SBI Foundation's Youth for India Fellowship Program Welcomes 12th Batch

Mumbai, Aug 05: SBI Foundation proudly announces the induction of the 12th Batch of SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program. The inauguration held at Barefoot College-SWRC, Tilonia, Rajasthan, marks the beginning of a 13-month rural development journey for a diverse and passionate cohort of Fellows dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities across the country. The orientation program was inaugurated by Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College- SWRC, Norti Bai, Community Leader, Ms. Bhawana Luthra, Executive Director, LEAD India, Gyan Prakash, Program Head, SBI Youth for India Fellowship and many other prominent social sector experts, and grassroots leaders.

Youth for India welcomes the upcoming Batch of Fellows for its August and October Cohorts. 51 Fellows have joined the August cohort. Women mark a significant 52% in this cohort intake over men at 48% men who hail from various parts of the country. East & NE Zone stands at 29%, South at 12%, North & Central India at 40%, and Western India at 19% making it a diverse pool of self-motivated people with a common objective to drive change at the grassroots. This year, 69% of the cohort comprises working professionals, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to tackle rural development challenges.

Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, expressed, "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." 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 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 SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program, a flagship initiative of SBI Foundation, aligns with the organization's vision to improve the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged members of society. Through this program, India's young minds connect with rural communities, understand their challenges and work together to co-create sustainable solutions.

Speaking at the event, Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College- SWRC, said, "Over the course of eleven successful 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, 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."

Along with Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Norti Bai, Community Leader from Harmara, Ajmer, Rajasthan & Ramnivas, Communication Head Barefoot College- SWRC will be welcoming the 12th Batch for their Orientation.

Collaborating with 13 NGOs this year to work on development projects in rural areas, the Fellowship program provides educated human resources to catalyze rural development and secure an equitable and sustainable growth path for India

Witnessing a pan-India talent pool, the Fellows represent a powerful blend of perspectives and insights. Over the course of the next 13 months, these Fellows will work with rural communities in 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.