Chennai, December 09, 2025: Ashok Leyland Foundation, in partnership with Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting micro-entrepreneurship among rural youth in Tamil Nadu. The programme prioritises semi-skilled, unemployed or underemployed young people, with a particular focus on women, tribal groups, and SC/ST communities who seek to build independent income sources.
Running from 2025 to 2028, the initiative aims to reach 4,500 youth through counselling and provide structured entrepreneurship training to 900 aspiring micro-entrepreneurs. Around 40% of the training cohort is expected to comprise women and SC/ST youth, underscoring the programme’s commitment to inclusive enterprise development.
The partnership seeks to reduce migration by creating viable livelihood opportunities within the state, strengthen local production and value creation, and build reliable income pathways for rural families. Participants will receive training in digital readiness, including cybersecurity, online payment modes and digital marketing, to support modern microenterprise growth.
Speaking on the collaboration, Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, Founding and Managing Trustee, Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, said,
“Rural youth have the drive and the capability to build strong enterprises when the right support is made available. This partnership reflects our belief that enterprise does not belong to cities alone. When young people start and grow businesses in their own communities, they strengthen the local economy and build confidence for others to follow. The collaboration with Ashok Leyland Foundation will help create a new set of young microentrepreneurs who are skilled and confident and need not look for jobs.”
Mr. T. Sasikumar, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland Foundation, said, “Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of skill, enterprise and community strength. Yet many young people in rural areas face gaps in guidance, networks, and access to credit. Our partnership responds to these needs in a focused and practical way. This programme supports the state’s vision of local job creation and strong value chains, ensuring young people do not migrate out of state in search of menial jobs, rather build local enterprises for wealth creation.”
The initiative is expected to enable the creation of new micro-enterprises, expand income sources and help reduce migration by empowering youth-led entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu’s rural communities.
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