Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 23: Young Indians (Yi) is a movement for Indian youth to converge, lead, co-create and influence India’s future. As an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led, and industry-managed organization playing a proactive role in India's development process.
Formed in the year 2002, Yi has created a platform for young Indians to work towards realizing the dream of a developed nation. It has a growing, inclusive membership across all geographies and demographics with over 6000+ direct members in 65 Chapters, and 30,000 YUVA members (students) from colleges. The Yi membership includes young progressive Indians between the age group of 21 to 45 years and comprises entrepreneurs, professionals, and achievers from different walks of life.
In a nation as diverse and dynamic as India, the role of its youth in shaping the future cannot be underestimated. Young Indians hold the potential to be the driving force behind progress, innovation, and positive change. One organization that recognizes this immense potential and is dedicated to fostering it is Yi, the Young Indians. Yi’s mission to strengthen the future of India gives a stage and voice to the country’s next generation of changemakers. It aims to instil in young minds the power of leadership, enhance the youth entrepreneurial ecosystem and create youth-led changes to build the nation.
By nurturing leadership qualities and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, Yi aims to create a generation of informed, capable, and proactive individuals who are committed to building a stronger and self-sufficient India. Through its visionary framework and unwavering dedication, Yi is shaping the leaders, builders, and innovators who will drive India's progress for years to come.
Three Pillars of Yi's
1. Youth Leadership
The first pillar of Yi believes that leaders aren’t born; they are made. It calls upon the students of India to recognize the leader in them through various leadership skill development programs, personal development programs and nation-building activities.
2. Nation Building
The youth carry the baton of building an India that is self-sufficient, informed and on the path to development. The second pillar of Yi aims to give wings to the transformative power of India’s youth through various verticals that delve into present-day issues.
3. Thought Leadership
The third pillar of Yi aims to nudge the innate leader in today’s youth to give rise to a better India of tomorrow. It informs, engages and empowers the youth of India through a contributive movement of constructive action, collaborative reasoning and collective voice.
In the vibrant city of Mangaluru, Yi formed in 2020, with 33 members and nestled on the southwestern coast of India, the spirit of youth is a driving force for change and progress. It is within this energetic milieu that Young Indians Mangalore Chapter (Yi Mangalore) was born, thanks to the vision and determination of Gaurav Hegde, immediate past chairman, CII Mangaluru & managing director, G R Stone Specialities Pvt Ltd. Yi Mangalore owes its existence to him. He embarked on a mission to channel their energy and talent towards meaningful contributions to society. After thoughtful deliberation, he selected a group of young individuals who shared his passion for change and innovation. This dedicated team became the driving force behind the establishment of Yi Mangalore, and together, they set out to make a difference in their community.
Young Indians Mangaluru (Yi Mangaluru) is a dynamic and forward-thinking chapter that thrives under the capable leadership of Sameeksha Shetty as the chapter chairperson and Athmika Amin as the chapter co-chairperson. This passionate team of young professionals is dedicated to harnessing the potential of Mangaluru's youth and driving positive change in the region. With an impressive lineup of stakeholders and a diverse range of initiatives, Yi Mangaluru is making significant strides in various sectors.
Key Stakeholders
Yi Mangaluru's success is the result of a collective effort led by a dedicated group of stakeholders:
1. Membership: Ensuring that the chapter's membership base remains strong and engaged is the responsibility of Durgadas Shetty. His commitment helps sustain the organization's growth and impact.
2. YUVA & Thalir: Shohan Shetty and Madhukar Kudva lead the charge in initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent and addressing educational and youth-oriented issues. Not resting on their laurels of signing MoU’s with 7 colleges in and around Mangaluru, Yi Mangaluru continued its quest for fruitful partnerships. On April 24, 2023, the organization successfully signed an MOU with Yenepoya Institute of Technology and on June 7, 2023, signed another MOU, this time with NMAM Institute of Technology, NITTE.
YI Mangaluru also organized the Y20 Brainstorming Session at Alva’s College of Engineering and Technology on April 29, 2023. This event, in collaboration with the ministry of youth affairs and sports, aimed to encourage youth involvement in policy change discussions. Students associated with Yi Mangaluru participated in panel discussions, keynotes, and interactive sessions, connecting with industry experts and entrepreneurs to brainstorm on important issues. Ullas Kamath, founder of UK & Co, emphasized the need for youth to focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers, investing their time and talent in pursuing goals. Industry leaders participated in panel discussions, sharing insights on reimagining business for the future. Two panels moderated by Ms. Sameeksha Shetty and Mr Ashith Hegde, featured sustainability advocates like Ms. Divya Hegde, Dr. T V Ramachandra, and Mr. Anand Malligavad, discussing strategies for consistent sustainability practices and industry names such as Mr. Raghuraj Sunder Raju, Mr. Deekshith Rai, and Mr. Anup Pai who stressed the importance of directing funds towards environmental preservation and the significance of Low Code No Code platforms for accelerated digitalization.
3. Rural Initiative: Eshwar Shetty is at the forefront of Yi Mangaluru's efforts to extend its positive impact into rural communities, contributing to their development.
Key Initiatives
Yi Mangaluru's diverse range of projects and initiatives spans various critical domains:
1. Masoom: Under the leadership of Salome Lobo Pereira, Masoom is a vertical dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child sexual abuse, a pressing social issue. The awareness session conducted at Spandana Trust on April 22, 2023, is a significant step forward in creating a society where children can grow up safe from harm and report timely if they are in trouble. As session on safe use of mobiles was organised so that teenagers can navigate the digital world with confidence.
2. Road Safety and Tourism: Sharan Shetty spearheads efforts to improve road safety and promote tourism in the region, enhancing both local safety and economic development. Recognizing this, Chota Cop, a dedicated initiative, conducted impactful road safety sessions at several prominent schools in early 2023. These sessions, held at Bharath Academy on February 10, Lourdes Central School on February 21, and Alva's School on February 22, aimed to equip young minds with the knowledge and awareness necessary to navigate the streets safely.
3. Health and Accessibility: Sameeksha Shetty is actively involved in initiatives related to healthcare and improving accessibility for all members of the community.
4. Climate Change: Aajeeth Kumar leads the charge in tackling the urgent issue of climate change, advocating for sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. In alignment with the global mission to protect and preserve the environment, Yi Mangaluru, the local chapter of the Youth wing of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized a significant event on June 2, 2023, in celebration of World Environment Day. The event, titled "Economic Value of Sustainable Solid Waste Management - A Case Study of Bangalore," aimed to shed light on the importance of sustainable waste management practices.
5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Athmika Amin's focus is on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among Mangaluru's youth, thereby driving economic growth and job creation. Yi Mangaluru hosted an enlightening session on February 10, 2023. The event featured a distinguished guest, Saurabh Mukherjea from Marcellus Investments, who delved into India's trajectory towards becoming one of the world's largest economies. What made this session stand out was the compelling data presented, substantiating the claims and insights shared.
6. Learning: Under Arjun D’Souza's guidance, the Yi Learning Vertical has evolved into a dynamic hub of knowledge and innovation. One of the hallmarks of the YI Learning Vertical is its commitment to delivering high-quality interactive sessions. The financial literacy talk at Lourdes Central School was more than just an event; it was a commitment to building a stronger and financially secure future for the school's staff and management. In an ever-changing financial landscape, the knowledge gained during this session will empower individuals to make informed financial decisions, ensuring a brighter and more secure tomorrow for all.
7. Branding for Yi Mangaluru: Ashrika Amin takes charge of branding efforts, ensuring that Yi Mangaluru's message and impact reach a wider audience. As Young Indians (Yi) in Mangalore continue to drive impactful initiatives and contribute to the community, a strategic branding effort becomes pivotal to create awareness, establish a strong presence, and highlight the diverse range of initiatives undertaken. Ashrika, with her innovative and creative approach, has taken the helm of branding through various media campaigns.
Yi Mangaluru also organised ‘Thatasth – 2022’ - a national-level retreat event on November24-26, 2022 focusing on adventure water sports, Tourism and cultural heritage of the Mangaluru city. ‘Thatasth’ which is Yi Mangaluru’s flagship event is set to be a full-fledged annual retreat event, true to its name and spirit of Mangaluru's coastal terrain and culture. The event will be welcoming delegates from across the country to participate and involve in the various activities being conducted.
The chapter also benefits from the wisdom and guidance of experienced leaders. Ashith Hegde, immediate past chairman, provides valuable insights, while Dikshith Rai, the charter chairperson, serves as a mentor, offering direction and support to the team.
The significance of nurturing the potential of young Indians cannot be overstated. Yi's mission to strengthen India's future by cultivating leadership, entrepreneurship, and nation-building skills among the youth is both commendable and crucial. Through a range of initiatives and the support of committed stakeholders, the chapter is driving positive change in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and more. The future of Mangaluru looks brighter with the energetic and visionary leadership of Yi Mangaluru, serving as a shining example of youth-led initiatives that are transforming communities across India. As Yi continues to provide a platform for young changemakers to voice their ideas, collaborate, and initiate positive changes, the organization plays an integral role in building a brighter and more prosperous India.