25 th August 2023, Friday | FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi

FICCI CASCADE acknowledges the importance of involving the younger generation in our awareness initiatives against illicit trade practices and harnessing their influence to make a positive impact on society. By empowering and nurturing them, we can foster a generation that actively contributes to the country’s development and shapes a more promising future. FICCI CASCADE organizes zero evasion every year and strives to bolster awareness about the detrimental impacts of illicit trade on our economy, health and safety.

With an objective to sensitize the young minds on the need to work together to address the growing hazards posed by counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE organised a Youth Awareness Programme “Zero Evasion- Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling & Counterfeiting” on 25 th August at FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The competition was divided in three categories: Painting, Elocution and Jingle Writing. The programme saw an overwhelming response and participation from more than 600+ students from 70 leading schools in Delhi and NCR.

Students enthusiastically and passionately participated in the programme, demonstrating their commitment in taking every essential measure to combat illicit trade. The competition showcased a diverse range of ideas, creative expressions, talent, and content through speeches, artworks, and written submissions. The youth awareness program successfully served as a platform to engage more individuals, especially young people, in advancing its efforts to suppress illicit trade in India.

The competition was judged by Mr. PC Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs; Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi and Mr. P. K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE.

Mr P.C. Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs highlighted that being the consumers of tomorrow, school children will play a key role in shaping the future of trade, and therefore, it is necessary to help them understand the impact of smuggling and counterfeiting on the economy and development of the nation. Mr. Jha apprised that FICCI CASCADE has been working towards this goal and organizing competitions every year to create awareness and inspire students to lead a youth movement against this growing menace.

Mr. P. K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India mentioned that illegal trading not only impacts the present but also the future of our nation. It is imperative that the youth recognize the power they hold and navigate this challenge to shape a better tomorrow. By being vigilant consumers and responsible citizens, can refuse to support or engage in any form of illegal trade and build a society that thrives on ethical practices.

“Enlightening the younger generation is the key to eradicating the scourge of smuggling and counterfeiting. As tomorrow’s leaders, they have the capacity to mould a future free from these threats by embracing ethical choices and responsible citizenship”, said Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi

The winners in the competitions were as follows:

The competitions not only showcased the talents and innovative capabilities of the school students but also revealed their fervor to instigate a societal transformation by rejecting counterfeit products and refusing smuggled goods. The purpose of this youth awareness programme was to illuminate the issue and confront the mounting danger posed by illicit trade. The goal was to nurture a generation that is equipped to make informed decisions, support legitimate businesses, and contribute to the overall welfare of society