MSBEF’s “Gen Next” Convention: Where Youth Meets Movement

Image: Delegates and office bearers attending the event.

A Tribute Rooted in Legacy
In a moment of deep respect, the convention hall was named after former General Secretary P. K. Menon, marking his centenary year. The gesture symbolised the Federation’s ethos of remembering its roots while nurturing its next generation.

The inaugural session was graced by noted film director and writer Shri. Varrun Sukhraj, who set a reflective tone with a compelling address on the threats to creative freedom in today’s India.

Image: Film director Varrun Sukhraj being felicitated and addressing the youth. 

His words served as a mirror to the times, reminding the gathering that the right to express, dissent, and question lies at the heart of any democratic movement be it artistic or trade unionist.

Youth at the Core of the Dialogue
Deepak Mane, Chairman of the Youth Council, delivered the Presidential Address, highlighting the transformative role of young employees within unions. He called upon delegates to redefine participation not as a formality, but as a responsibility to safeguard workers’ rights in evolving times.

Image: Deepak Mane, Chairman of the Youth Council addressing the youth.

Sumith Nambiar, Convenor of the Youth Council, presented the Convenor’s Report, mapping the activities, challenges, and aspirations of the Federation’s young members. His presentation set the tone for two days of constructive deliberations, filled with enthusiasm and collective purpose.

Insight, Interaction, and Inspiration
The convention’s format went beyond speeches.

A live podcast with MSBEF General Secretary Devidas Tuljapurkar brought a refreshing, candid exchange on issues facing public sector banks ranging from staffing shortages to the future of collective bargaining in a tech-driven era.

Image: Live podcast with Devidas Tuljapurkar. 

An interactive quiz on service conditions added energy and engagement, while Vishal Thakkar, President of the Federal Bank Employees’ Union and AIBEA’s Social Media Convenor, shared valuable insights on how digital platforms can strengthen organisational outreach.

Image: Delegates addressing the audience. 

The presence of Nandkumar Chavan, President of MSBEF, and C. H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of AIBEA, added depth to the discussions.

Their addresses reiterated one message that the trade union movement’s continuity depends on the conviction, clarity, and courage of its youth.

Leadership with a Purpose
In his concluding remarks, Devidas Tuljapurkar made a heartfelt appeal to the youth to adopt a village and spread financial literacy linking unionism to social responsibility. His call underscored the broader mission of the movement: to serve not just employees, but the larger community.

The Federation also acknowledged Krishna Tiwari for designing the convention logo and digital presentation, and Abhay Kadam for his dedicated service to the trade union movement is a testament to MSBEF’s culture of recognising contribution at every level.

As the two-day event concluded with the National Anthem, there was a shared sense of pride and possibility.

Image: Office bearers and representatives attending the Youth Convention.

The “Gen Next” convention wasn’t just a youth gathering; it was a statement of continuity, conviction, and commitment, proof that the movement’s future is in capable hands.