On 24th December 2012, started a new journey of
my life – Jagriti Yatra. A 15 day train journey through 8000 kilometers of
India, covering 12 destinations, 15 role models and 4 panel discussions, it was
going to be a transformational journey for around 400 yatris and 50
facilitators, who not only wished to create a change in India, but had the
passion and belief to do so.
This year there were around 4000 complete applications, out of which 400 aspiring entrepreneurs from 20-25 years of age were selected, and most of them were provided with full or half sponsorship. Apart from this, there were around 50 facilitators, of the age group 25-30, to manage and co-ordinate the Yatris. And this set of Yatris was a very diverse one, representing 24 states of India, hailing from Rural/ Urban/ Semi Urban Backgrounds, coming from different professions. The Yatra also saw international participation in form of 35 people from different 12 countries, like UK, France, Argentina, Australia etc. While 60 % of the Yatris were male, 40 % were female. The Yatris were divided into Cohorts of 6 yatris and 1 facilitator. And 2 male and 1 Female Cohort formed a Group of 21 yatris, which was made keeping in mind the diversity of people.
Just as the atmosphere was turning to be uncharged due to the presentations, we were introduced to the Yatra Geet, which was written by Prasoon Joshi, and awesomely choreographed by Gauri Shankar Tripathy, wife of Jagriti Yatra Founder Shashank Tripathy. The Geet brought back our Enthusiasm, and the battery of audience was charged again.
The orientation ended with our 1st role model – The Dabbawala, about whom I’ll be writing in my next post. After the role model, we departed for Kurla Station to board our Train, which was going to be our home for next 15 days.
This year there were around 4000 complete applications, out of which 400 aspiring entrepreneurs from 20-25 years of age were selected, and most of them were provided with full or half sponsorship. Apart from this, there were around 50 facilitators, of the age group 25-30, to manage and co-ordinate the Yatris. And this set of Yatris was a very diverse one, representing 24 states of India, hailing from Rural/ Urban/ Semi Urban Backgrounds, coming from different professions. The Yatra also saw international participation in form of 35 people from different 12 countries, like UK, France, Argentina, Australia etc. While 60 % of the Yatris were male, 40 % were female. The Yatris were divided into Cohorts of 6 yatris and 1 facilitator. And 2 male and 1 Female Cohort formed a Group of 21 yatris, which was made keeping in mind the diversity of people.
The Yatra Began with an Orientation Session at Tata
Institute of Social Science, Mumbai. The
atmosphere there was amazing. 450 unknown people, but with somewhat similar
aims, all wanted to know about each other. It was an awesome feeling. Just drop
in any Group of people, say ‘Hi’, and when you start talking to people, you realize
how small this world is. “Oh, you are from XYZ college, do you know ABC”? “Yes!
How do you know him”? And thus starts a long conversation and in 2 minutes, you
are no longer strangers. The energy and enthusiasm of each person present
there, was something that is never a common sight in any college.
Soon, we moved to the Hall for our Orientation. Where we
were explained the concept of Jagriti Yatra. We start from Mumbai then go to
Hubli, Bangalore, Madurai, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Berhampur, Patna, Deoria,
Delhi, Tilonia and finally Ahmedabad. At each destination we meet 1 or more
Role Model, who have done some innovation at grass root level, and contributed
in Development of India. These included
the Ramon Magsasay Award Winner Harish Hande from Selco, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
from Biocon, R Elango from Chennai, Joe Madiath from Gram Vikas, Anshu Gupta
from Goonj, Bunker Roy from Barefoot College, Tilonia etc. We visit these
organizations, hear their inspiring personal stories, understand the working of
their organization, meet the people whose lives have been transformed, see the
social impact, and learn from them. Later we discuss our learning in our Group
in the Train. Apart from role model visits, 4 panel discussions were also held.
The Yatra aims at 7 sectors, viz. Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Tourism,
Manufacturing, Energy and Water. These are the sectors in which India needs
Innovation and Enterprises through Financial Services, Technology or Public Private
Partnership.
Just as the atmosphere was turning to be uncharged due to the presentations, we were introduced to the Yatra Geet, which was written by Prasoon Joshi, and awesomely choreographed by Gauri Shankar Tripathy, wife of Jagriti Yatra Founder Shashank Tripathy. The Geet brought back our Enthusiasm, and the battery of audience was charged again.
The orientation ended with our 1st role model – The Dabbawala, about whom I’ll be writing in my next post. After the role model, we departed for Kurla Station to board our Train, which was going to be our home for next 15 days.
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