At a time when youngsters from across the world are staring at an uncertain future in view of the pandemic, a number of city-based youth have embarked on a new journey to work for the development of the country's rural sector. Considering the COVID-19 situation, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship — a flagship programme of the SBI Foundation — was contemplating whether to continue the programme but then they received a positive response from youngsters willing to be a part of it. This year they got a huge number of applications from youth willing to work in the rural areas of the country.

More applications

Speaking to mid-day, Nixon Joseph, president and COO of SBI Foundation, said, "We received as many as 72,000 applications this year, which is 30 per cent more than what we usually get. These youngsters have risen to the cause. After all it is in times of crisis that heroes are born." He shared how the organisers interacted with the youth and partnering NGOs from rural areas to decide on whether to continue with the fellowship programme. Following this a thorough selection process was held and 100 candidates were selected to work in 50 different rural areas across the country.