TEN NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi (10/10/2023): In the heart of rural Madhya Pradesh, a young girl named Deepti envisioned a better life for her community and village. Her upbringing in a modest middle-class family ignited a spark, fueled by the tales of social leaders like Ahilyabhai Holkar and Savitribai Phule. With a cue for writing, she embarked on a career in journalism that would take her from ink to action, with a mission to illuminate societal issues via her writing.
Stepping into the corridors of India’s premier institute of journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, Deepti harnessed the power of her words to shed light on social challenges. With a deep desire for greater impact and equipped with a journalist’s lens, she worked as a journalist with multiple organizations, she spoke as a public speaker on women’s issues and poured her thoughts onto paper with articles and news stories. But it wasn’t until her second year, while lending her time to various social organizations, that she realized something was amiss. The turning point arrived when Deepti’s passion evolved into purpose.
Recognizing the need for deeper knowledge in the social sector, she set out on a transformative journey. Enter the Sewa Fellowship, a dynamic initiative by Sewa International and Youth For Sewa. Venturing into the heart of tribal communities in India’s Jhabua and Palghar districts, Deepti dedicated a year to health-focused projects that not only changed lives but reshaped her understanding of society’s pulse.
Reflecting on her transformation, Deepti Tomar humbly shares, “The world of the social sector was once foreign to me – NGOs, social projects, their intricacies. Through immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience with grassroots organizations, I’ve come to grasp the complexities of grassroots development. Witnessing the tangible impact within the community I serve fuels my excitement and the deep desire to contribute to society.”
Sewa Fellowship: Shaping the future of India
Behind this inspiring journey stands the Sewa Fellowship program. Kumar Subham, Director of the Sewa Fellowship program says, “The Sewa Fellowship program is a catalyst for a network of visionary grassroots leaders with 20+ grassroots partners, bridging the gap between passionate youth and vital social projects”. These fellows, now numbering around 36, are forging paths in diverse domains, from agriculture to arts, education to disaster management across 16 states, spanning 700+ villages.
The fellowship isn’t just a title, it’s a commitment that spans two transformative years. It’s a journey that encompasses over 600 hours of training, mentorship, and a connection to seasoned social workers. It’s a promise to nurture young leaders, equipping them not only with knowledge but with the spirit of social entrepreneurship.
Shyam Parande, Secretary of Sewa International, underscores the program’s vision – “igniting a spark of social responsibility within youth”. In a nation pulsating with youthful energy, India’s future hinges on the potency of its young changemakers.
The Sewa Fellowship isn’t just a response; it’s a rallying call. A call to channel the fervour of youth into pragmatic, grassroots development. As India seeks to script a narrative of progress, these fellows are penning the chapters of change.
