Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Commonwealth Youth Award which felicitates the young leader who contributes for transforming lives in their communities has selected Indian Young leader- Alina Alam as a finalist.
Alina Alam is among the 20 extraordinary young individuals from 18 countries announced as the finalists for the Commonwealth Youth Award this year. Alam is shortlisted for the Decent Work and Economic Growth category, is the founder of ‘Mitti Cafe’; which trains and employs persons with intellectual, physical and or psychiatric disabilities to work in inclusive kitchens and cafes in India.
The awards recognise outstanding Commonwealth young people whose projects transform lives in their communities and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As per the reports, last year more than 1000 entries from 43 Commonwealth countries were received, and the finalists were selected across each of the award’s regional categories following a rigorous judging process.
But this year the Commonwealth Youth Award has been expanded, including around five regional categories like- Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific. All the five regional winners will be felicitated, and out of five, one will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the year 2021 for its outstanding personality.
On 10th March, the top finalist’s announcement from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony, and the ceremony will be held through video conferencing due to the Covid-19 crises. This year’s ceremony will also recognise a select number of young people who have successfully addressed the pandemic’s challenges in their communities.
All 20 finalists will each receive a trophy, certificate and £1,000 to expand their projects’ impact. Each regional winner will receive £3,000, and the overall Pan-Commonwealth winner will take home a total of £5,000.
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