The induction program for Batch 2023-24 of SBI Youth for India Program, a flagship initiative of SBI Foundation, was held recently in Madurai. This year the 13-month rural development program has a diverse cohort of fellows who will work towards creating positive change in underserved communities across the nation 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. The cohort brings together 64% of Fellows who have wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to tackle rural development challenges.
Collaborating with 14 NGOs this year to work on development projects in rural areas, the fellowship program enables urban Indian youth to make a significant impact at the grassroots level. Witnessing a pan-India talent pool, the Fellows hail from different regions of India for this year’s Youth for India program, with 18.2% from Southern India, 36.4% from Northern & Central India, 24.2% from Eastern & North-Eastern India, and 21.2% from Western India.
Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, commenting on the program’s achievements over the past decade said, “Over the past decade, the Youth for India Fellowship has empowered more than 520 change-makers, working in over 200 villages across 20 Indian states and Union Territories, touching the lives of almost 1 lakh community members. Many of our alumni have become successful entrepreneurs or pursued higher studies at prestigious institutions globally.” He added: “We welcome the Batch 2023-24 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.”
The orientation program for the August Cohort of SBI YFI 2023-24 Batch is being held from August 7th to August 15th at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, hosted at the DHAN Academy Campus by partner NGO, DHAN Foundation. During this intensive week-long orientation program, the new Fellows will be familiarized with the development sector and rural work culture, preparing them for their impactful fellowship journey in the coming year fostering positive social change.
Chandra Mohan B, Principal Secretary said, “With the completion of 10 batches, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship programme has emerged as one of the most prestigious programs for nurturing development professionals in the country. It selects talented and passionate young professionals from multiple sectors and takes them on an immersive journey that involves attachments with some of the best grass root NGOs in the country. In this process they not only transform themselves but also evolve as agents of transformation and change for the communities and people around them.”
