 Agencies
JAIPUR, Aug 6: SBI Foundation proudly announces the induction of the 12th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program. The inauguration ceremony, held at Barefoot College-SWRC in Tilonia, Rajasthan, marked the beginning of a 13-month journey for a diverse and passionate cohort of Fellows. These individuals are dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities across India.
The orientation program was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, alongside Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College-SWRC, Ms. Norti Bai, a Community Leader, Ms. Bhawana Luthra, Executive Director of LEAD India, and Mr. Gyan Prakash, Program Head of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. The event was graced by many prominent social sector experts and grassroots leaders.
This year, the Youth for India Fellowship welcomes 51 Fellows for its August cohort, with a notable 52% representation of women. The cohort also features a diverse geographical representation: 29% from East & Northeast India, 12% from the South, 40% from North & Central India, and 19% from Western India. Impressively, 69% of the cohort comprises working professionals, bringing valuable experience and fresh perspectives to address rural development challenges.
Sanjay Prakash expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort, stating, "We welcome the August cohort of the 12th Batch of Youth for India Fellows with open arms. Their diversity, passion, and commitment to rural development will be the driving force behind transformative changes in the lives of rural communities." Reflecting on the program's impact, he noted, "Over the past decade, the Youth for India Fellowship has empowered more than 580 change-makers, working in over 250 villages across 20 Indian states and Union Territories, touching the lives of almost 1.5 lakh community members. Many of our alumni have become successful entrepreneurs or pursued higher studies at prestigious institutions globally."
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program, a flagship initiative of SBI Foundation, aligns with the organization's vision to improve the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged communities. This program connects young minds with rural communities, helping them understand their challenges and co-create sustainable solutions.
Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy highlighted the significance of the Fellowship, saying, "Over the course of eleven successful Batches, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has become one of the most esteemed programs for cultivating development professionals in our country. This Fellowship brings together talented and passionate young professionals from diverse sectors and embarks them on an immersive journey, partnering with some of the finest grassroots NGOs in India. Through this experience, our Fellows not only transform themselves but also become catalysts for change, driving transformation within the communities they serve."
The 12th Batch will collaborate with 13 NGOs on development projects in rural areas, working in thematic areas such as Health, Rural Livelihood, Food Security, Environmental Protection, Education, Water, Technology, Women's Empowerment, Self-Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Traditional Craft, and Alternate Energy. This initiative aims to provide educated human resources to catalyze rural development and secure an equitable and sustainable growth path for India. |
