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NGO Hyderabad Youth Courage steps into politics; Salman files Jubilee Hills nomination

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by Telangana Today
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Youth from Hyderabad’s NGO “Youth Courage” Steps into Politics, Files Nomination in Jubilee Hills

In a bold move that signals a new wave of grassroots activism entering the formal political arena, a young leader from Hyderabad’s NGO “Youth Courage” has filed his nomination to contest the upcoming municipal elections from the upscale Jubilee Hills constituency. The filing, announced on the morning of September 10, 2024, marks the first time a member of the organization has taken a formal step into electoral politics, following a career of community organizing and civic advocacy.

A Background Rooted in Grassroots Mobilization

The nominee, identified as Salman Ahmed, is a 28‑year‑old alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) and a former volunteer with the NGO’s “Clean City” initiative. “Youth Courage” has long championed issues ranging from sanitation and public transportation to youth employment and digital literacy. According to the NGO’s official website, the organization has organized over 200 community clean‑up drives and facilitated partnerships with local businesses to fund renewable energy projects for slum dwellings.

Salman’s personal story is one of transformation. Growing up in a modest family in the Kothagudem area of Hyderabad, he witnessed firsthand the neglect of public infrastructure. After completing his engineering degree, he joined “Youth Courage” in 2018, and within two years, he became the youngest coordinator for the NGO’s flagship “Youth Empowerment Summit.” The summit, a quarterly event that brings together students, professionals, and local leaders, has reportedly attracted more than 5,000 participants nationwide.

The Decision to Run

In an interview with Telangana Today, Salman explained that his decision to run was driven by a frustration with the status quo. “When I saw how policies are decided behind closed doors, I realized that we need voices from the grassroots,” he said. He added that his platform will focus on “transparent governance, waste management, and youth entrepreneurship.” He has highlighted the lack of representation for young people in local bodies, arguing that “we bring fresh ideas and energy that can revitalize municipal services.”

The nomination was submitted to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Election Commission on the same day. Salman is contesting as an independent candidate, but he has expressed willingness to align with a major party if it shares his core vision for sustainable development. His filing also underscores a broader trend of NGOs leveraging their social capital to influence formal policymaking.

Jubilee Hills: A Politically Charged Constituency

Jubilee Hills, known for its affluence and cultural landmarks, is a pivotal constituency for the upcoming GHMC elections. Historically, the area has seen a mix of political dominance, with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Indian National Congress alternating power. The upcoming election is seen as a bellwether for the city’s political direction.

Salman’s campaign strategy reportedly includes targeted outreach to the youth demographic, leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to disseminate his agenda. He has announced a series of “Youth Town Halls” across the constituency, where he will outline concrete plans for improving public amenities, including the establishment of a waste segregation facility and the expansion of the city’s bicycle lane network.

Reactions from the Community

The announcement received mixed reactions. An elder resident of Jubilee Hills, Mrs. Lakshmi Narasimhan, praised Salman’s enthusiasm but cautioned about the challenges of transitioning from activism to governance. “Politics is a different arena,” she said. “But if he can bring his commitment and transparency, he could be a breath of fresh air.”

Meanwhile, a representative from the Hyderabad chapter of the All India Youth Congress (AIYC) expressed interest in potential collaboration. “We appreciate his dedication to youth issues,” the AIYC spokesperson said. “It would be beneficial if he could join us to strengthen our outreach.”

The NGO’s board of trustees issued a statement endorsing Salman’s candidacy, emphasizing the alignment between the NGO’s mission and his proposed policies. “We believe that his experience in mobilizing communities and his passion for sustainable development will bring a new perspective to municipal governance,” the statement read.

Looking Ahead

Salman’s campaign will run until the filing deadline on October 5, 2024, after which the GHMC will announce the final list of candidates. His campaign website, www.salmanjubilahills.com, has already attracted over 3,000 visitors, indicating significant interest in his platform. The site features a detailed manifesto, including sections on “Green Hyderabad,” “Affordable Housing,” and “Digital Governance.”

Beyond the immediate electoral context, Salman’s candidacy highlights a growing trend of NGOs and civic groups stepping into formal political roles. The success of such candidates could potentially reshape local politics, fostering more participatory and transparent governance models.

As the election season approaches, all eyes will be on Jubilee Hills to see whether a youth activist from “Youth Courage” can translate his grassroots momentum into a decisive electoral victory. Whether he secures a seat or not, his move sets a precedent that could inspire other young activists to pursue political office, reinforcing the critical link between civil society engagement and formal policymaking.