Jaipur, Aug 5, 2024: The SBI Foundation has inducted the 12th Batch of SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program with this year’s August cohort featuring 52% women.
The inauguration ceremony held at Barefoot College-SWRC in Tilonia, Rajasthan marked the beginning of a 13-month journey for a diverse and passionate group of 51 Fellows dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities across India.
Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, warmly welcomed the new Fellows, emphasizing their role in driving transformative changes in rural communities. He reflected on the program’s success, stating, "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 August cohort, with women making up a significant majority, underscores the increasing role of women in leadership positions within the program. This diverse group of Fellows comes from various parts of the country, with representation from the East & Northeast (29%), South (12%), North & Central India (40%), and Western India (19%). Additionally, 69% of the cohort comprises working professionals, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to tackle rural development challenges.
Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College-SWRC, highlighted the fellowship’s impact, stating, "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 SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program, a flagship initiative of the SBI Foundation, aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged communities. Over the next 13 months, the Fellows will work on various thematic areas, including Health, Rural Livelihood, Food Security, Environmental Protection, Education, Water, Technology, Women’s Empowerment, Self-Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Traditional Craft, and Alternate Energy.
Collaborating with 13 NGOs this year, the Fellowship program continues to provide educated human resources to catalyze rural development and ensure equitable and sustainable growth for India. The new batch of Fellows represents a powerful blend of perspectives and insights, poised to make a significant impact in rural communities across the country.
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