Apeejay student shares his experience of attending ‘SBI Youth for India Fellowship’ 

The SBI Youth For India Fellowship workshop provided a dynamic opportunity for students, igniting a collective fervour among attendees to delve into rural development initiatives. With seasoned speakers adeptly delineating the fellowship’s contours, such a fellowship workshop is more than just informative—it is transformative. As the speakers eloquently elucidated SBI’s multifaceted approach to catalysing change in rural communities, listeners were captivated by the breadth of opportunities available.

Ajay Singh Rawat, a final year BBA-HRM student with School of Management Sciences at Apeejay Stya University, had the privilege of attending the session on the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. “This was a  transformative 13-month opportunity for graduating individuals to contribute to rural development in India. Fellows are placed with experienced NGOs, where they engage in real-world projects across various thematic areas such as health, education, and women’s empowerment,” said Ajay.

The Apeejay student further highlighted, “My personal journey, woven into the fabric of the event, added a layer of authenticity and resonance. My steadfast dedication to community service, as evidenced by the meaningful involvement with the Rotaract Club for the past 2 years, served as a beacon of inspiration for my peers. My eagerness to extend my sphere of influence through the SBI fellowship reflects a commendable dedication to effecting tangible change on a broader scale.”

One standout feature of the fellowship, as highlighted by the speakers, was its personalised approach to matching candidates with sectors aligned with their interests or academic backgrounds. This bespoke aspect not only enhances the participant’s engagement but also amplifies the potential impact of their contributions. Moreover, the promise of post-fellowship placements underscores SBI’s commitment to nurturing talent and facilitating a seamless transition from fellowship to professional endeavours.

In essence, the workshop served not only as a gateway to invaluable opportunities but also as a rallying cry for socially conscious individuals like myself to harness their skills and passion in service of rural upliftment.

Key highlights of the session:

Immersive Experience: Fellows gain first-hand exposure to rural development challenges and community engagement, providing them with invaluable insights and experiences. 

Leadership Development: The program offers workshops, mentorship, and field exposure to develop leadership skills and foster a collaborative spirit among participants. 

Financial Support: Fellows receive a monthly stipend of INR 17,000 for 13 months, along with a post-fellowship grant of Rs. 70,000, ensuring financial stability and enabling them to focus on their mission. 

Criteria and Eligibility: Final year students from all disciplines, aged between 21 and 32 years, with a commitment to social justice and sustainable development, are encouraged to apply. Strong leadership potential and a passion for working with rural communities are essential qualities sought in applicants. 

Application Process: Applications for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship are open until the second week of May 2024. Interested candidates can apply through the provided link or request an orientation session for their college. 

Finally Ajay explains, “The SBI Youth for India Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for young graduates to make a meaningful difference in rural India. As a student deeply passionate about social impact, I am excited about the prospect of participating in this program and contributing to positive change in rural communities.”