Crystal, a joint initiative organized by the International Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Ruhuna, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Bicholim (India) and the Rotaract Club of Barueri Conexão Castelo Branco (Brazil), was an empowering cross-border session focused on raising awareness about corruption and human rights. The project commenced on the 9th of February and culminated in a dynamic virtual session held on the 18th of May, 2025 via Zoom.
This impactful initiative brought together around 60 participants from Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil in a thought-provoking virtual space that explored the pressing issues of corruption, justice, and civic responsibility. The session featured three insightful speakers: Ms. Irangi Bogahawatte, an Attorney-at-Law, Notary Public, Company Secretary, Commissioner for Oaths, and Intellectual Property Agent from Sri Lanka; Ms. Beatriz Amparo, a former Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Intern at the United Nations Global Compact in Brazil and currently pursuing an MBA in Diversity and Inclusion; and Adv. Siddhant Ramakant Shetye, a Gold Medalist in Law and an Advocate at the High Court of Bombay at Goa, from India.
The session began with a 10-minute introduction to the themes: The Role of Human Rights in Building a Just and Corruption-Free Society and Youth Against Corruption: Defending Rights, Demanding Change by Ms. Irangi Bogahawatte. It was followed by a panel discussion based on these themes, where four previously prepared questions were directed to each speaker, totaling twelve questions. The session also featured an open discussion segment that encouraged participants to reflect critically, share their views, and challenge existing norms through constructive dialogue. With an emphasis on inclusivity, integrity, and accountability, Crystal became a powerful platform for learning, global exchange, and collective action toward a fairer and more just society.
Crystal contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals by creating a platform that empowered individuals from diverse backgrounds to voice their perspectives on corruption and injustice, while promoting inclusive dialogue that transcended social, economic, and political barriers. By encouraging open discussion and raising awareness, it aimed to challenge discriminatory practices and inspire action toward a more equitable future. The project also emphasized the importance of strengthening ethical governance by shedding light on issues of bribery and systemic misconduct, while promoting access to accurate information and freedom of expression. In doing so, Crystal contributed to building a culture of integrity and accountability. Furthermore, through meaningful international collaboration and the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and innovative solutions, Crystal bridged global partnerships that enriched its impact. By advocating for responsible practices and inclusive engagement, the project became a catalyst for sustainable, people-centered progress.
Crystal also contributed to the Rotary Focus Areas by serving as a transformative initiative that fostered awareness, ethical responsibility, and active citizenship by addressing the root causes of injustice and corruption. Through open forums, cross-border collaboration, and youth-led discussions, it encouraged critical thinking and civic engagement, equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to challenge unethical practices within their communities. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and promoting values of accountability and transparency, the project helped strengthen social harmony and mutual respect. Furthermore, it empowered communities by nurturing informed individuals capable of driving positive change and contributing meaningfully to a more just and inclusive society.
Project Crystal was a thought-provoking initiative that delved into the intersections of human rights, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption, providing a dynamic space for learning, critical discourse, and cross-cultural exchange. Designed to spotlight the voices of young change makers across borders, the event brought together three passionate speakers from India, Brazil, and Sri Lanka to explore the complex realities of injustice and systemic misconduct through a global lens. Centered around two core themes, The Role of Human Rights in Building a Just and Corruption-Free Society and Youth Against Corruption: Defending Rights, Demanding Change the session was structured around twelve carefully curated questions that sparked meaningful dialogue and deep reflections. These questions invited speakers to unpack how corruption undermines fundamental rights, highlight youth-driven initiatives for change, and discuss the transformative role of education, policy, and digital activism in combating unethical practices.
Through these diverse perspectives, participants gained valuable insights into the power of human rights protections, the importance of civic responsibility, and the potential of youth-led innovation to challenge deeply rooted injustices. A vibrant discussion followed, where participants engaged directly with the speakers, enriching the experience with personal queries and reflections. By merging intellectual depth with real-world relevance, Crystal served as a catalyst for awakening a sense of global solidarity, encouraging participants to envision and build a more just, inclusive, and ethically grounded future.
Crystal successfully served as a global platform where legal minds and youth leaders from Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil came together to engage in thought-provoking conversations on human rights, justice, and anti-corruption laws. These cross-cultural legal dialogues offered participants a rare opportunity to compare diverse judicial approaches, understand region-specific legal challenges, and identify common global patterns. By bridging legal narratives from different continents, Crystal created an inclusive environment that encouraged curiosity, empathy, and global-mindedness among youth.
One of the defining features of Crystal was its ability to demystify complex legal and human rights concepts for a general audience. Through the speakers’ articulate presentations, the event highlighted the significance of international human rights frameworks and anti-corruption laws in everyday life. Participants were guided to understand not only what their rights are but also how to recognize violations, seek justice, and responsibly contribute to a fairer society. The session ignited a shift from passive awareness to active citizenship, making legal knowledge more personal and relevant.
Crystal was designed to be a two-way conversation rather than a passive lecture. The interactive Q&A session allowed the organizers to pose 12 meaningful and deeply relevant questions, which prompted reflective, context-rich responses from the speakers. These exchanges sparked intellectual engagement among participants, many of whom expressed their thoughts in the chat and polls. This dynamic encouraged not just listening, but learning through dialogue, making participants feel heard, validated, and inspired to think critically about justice in their own communities.
Crystal beautifully embodied the spirit of international fellowship by bringing together three Rotaract Clubs from different countries: Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil. Through collaborative planning, shared responsibilities, and cultural exchange, the project exemplified how Rotaractors can transcend borders to work toward common goals. This collaboration didn’t just serve the event; it created new friendships, promoted intercultural understanding, and set the foundation for continued partnerships rooted in service, justice, and peace.
From the very beginning, Crystal harnessed the power of digital media to broaden its reach and impact. Eye-catching teaser videos, informative speaker highlights, and thought-provoking posts were consistently shared across platforms, igniting curiosity and encouraging digital participation. Even after the live session concluded, post-event reels and summaries continued to engage audiences, turning Crystal into more than just a one-time event—it became a digital movement that encouraged conversations on corruption and human rights across global youth networks.
To ground theoretical knowledge in real world relevance, the event placed strong emphasis on lived experiences and case studies presented by the speakers. These included stories of legal reform, community activism, and challenges faced in fighting corruption and protecting rights in their home countries. By presenting these real-life examples, Crystal made the abstract tangible, inspiring participants to see that change is possible and that they, too, can be part of it through awareness, action, and resilience.
Crystal fostered a deep introspection on the role of individual ethics in shaping just societies. Through compelling conversations around anti-corruption, justice, and youth responsibility, the event encouraged participants to reevaluate their own values and decision-making. By emphasizing that true change begins with everyday choices and the courage to speak out against injustice, Crystal helped plant the seeds of a culture where transparency, honesty, and moral courage are not just ideals but expectations that guide collective behavior across communities.
Crystal went beyond being a single event—it was a catalyst for long-lasting international collaboration. By connecting Rotaract clubs from Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil, the project created a foundation for a diverse, inclusive, and sustained global alliance. This network now holds the potential to facilitate future joint ventures, knowledge-sharing platforms, and legal literacy campaigns, while also offering a support system where young change makers from different countries can lean on one another in the pursuit of justice and equity.
One of Crystal’s most powerful outcomes was the space it offered for young people to realize their agency. By exposing participants to real world legal challenges and giving them access to global experts, the project nurtured confidence, curiosity, and a hunger for impact. The youth who joined were not passive listeners—they were invited to lead, to challenge systems, and to imagine themselves as advocates, educators, and reformers. Crystal didn’t just inform minds; it empowered hearts to take action for the greater good.
Rather than simply imparting information, Crystal sparked a lasting commitment to lifelong learning. With discussions that broke down complex legal and institutional topics into relatable, relevant narratives, the event made legal awareness accessible to all regardless of academic background. Participants left with not just knowledge, but a drive to stay informed, ask difficult questions, and share what they’d learned with others in their communities. In this way, Crystal became a launchpad for a generation committed to understanding and upholding their legal and civic responsibilities.
Though not directly focused on legislation, Crystal played a foundational role in inspiring policy-minded thinking. By showcasing the real life implications of laws and the gaps that still persist, it illuminated how even informal dialogues can spark momentum for reform. The conversations encouraged youth to engage with governance critically and constructively, fueling a sense of responsibility to advocate for structural change, whether by influencing community leaders, participating in civic processes, or initiating grassroots movements that could one day evolve into policy impact.
Crystal’s most far-reaching achievement was its success in creating a unified global voice for justice. By bringing together speakers and participants from across South Asia and Latin America, the project became a testament to the universality of human rights. It reminded attendees that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that solidarity across languages, borders, and backgrounds is the most powerful tool against oppression. Through this shared platform, Crystal helped cultivate a generation ready to defend human dignity and uphold the ideals of justice, equality, and freedom for all.
