YIC YMCA started on 2nd October as a way to celebrate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. What better way to pay a tribute to the father of our nation than to get 100 youth influencers in one place and empower them to make an impact! The day started with everyone passionately singing Vande Mataram on the tunes of AR Rahman. This YIC was all brand new with its latest Happiness Team and updated agenda. Based on the feedback from the previous participants, Young India Challenge was re-designed as a two day event with mentors and speakers through the course of the challenge.
Like the previous two conferences, we got delegates from different parts of India, just to know what #DoWhatYouLove is. From the youngest delegate in the house to the oldest, the two days were most happening for everyone’s life. A new trend emerged that every YIC had some participants who were school students. Someone they always get to know about YIC (which is actually designed for college students), apply and also get selected.
Apart from the speakers who had been associated with us since the beginning, it was an honor to also have Seema K Bharwani – Content Development and Training Expert, Aashish Beergi – Co-founder, MASH, Nikhil Bhaskar – Management Consultant, The Boston Consulting Group. Each one of them had their own interesting story which inspired all of us. Delegates were especially given time to discuss their idea of the challenge with the speakers and mentors. Not only they got some expert advice but they also developed quality relations and networks – the main thing which is required to survive in this world. From this YIC, we also had Sandarenu Amarasinghe whose book on entrepreneurship and business development became a guideline to the delegates.
As the challenge was posed, it was mesmerizing to see the youth coming up with unique ideas to improve the lives of young Indians. The event concluded with the announcement of the winners and what is now popular as the ‘HELL YEAHHH’ moment when Kamal (Founder, Human Circle) creates a screaming challenge for the happiness team and the participants.
As always, the night ended by felicitating our winning team members and the most innovative delegate (Ishita Kalra).