By Shriya Garg
Mumbai, 24th Dec:
[su_quote cite=”Margaret Mead”]Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.[/su_quote]
The ninth edition of Jagriti Yatra is off to an explosive start! Starting 7 am, we welcomed a new batch of committed citizens eager to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
Jagriti Yatra is a train journey that embodies the spirit of traveling to understand yourself, and the land your seeds are sown in.
Gearing up to face the futureIts 2016 edition commenced on 24th December from Mumbai. After meeting 10 iconic role models across the country, it will return to Mumbai on 8th January. This year, we had 480 participants coming from 27 states in India, and 46 other countries. Approximately 40% of these are women, and there will also be a number of luminaries who will be travelling as mentors.
A unique concept
The concept of Jagriti Yatra is one of a kind and has been replicated by countries like France and the USA. It has had a successful run in both the countries. Similarly, a few countries in Europe, as well as Peru and Cambodia, are at the forefront of planning such endeavours.
[su_pullquote align=”right”] The concept of Jagriti Yatra is one of a kind and has been replicated by countries like France and the USA.[/su_pullquote]
The launch ceremony started at 7 am as the yatris started streaming in at The Tata Institute of Social Sciences – the venue for the event. The Chairman, Shashank Mani Tripathi, in an inspiring speech heard by an audience of 500+ youths, stressed the importance of deriving maximum benefit from the demographic dividend of India:
[su_quote cite=”Shashank Mani Tripathi”]We are the only democracy in the world to be even thinking about attempting this. Lifting ‘x’ million people out of poverty in the next two years is an audacious plan. China did it, but it was not a democracy We only have 20 years, until we have the advantage of the demographic dividend…our children will never forgive us if we dont build India now.[/su_quote]
He talked about Jagriti’s long term vision to bring entrepreneurship from the “steel jungles” to the Tier II and Tier III cities of India. In order to ensure the success of this venture, the parent organisation, Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, has also formed a Jagriti Enterprise Centre which has started operations in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh comprising of 28 districts.
A platform for networking and collaborationsJagriti Enterprise Centre Purvanchal (JEC-P), has been working on a pilot of six startup enterprises that are beginning to significantly impact the local economy. Headed by local entrepreneurs, it employs a growing pool of local youths and is supported by a network of national advisers.
Creating models for future
These enterprises are creating a model that will be replicated across other geographies in the coming years. The infrastructure and experience of JEC-P form an essential outline for Jagriti Enterprise Centres across the nation.
Hon. Railway Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu ji had addressed the gathering through teleconferencing. He admired the concept of the train and urged the youth to participate in the country building process. Furthermore, prominent political scientist, Mr Kishore Mandhyan – the guest of honour, explained how it was important to unlearn before relearn.
[su_quote cite=”Shri Suresh Prabhu ji”]Before the beginning of this 15-day long journey, which is an opportunity to learn tremendous stuff, you have to prepare yourself to unlearn stuff. Empty your cup and be humble. [/su_quote]
Training the leaders of tomorrowThe energy-filled flag-off ceremony was enthralling to say the least. It was headed by our Board Members and the Core Team, as well as representatives from our contributors – Schneider Electric. With the launch of this exciting journey, we look forward to what the next 15 days will bring!