GOA (India CSR): The SBI Foundation recently celebrated the valediction of the 11th batch of its SBI Youth for India Fellowship program in Panaji, Goa. Marking a 13-month journey for 53 young fellows, this batch had an impressive 60% female representation. As SBI Foundation’s flagship rural development initiative, the fellowship program has engaged over 580 young leaders who, upon completing the fellowship, often continue their careers in the social sector, aligning with national development priorities.
Expanding Healthcare in Rural Areas: Launch of ‘Sanjeevani’ Ambulance
During the event, SBI’s Deputy Managing Director (HR) & Chief Development Officer, Shri Binod Kumar Mishra, inaugurated a new healthcare initiative – the ‘Sanjeevani’ ambulance service under the SBI Foundation’s Gram Seva Project. This primary healthcare service aims to provide essential medical access to underserved rural areas. Shri Mishra expressed his hope that the fellows’ experiences in rural India will drive them to contribute towards nation-building.
Bridging the Gap Between Skilled Youth and Rural Communities
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship empowers young professionals to address critical rural issues across 12 thematic areas, including Health, Rural Livelihood, Education, Environmental Protection, Women’s Empowerment, and Technology. Fellows work in partnership with 13 leading NGOs to implement projects that address pressing local challenges. Shri Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, emphasized the fellowship’s impact, saying, “Our fellows are transforming rural India by making meaningful contributions and advancing the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Empowering Change Through Youth Leadership
SBI Foundation’s fellowship program has not only impacted over 150,000 lives across 250 villages in 20 states but also nurtured a new generation of leaders committed to social development. Approximately 70% of the program’s alumni have continued working in the development sector, many establishing impactful ventures. Notable alumni include Siddharth Daga, co-founder of NeoMotion, a tech-enabled wheelchair company featured on Shark Tank, and Shriti Pandey, founder of Strawcture, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for her sustainable building solutions.
Fostering Holistic Community Development
The Fellowship enables young change-makers to implement projects in sectors such as water management, traditional crafts, self-governance, and alternate energy. “The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a catalyst for sustainable social impact,” said Shri Jagannath Sahoo, President & COO of SBI Foundation. He highlighted that with initiatives like ‘Sanjeevani,’ SBI Foundation is strengthening its mission to foster holistic development in rural communities, bridging the gap between urban resources and rural needs.
Supporting National Development Goals Through Grassroots Initiatives
The SBI Foundation’s initiatives align with India’s national priorities, addressing social issues at the grassroots level. Projects like SBI Youth for India and Gram Seva play an essential role in enhancing the nation’s social fabric, empowering communities, and contributing to sustainable progress. Through dedicated youth leadership and impactful projects, SBI Foundation continues to build a stronger, more resilient rural India, advancing the country’s development goals and strengthening community well-being.
