Tomorrow I embark on yet another journey.
I have been selected to participate in the 2015 Jagriti Yatra – a 15-day train journey around India for young social entrepreneurs. Out of thousands of applicants, 350 Indians and 50 foreigners were selected as ‘Yatris’. I am lucky enough to have been selected as one of the foreign Yatri candidates. I want to thank my friend Julia Hotz who sent me the application months ago.
Essentially, the Jagriti Yatra brings together young, motivated people to change India’s future through enterprise. We come from all backgrounds – 60% of the participants are from rural villages in India. Some have never left their villages, others have never been to India. We are coming together to create something magical.
I will be living on a train for the next 15 days. It is the largest train journey in the world.
Their slogan is “Mahatma Ghandi discovered the nation in a train and so will you.”
Most days, the train stops in a new location where we hear a “role model” speak about social entrepreneurship. For example, the stop in Rajasthan is at Barefoot College where we get to meet the founder, Bunker Roy (TIMES 100 Most Influential People in the World). The rest of the role models range from CEOs of social enterprises, Indian scholars, etc. You can see the list of role models on the website. These stops are followed-up by workshops, discussions, etc.
The majority of the time is spent on the train with other young people who are passionate about social entrepreneurship. They encourage you to have a cup of chai with someone, use a whiteboard, and see what ideas we can come up with. Some of the most famous and successful entrepreneurs in India have participated in this program.
CHECK IT OUT: WWW.JAGRITIYATRA.COM
I’ll be journaling every day and taking down everything I learn. I return to Mumbai on January 8th, and fly back to Jaipur on the 9th. I’m sure I’ll have plenty to tell you after that.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a safe New Year to you and your families.
Best,
Davis