Madurai, August 08, 2023. The SBI Foundation has announced the induction of Batch 2023-24 into the prestigious SBI Youth for India Program. With a duration of 13 months, this rural development journey is set to bring about transformative change in underserved communities across the nation. The program's 11th Batch is a vibrant assembly of diverse and passionate fellows, all dedicated to driving positive impact.
The Fellowship, a flagship initiative of the SBI Foundation, embodies the organization's vision of enhancing the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged individuals. Through this initiative, young minds from across India engage with rural communities, gaining profound insights into their challenges and collaborating to create sustainable solutions.
This year's batch consists of an impressive lineup of fellows, representing a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise. The group will work alongside rural communities in a range of crucial 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 14 NGOs this year, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program empowers urban Indian youth to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. By channelling educated human resources into rural development, the program paves the way for equitable and sustainable growth. Over the past decade, this initiative has touched the lives of over 100,000 individuals across 20 states, leaving a lasting legacy of positive transformation.
Diversity takes centre stage as the 2023-24 cohort of Fellows originates from various corners of India. This year's talent pool comprises 18.2% from Southern India, 36.4% from Northern & Central India, 24.2% from Eastern & North-Eastern India, and 21.2% from Western India. Such a widespread representation underscores the program's national impact.
Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, expressed "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." Sharing the program's achievements over the past decade, Mr Prakash stated, "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."
Encouraging the youth chief guest Dr. Chandra Mohan B, Principal Secretary, Tamil Nadu Cadre, Govt. of India 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.”
M. P Vasimalai, Founder & ED, DHAN Foundation shared his views and said, “All fellows should ask question ‘Who are you? / Who am I?’ Everyone should internalise this and find the answer for this question and have clarity on the ‘purpose of Life’. He mentioned that through this fellowship all of you ‘Explore’ and ‘Learn’ from the community and finally become a ‘Contributor’ & serve the poor. He shared the Philosophy of DHAN Collective where community is placed at the centre and all its interventions are worked towards it. As fellows / Development worker, we always have to work as an ‘Enabler’ and not as charity. We have to enable the community to be Self-Sufficient and Sustainable as their own.
The much-anticipated orientation program for the August Cohort of SBI YFI 2023-24 Batch is scheduled to take place from August 7th to August 15th. The picturesque city of Madurai, nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, will host the orientation at the esteemed DHAN Academy Campus. Guided by our partner NGO, the DHAN Foundation, this intensive week-long experience will acclimate the new Fellows to the intricacies of the development sector and rural work culture. As they embark on their fellowship journey, these emerging change-makers are poised to catalyze positive social change, creating a brighter future for all.
