The State Bank of India Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank Group, has announced the call for applications for the 11th edition of the Youth for India Fellowship. This program provides a 13-month framework for educated urban youth, whether professionals or fresh graduates, to work together with rural communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across 17 states. The SBI Foundation has released a press statement detailing the fellowship’s objective, highlighting the need for qualified human resources with diverse educational and professional backgrounds to work at the grassroots level, supplementing the lack of qualified professionals in the NGOs working in rural India.

Eligibility Criteria and Thematic Areas

Candidates who are citizens of India, overseas citizens of India, or citizens of Bhutan and Nepal can apply for the Youth for India Fellowship. The program is based on 12 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. Fellows can work on any of the 12 areas according to their interest.

Program Objectives

The program aims to bridge the gap between urban youth’s aspirations to contribute to the development sector and the rural reality. It provides a framework for the youth to come up with sustainable development solutions for rural development and capacity building in multiple ways. Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO of SBI Foundation, highlighted the program’s objective, stating that “The 13-month long Fellowship provides an active framework for the youth to come up with sustainable development solutions for rural development and capacity building in multiple ways.”

Impact of the Fellowship

Over the last 10 years, hundreds of young people have participated in the Youth for India Fellowship, with 34 alumni initiating programs, enterprises, or non-profits, as per an official statement. The alumni have gone on to pursue higher studies in development domains after their fellowship experience, and about 70% have pursued careers in the social sector by working in rural development, public policy/governance, academia, etc. Some notable alumni include Siddharth Daga, Co-founder of NeoMotion, and Shriti Pandey, who founded Strawcture, both of whom have received recognition for their contributions to society.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply on youthforindia.org. The last date for submitting applications is yet to be announced.