and bring about meaningful and impactful transformation through a federated structure.
We work in various fields – education, entrepreneurship, cultural expression, and socio-political participation – to support holistic youth development. We also seek to guide young people facing challenges such as addiction, negative thinking, family stress, and emotional disconnection, inspiring them to live purposeful lives and contribute positively to society.
NFYM is built on principles like personal integrity, mutual respect, adherence to collective decisions, lawful functioning, protection of human rights, and resolving conflicts through dialogue.
Ultimately, we aim to develop youth who are socially aware, responsible citizens – individuals who promote justice, peace, and harmony in society through their actions and leadership.
Why was there a need for a new Youth Federation? What is NFYM doing that existing youth organisations aren’t?
Necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s precisely the case with NFYM. There was indeed a clear need for a new youth federation. Many of the challenges young people face today are either ignored or inadequately addressed by existing youth organisations.
Currently, trust in democratic institutions is steadily being eroded, especially among the youth. Unemployment is rising, and young people are increasingly becoming directionless. Rather than being empowered with skill development, they are often manipulated by vested interests. Communal forces are diverting youth away from employment-focused activities and undermining constitutional values. Instead of being viewed as assets, young people are often seen as cheap labour.
There is a constant effort to diminish youth confidence, keeping them entangled in issues that hold no real promise for their future. NFYM seeks to reverse this trend – rebuilding trust in democracy, showing new paths of hope, providing skill-building opportunities for employment, and promoting harmony, peace, and brotherhood.
We want to transform the current narrative. In our vision, youth are not mere labourers; they are active participants in nation-building and witnesses to a progressive India.
As Chairman, where do you plan to take NFYM during your tenure? What goals have you set?
NFYM’s policies and programmes are decided by our Federal Committee, which will be convening soon. However, the Federation primarily focuses on four key areas: Community Development, Youth Culture, Youth Issues, and Socio-Political Issues.
Based on these four pillars, we will design our national programmes and initiatives. These will be implemented across the country through various campaigns and grassroots engagement activities aimed at reaching young people directly.
My commitment as Chairman is to ensure that these programmes are meaningful and action-oriented. We aim to cultivate leadership among youth, promote constitutional values, and build a stronger, more united society. The Federation’s mission is not limited to raising awareness – it’s about igniting action, encouraging critical thinking, and inspiring youth to become responsible, empowered, and empathetic citizens.
The NFYM is not just another organisation – it’s a vision for the future. In an era where youth are often pulled in different directions, NFYM seeks to provide clarity, purpose, and a collective voice. Its emphasis on social responsibility, democratic values, and inclusive leadership makes it a unique and timely initiative.
