RAMYA GAYAR
Hyderabad, JY 2010
Green Warrior Coordinator, Greenpeace India
I was in my 3rd semester of MBA when I received a mail congratulating me for getting selected for the Yatra. Two days after my exams, I boarded the train. I never understood how 18 days passed so quickly, but that impact, I can say, will stay with me forever. Immediately after my MBA, I joined Greenpeace, an NGO which works for the protection and conservation of environment. I joined as a Green Warrior Coordinator, a challenging job where I had to reach to schools, bring awareness among the kids about the current issues related to environment and how they can be a part of it.
Jagriti Yatra inspired me to join in this NGO and do my part to save the environment. Role models Usha and Jaykumar of Thanal, Kerala left an impression on my mind and this inspiration made me join Greenpeace, first as a volunteer and then as a full-time employee.
Being on the train with 400 people was a great experience, especially rocking bed for 18 long days and 400 new enthusiastic friends. I was 100% comfortable being a Yatri and I consider I am very lucky for being a part of this journey. I have seen and learnt many things from my fellow yatris, which I wouldn't have learnt otherwise. I appreciate the entire team for taking special care for women yartis and I can say the train is equally safe and comfortable as my home.
To those yatris who are hesitant to apply, I would only say you to take our words and enroll for this exciting journey where you not only learn many things but you will see a change. This Yatra is going to change you forever. In February 2011, I went to Barpar, Deoria for the Biz Gyan Exercise which is 2000 km from home, all alone. Yatra made me courageous and gutsy. Before that, I never travelled even a 100km alone. My deep-rooted feelings and respect for Yatra and the things I learnt there took me all the way till Barpar.
Finally big thanks to the entire team of Jagriti Yatra for bringing out a confident and new person out of me.
AARTI CHAVAN
Pune, JY 2009
Jagriti Agro Tech
Hailing from a village Uruli Kanchan, Pune, I believe I'd rarely seen an enterprising India until the Yatra happened in 2009. I was studying MBA then. Though I was sensitive about the social issues, I think Yatra showed me a different perspective towards creating solutions to address these issues. What better way could it be to bring about sustainable and inclusive rural development than through an enterprise? For me, it was a platform for everything - excellent people, innovative ideas, on the ground experience through BizGyan and of-course Jagriti AgroTech. When Ashmeet started Jagriti Agro Tech to bring about an overall rural development through improving agro economy, there was no second thought before plunging into this venture. Looking back, I feel, I left a normal corporate job in marketing because it lacked a larger vision and hence couldn't let me see my ambitions come true. Yes, it was not easy to convince my family when I wanted to go to Deoria to join Jagriti AgroTech. However, once I put my feet on the ground, I started getting unimaginable support.
A message to the women who wish to be on the train from an aspiring woman who yet has to make her mark - I've always believed that women define their own barriers and breaking through them is definitely not easy but we're truly empowered only when we make it a point to follow our heart.
PRAGYA MISHRA Lucknow, JY 2010
Co-founder, Saudaagar
I was in my final year of Maters in Social Entrepreneurship when I got the opportunity to be part of Jagriti Yatra. Yatra re-enforced my belief in the power of entrepreneurship. While pursuing my post-graduation degree, I took up fellowship to work in Chattisgarh. My work involves creating alternate livelihood opportunities using local resources in the tribal villages of Sarguja District. I am also co-founder at Saudaagar, an enterprise aimed at creating livelihood for physically challenged people through rural retail.
Networking and meeting like-minded people is crucial to entrepreneurship. Yatra gave me opportunity to meet so many people who still are a source of inspiration, support and creativity. Yatra has made me more connected and informed.
As a woman I would urge all the other women to be a part of this once in life time opportunity ‘Jagriti Yatra’ and let the spirit of entrepreneurship kindle you!!
ADITI PRAKASH New Delhi, JY 11
Founder, Pure Ghee Designs
I am Aditi Prakash, sculptor, industrial designer and entrepreneur; working in the area of product development with traditional craft communities across India for 9 years, currently running Pure Ghee Designs, a company that designs and produces contemporary handbags using traditional crafts.
Pure Ghee Designs was started in 2010 by to make functional, sturdy bags made from fabrics I had collected on my various travels across the country. The vast and vibrant textile heritage is the main source of inspiration behind the bags. One of the crafts- person I worked with presented me with a 'dabba' of pure ghee made by his mother. He said it was the best gift he could think of as it was home made and pure. I decided to call my company Pure Ghee Designs as it symbolizes Indianess, hand made and quality. As the company grows and our chief objective is to present high quality traditional Indian crafts interpreted in a contemporary format for the young global audience. I was shortlisted as finalist for the Young Creative Entrepreneur award by British Council in 2010.
www.puregheedesigns.com
Jagriti Yatra has benefited me in more ways than i had anticipated. For a person with no business training this turned out to be a hands-on course on improving business skills. It was a great platform to meet people from diverse backgrounds and expand my vision for the overall growth of my business. The visit to role models gave an understanding of how one can use one skills, talents and convictions to work for the larger good of communities. The following have been my top take-aways from the Yatra
A team with diverse skill sets is very important to build a successful business. This was the first time i was interacting in close proximity of people with such diverse backgrounds and it gave me fresh perspectives on my business.
Its time to shed cynicism, take initiative and reach out to people. I was a facilitator in charge of 12 girls. Bringing about meaningful engagement among my cohorts helped me build my team building abilities. I find myself applying these learning in my day to day interactions with my employees, clients and collaborators. The chief among them being: smiling more often!
It has made me question, how can i make my business truly inclusive and socially conscious. Looking at the various business models of the role models visited made me aware of the best practices and challenges in the social sector. I would like to apply some of these in taking my business forward.
KALYANI KHODKE
Nashik, JY 2008
Founder, Range Design Studio
After having worked at Tata Motors for 3 years, I decided to quit my job and instead start my own business. Range Design Studio is a product design and management firm started in Dec 2009, which develops designs like electric toy car for kids, where they can sit and drive, and an electric personal mobility vehicle for adults, to name a few. We have some very interesting products in the pipeline which are going to address common man’s important day to day necessities. It is our sincere urge to develop products & solutions that are going to make life better, more comfortable and most importantly happier.
If I were to describe my Yatra experience in one word, it would be – amazing! And believe me, it is very difficult to put that in words. It was so very memorable; the discussions Yatris had on board, the role models we met, etc. etc.. Well, the best I can put it is it was as comfortable as a long train journey with one’s family! A must mention here would be the efforts organizers had taken in security, facilities, which were simply notable.
If you haven’t yet experienced the Yatra, I would strongly suggest to register today! In-case there is anything holding you back, do discuss or get it clarified from us, ex-Yatris, or from the Jagriti Yatra team. In fact it s a great opportunity everyone must look forward to! It is the best way to interact with a diverse group of young enthusiasts and be in one of the best talent pools.
ADITI NAIR
Thane-Mumbai, JY 2010
Infosys, Founder & COO Pet Owners and Animal Lovers
My initiative focuses on generating awareness amongst the youth and making them sensitive to animal issues. We conduct animal-awareness programs at various schools, colleges and further train the interested youngsters to become a part of our team and enable them with the knowledge and understanding of how to take rescue calls for accident victims, cruelty cases, all hurt animals which are in need of help.
I would have to say that the most important take away for me was the learning that the field that I work in is not very different from the others. This was something I had been struggling with for a long time. The reason being, animals are not human beings and their welfare comes as a secondary issue most of the time. I drew a lot of parallels from the different places and the models that we visited. We are working on an animal food distribution system much similar to Naandi (Thanks to JAGRITI YATRA, I know about Nandi and their work). I also realized very strongly the importance of having a sustainable model in animal welfare, which is not present anywhere in the world at the moment. I further also visited and stayed in Tilonia post Yatra as I really loved the place when we visited it during the Yatra. I have spoken to them about implementing a Barefoot Vet, which they have agreed to. I intend to make a sustainable model for animal welfare in India and then take it to the world all over!
The Yatra experience was a very unforgettable one. The exposure was really great and the various models which were shown to us by means of visits to different places were phenomenal. I would like to tell all the women Yatris that it is an opportunity of a life time and that they should not hesitate even a bit. The connections that you make on this trip with people from various backgrounds are very special. The places you go to, the mentors you meet have the ability to change the way you look at the world around you and I do not think anyone should miss out on such an opportunity!
DEVIKA Jabalpur, JY 2010
Student, BITS Pilani Goa
Devika is a 2010 Yatri who came as a nonprofit sector enthusiast from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus. She is studying Economics and Computer Science, out of which she had chosen development economics as a career choice before coming to the Yatra. The rich diversity of individuals with their array of experiences as well as plans is an inspiration for all Yatris, she opines. When asked about the Yatra experience, she says "I had a foggy castle in the air, JAGRITI YATRA cleared the mist and gave bricks for the foundation". After the Yatra, she worked for Samhita Social Ventures, a CSR consultancy and online giving portal for six months. Currently, she is travelling all over India visiting NGOs working for women development to study their organization structures and work processes. It is an attempt to understand the ground reality before working for an NGO after she graduates from BITS Pilani in May.
Jagriti Yatra was an excellent experience not just because of the role model visits but simply because of those 400 incredible people on board. Even after the Yatra, the JAGRITI YATRA group remains a source of ideas, resources, job postings and what not. If you are a girl with even a little interest in doing something for this country, come on the Yatra. As for travelling in the JAGRITI YATRA train, the security and comfort that the JAGRITI YATRA team provides ensures that it is a home for 18 days where you get to explore your wings.
