DELHI (India CSR): The SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank of India Group, has announced the launch of applications for the 13th Batch of the SBI Youth for India (YFI) Fellowship. This transformative 13-month program invites young, passionate individuals to work alongside rural communities and NGOs to create sustainable solutions for India’s most pressing development challenges.
A Platform for Young Leaders to Make a Difference
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a unique opportunity for graduates and young professionals aged 21-32 to step out of their comfort zones and immerse themselves in rural India. By collaborating with 13 reputed NGOs across the country, Fellows address critical issues such as education, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and environmental protection.
Open to Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and citizens of Bhutan and Nepal, the program is designed to empower youth to become catalysts for change. Applications can be submitted through the official website: http://apply.youthforindia.org.
Why the SBI YFI Fellowship Matters
The Fellowship is more than just a program—it’s a movement to bridge the gap between urban and rural India. Over the past 12 years, 640 Fellows have impacted over 1,50,000 lives across 250 villages in 20 states. By focusing on 12 thematic areas, including health, food security, and technology, the program ensures that Fellows address the root causes of rural challenges while fostering sustainable development.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO of SBI Foundation, said, “The SBI Youth for India Fellowship aligns with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by empowering youth to drive transformative change in rural India. Through this program, young leaders not only contribute to community development but also build their own leadership and problem-solving skills.”
Thematic Areas of Impact
Fellows work on one of the following 12 thematic areas during their 13-month journey:
- Health: Improving access to healthcare services.
- Rural Livelihoods: Enhancing income-generating opportunities.
- Food Security: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Environmental Protection: Addressing climate change and conservation.
- Education: Strengthening rural education systems.
- Water: Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.
- Technology: Leveraging tech for rural development.
- Women’s Empowerment: Supporting gender equality and economic independence.
- Self-Governance: Strengthening local governance systems.
- Social Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovative solutions to social problems.
- Traditional Crafts: Reviving and promoting indigenous crafts.
- Alternate Energy: Expanding access to renewable energy sources.
Success Stories: Alumni Making Waves
The Fellowship has produced inspiring alumni who continue to create impact long after completing the program. For instance:
- Siddharth Daga (YFI 2016-17 Batch), co-founder of NeoMotion, developed tech-enabled wheelchairs that earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Nupur Poharkar (YFI 2020-21 Batch) founded PIRUL Handicrafts, empowering women in Uttarakhand to turn pine waste into beautiful home decor products, removing 2,000 kg of pine waste and reducing forest fire risks.
Beyond the Fellowship: A Lifetime of Impact
The SBI YFI Fellowship doesn’t just end after 13 months—it’s a launchpad for lifelong careers in social impact. Over 70% of alumni have pursued meaningful careers in rural development, public policy, academia, and social entrepreneurship. Additionally, more than 100 alumni have gone on to pursue higher studies in development-related fields, including:
- Naman Bansal (YFI 2015-16 Batch), who earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Harvard University.
- Dadi Jaswanth (YFI 2016-17 Batch), who completed a Master of Science (MSc) from the University of Oxford.
How to Apply
Young individuals passionate about rural development and sustainable change are encouraged to apply for the 13th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. The application process is simple and accessible through the official website: http://apply.youthforindia.org.
You Learn: Shaping the Future of Rural India
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is more than a program—it’s a call to action for young leaders to step up and make a difference. By empowering youth to address rural challenges, the Fellowship is creating a ripple effect of positive change across India. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of impact, innovation, and inspiration, this is your chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.
(India CSR)
