BW Communities

Young India For Cause

BW Online Bureau Nov 08, 2014

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><root available-locales="en_US," default-locale="en_US"><static-content language-id="en_US"><![CDATA[Corporate India is joining hands to address its need for the future leaders. A group of professionals and entrepreneurs have announced the launch of the Young India Fellowship (YIF) - a one-year multi-disciplinary leadership development programme for postgraduate students. The first of its kind programme challenges the current trends of higher education system in India. YIF is launched in India in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania's (UPenn) School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). "Delivered by top-rung faculty, the curriculum aims to broaden perspectives and help our Fellows carve their own paths," said Pramath Raj Sinha, founder and director of YIF & founding dean of Hyderabad based ISB today at the launch of the programme. "The YIF curriculum is designed to challenge the increasing specialisation of Indian undergraduate programmes and develop a more holistic educational experience right here in India that mirrors some of the best undergraduate learning environments in the world." The residential programme will include classes on subjects including anthropology, ethics, life sciences, art appreciation and entrepreneurship with primary focus on developing the critical thinking, reading, writing, communication and leadership skills. YIF is open to 50 final-year undergraduate students or graduates with less than two years of work experience. Each of the first batch students will receive a scholarship of Rs 8 lakh to cover the full cost of tuition, board and lodging for the YIF. These scholarships have been donated by group of leading professionals who want to make a difference to higher education in India. Applications for the programme open from the 24 January, 2011. The classes will begin on 30 May 2011 in a functioning educational campus in Gurgaon. Sinha, with a few members of the industry is also setting up a private entity called Ashoka University. The 26 acre university will reflect a multidisciplinary and open pedagogical style. The YIF and the Ashoka University are supported by the International Foundation for Research and Education. (BW Online Bureau)