Mentorship Programme

Mentorship Stories 2019-20

For Saloni, one of the key takeaways of the fellowship has been the mentoring relationship that she shares with her YIF mentor, Mr. Ravi Sreedharan, founder of ISDM. Even though initially she had her doubts about being able to build a meaningful relationship amidst a highly hectic schedule that any industry leader that comes to YIF as a mentor would have as well any Young India Fellow, a simple realisation of how if one can clearly communicate what they need support in and understands that the onus falls as much as on the fellow as the mentor to make the relationship work helped her learn and get inspired from her mentor. Saloni’s aspirations lie in the world of social entrepreneurship and that is what made her decide on sending an expression of interest to Mr. Sreedharan. The decision gave way to learnings that gave her the confidence to dream big and go after them regardless of what others say. It also gave her a mentor she looks upto now for inspiration in how to be clear in your approach as well as words, focus on your interests and values and how to build something that impacts masses. We say that the fellowship never ends and she agrees wholeheartedly as she prepares to take this mentoring relationship beyond the program to her professional journey.

Saloni Goel and Ravi Sreedharan

Mentorship Stories 2019-20

As a student of art and literature, Sreerupa’s journey at YIF has taken eccentric routes. She signed up for the mentorship program with trepidations and questions about what lay ahead. With her commitment to both academia and social justice it was a dream come true to have been mentored by historian-activist Professor Uma Chakravarty. From everyday discourse on feminism to the importance of critical thinking in education, Sreerupa says, the mentorship has provided her answers she has been looking for. What started almost as a wish on a shooting star has now evolved into an enduring relationship even beyond YIF.

Sreerupa Bhattacharya and Uma Chakravarti

Mentorship Stories 2019-20

The Mentoring Relationship provided a unique opportunity to Sanchit, who had not engaged with mentors outside the class earlier. As someone who doesn’t usually ‘network’, he was initially a bit hesitant, but meeting Dr. Rizio Yohannan Raj and learning from her throughout the past 6 months or so has, in his own words, reshaped his perspectives and attitudes towards the worlds of thought and material. Dr. Raj is a writer, translator, the Founder-Patron of LILA Foundation for Translocal Initiatives, and the CEO of The Marg Foundation. Sanchit’s broad interests in art, culture, and literature motivated him to approach Dr. Raj. Her kind acceptance to mentor him has been, according to him, one of the highlights of his Fellowship experience. Apart from receiving academic guidance from Dr. Raj, Sanchit also got the opportunity to contribute to ‘Inter-Actions’, the thematic cultural quarterly by LILA Foundation.

 Sanchit Toor is currently associated with LILA as Culture Editor.

Sanchit Toor and Dr. Rizio Yohannan Raj

Mentorship Stories 2019-20

Arthy, who chose to be guided by Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam(retd), who is also a visiting professor of International Relations at Ashoka University. She entered the mentoring relationship with few doubts, hoping to get them clarified. Her goal was to take home expert advice and first-hand experience, thereby widening her perspective.She was sure in her head, that she wanted to be guided and mentored by AVM, a decorated IAF officer who has rich experience over the years. He was more than happy to give personalized advice and guidance in her chosen field. The journey was one that was very useful in terms of the knowledge base he added, the resources shared, and the insights he gave.She firmly believes that this mentoring relationship proved to be a very fruitful one as she was able to connect with him, who had both experience and expertise.

Arthy Ramu and Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam

Mentorship Stories 2019-20

“Guru bin gyaan na upje….” – Knowledge can never grow without a teacher. Prachi has always been the believer of aforesaid Kabir’s word. Teachers and mentors have always been the most important and respected connections for her. When the YIF mentorship programme was announced, Prachi was in a stage where she was working on a self-designed initiative on financial literacy and inclusion. Coming from a finance background, it was about using her technical knowledge to work with purpose. Under the programme, coincidentally she was chosen by Mr Ashutosh Chadha, who is currently responsible for Public Policy and Government Affairs at Mastercard for South Asia. In his role, he works closely with key audiences in the Government, Academia, and Industry to help frame policies which enable deepening of electronic payments, financial inclusion and growth.  Mr. Chadha has been instrumental in mentoring startups, coaching students and executives, and is also a certified Level 2 NS- NLP certified Executive and Corporate Coach. This amazing professional journey intrigued Prachi as this was similar to her goals. Hence, in her words, it was a perfect match of dreams (thanks to the YIF Programme Team :D).!! Prachi found Mr. Chadha as an extremely humble person who listens more, and then gives the most relevant advice. Despite his busy schedule, he is a quick responder. By this, she learnt that a mentor needs to be approachable and it is a responsibility on both sides. Prachi strongly believes that a mentoring relationship is a long-term connection which needs to be nurtured. Start with honesty and a clear ask. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid and naive questions. Listen more and be humble and you will be good to go.

Prachi Sharma and Ashutosh Chadha