SBI Foundation celebrates the 12th batch of Youth for India fellowship

SBI Foundation recently held the valedictory ceremony for the 12th batch of the SBI Youth for India fellowship in Gurgaon. It marked the completion of a year-long journey by 70 passionate young changemakers who lived in rural communities to create sustainable, locally driven solutions to some of India's most pressing social challenges.

SBI Foundation: Impact of SBI youth for India fellowship

SBI youth for India fellowship has grown into one of the most respected youth development programs in the country. Over the years, it has reached out to over 200,000 lives spread across more than 250 villages in 21 states and 1 union territory, working in collaboration with 15 leading NGOs.

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With the graduation of the 2024-25 cohort, there are now more than 700 fellows in the global alumni network, and almost 70% of them continue to contribute to the social sector through entrepreneurship, policy, research, and community development.

The fellowship cuts across 12 thematic areas aligned with 10 UN sustainable development goals, including health, education, livelihoods, environment, and social entrepreneurship. The 2024–25 cohort was a diverse mix of graduates and postgraduates from various disciplines: arts, commerce, mathematics, and engineering.

SBI Foundation Youth for India Fellowship: Alumni

Nitesh Bhardwaj, Aadiwasi Janjagruti (Maharashtra), created a citizen-led media platform to help tribal communities benefit from various government schemes. Benefited over 2,500 families; he trained 60 tribal youth in digital communication and entrepreneurship. Another alumni, Ruchinilo Kemp, Kenono Foundation (Nagaland), is leading the efforts in biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism, which help strengthen local economies while preserving nature. Nishit Sangomla, Navikarana Trust, has provided access to renewable energy and clean water for remote Himalayan communities, improved livelihoods, and a better quality of life.

“Each Fellow of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship embodies hope, action, and meaningful impact. Fellowship goes beyond nurturing leaders — it cultivates changemakers who immerse themselves in rural communities to understand challenges firsthand and co-create sustainable solutions” says Sanjay Prakash, CEO, SBI Foundation.