Empowering Rural India: 12th Batch Of SBI Youth For India Fellows Announced

SBI Foundation has announced the induction of the 12th Batch of SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program. The inauguration took place at Barefoot College-SWRC, Tilonia, Rajasthan. This marks the start of a 13-month rural development journey for a diverse group of Fellows committed to making a positive impact in underserved communities across India.

The orientation event saw the presence of Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College-SWRC, Ms. Norti Bai, Community Leader, Ms. Bhawana Luthra, Executive Director, LEAD India, and Mr. Gyan Prakash, Program Head, SBI Youth for India Fellowship among other notable social sector experts and grassroots leaders.

Welcoming the New Cohort

Youth for India is excited to welcome its new batch of Fellows for the August and October cohorts. The August cohort includes 51 Fellows with women making up 52% and men 48%. These Fellows come from various regions: East & NE Zone (29%), South (12%), North & Central India (40%), and Western India (19%). This year’s cohort is particularly experienced with 69% being working professionals.

Mr. Sanjay Prakash expressed his enthusiasm saying, "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." He also highlighted past achievements stating that over 580+ change-makers have worked in more than 250 villages across 20 Indian states and Union Territories through this program.

Program's Vision and Impact

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program aligns with SBI Foundation's vision to enhance the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged communities. This initiative connects young minds with rural areas to understand their challenges and co-create sustainable solutions together.

Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy remarked on the program’s success over eleven 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." He emphasized how Fellows transform themselves while driving change within communities.

Collaborative Efforts

This year’s Fellowship program collaborates with 13 NGOs to work on various development projects in rural areas. The aim is to provide educated human resources to catalyze rural development ensuring equitable and sustainable growth for India.

The new batch will engage 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 over the next 13 months.

Ms. Norti Bai from Harmara, Ajmer along with Mr. Ramnivas from Barefoot College-SWRC will also be welcoming the new batch during their orientation.

This initiative showcases a powerful blend of perspectives as Fellows from across India come together to drive meaningful change at grassroots levels.