The Jagriti Yatra Train Runs Only Once in a Year for Young Entrepreneurs!

In India, trains have always played an integral role, not only in transporting passengers but providing a deep value to the citizens. The Samjauta Express which ran between India and Pakistan amidst the tension showcased the spirit of cooperation and the Lifeline Express which runs a hospital inside provides aid to the people on wheels. With many other services on the Indian Railways radar, there is a train that provides value to its citizens, especially the youth of India. The Jagriti Yatra Train, which runs only once a year inspires youth to become entrepreneurs through a 15-day journey.

The Concept of the Train

For 17 years, Jagriti Yatra has been working on the philosophy of "Building India Through Enterprise". It was started by a non-profit charitable organisation Jagriti Sewa Sansthan in 2008. This annual journey across the country goes beyond the comforts of home and onto the rails of a moving train, where participants are inspired to both lead and be led, learning and sharing life’s lessons along the way. 

The train functions on the concept of the "Middle India Diamond" theory. It provides insights into how small businesses in "Middle India" are shaping the country’s future. With each stop, participants experience the richness of regional enterprises and witness the entrepreneurial spirit that resides in these communities. 

The Purpose of the Train

This is a 15-day national train journey that takes participants 8,000 kilometres across the length and breadth of India to understand and build the future of India’s smaller towns and villages through enterprise. 500 candidates, all over the age of 21, have the opportunity to interact with eight or more role models, change-makers, and leaders who once embarked on a similar journey.

Candidates selected via a special process get the chance to learn entrepreneurship in various fields; agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, water & sanitation and arts, culture & sports. To better understand these fields there are various peer-to-peer learnings,  panel discussions, role model sessions and the Jagriti Enterprise Mela which is an expo of various enterprises. 

Selection Process 

Interested candidates may apply online by filling up the main application form. The application consists of a series of essay-type questions designed to ascertain your suitability for the Yatra. It is a subjective evaluation of the raw entrepreneurial potential within a candidate by a selection panel of more than 30 experts spread across the globe. Random interviews and reference checks are also conducted to ascertain the veracity of candidature. 

This year the Yatra will begin on the 16th of November from Mumbai and travel across various regions like Hubli (Karnataka), Bangalore, Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Chennai, Vishakapatnam, Nalanda (Bihar), Deoria (UP), Delhi, Tilonia (Rajasthan) and Ahmedabad. This train is truly a window into the entrepreneurial mindset of Middle India and helps shape the future of Indian business with its unique approach.