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YEFI Launched: Democratising Grassroots Entrepreneurship in India

Young woman transforms one acre into hope and prosperity

Across the world, women cultivate crops, manage livestock, preserve seeds, and sustain families—yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized. The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), spotlighting their vital role in food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and rural economies. ImpactLens will amplify their stories and advocate strengthening

TERRE DES HOMMES (TDH) Germany Marks 50 Years of Child Rights Work in India with Youth-Led Celebrations in Pune

By Impactlens Correspondent Terre Des Hommes Germany marked 50 years of impactful work in India with a two-day celebration held on 3rd and 4th January 2026 at the J P Naik Education & Development Centre, Pune, Maharashtra. The event was organised in partnership with Centre for Youth Development and Activities

YEFI Launched: Democratising Grassroots Entrepreneurship in India

Pune, November 22, 2025 On the occasion of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), celebrated across more than 200 countries, India marked a transformative moment with the launch of the YouthAid Entrepreneurs’ Federation of India (YEFI)—a pioneering national platform dedicated exclusively to empowering grassroots entrepreneurs. The launch event, hosted in Pune, showcased

A Young Innovator in the Making

By Najiya Shaikh, Program Officer Supported by EMpower Sanskruti Kamble, a grade 9 student, is pursuing her education at Agarwal School, Bhosari, Pune. She has always been curious to learn and explore new things. Science has been her favorite subject, she often wondered how the fan worked, why rainbows appeared

Empowering Young Mothers Through Nutrition and Care

By Anamika Dey, Project Coordinator, Supported By Kcorp Charitable Foundation Maternal health and nutrition play a critical role in determining the well-being of both mother and child. In rural and tribal communities, early marriage, low literacy levels and lack of health awareness often contribute to malnutrition and poor maternal outcomes.

Promoting hygiene among young learners through creative soap-making

By Sushil Zadode, Project Coordinator, Nagpur Supported by Persistent Foundation Handwashing with soap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect individuals, particularly the younger ones, from diseases such as diarrhea, cough, cold and skin infections. It removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses that water alone cannot. Regular

Stories are windows to the soul. They offer a glimpse into other lives, spark our imaginations, and foster empathy. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a poignant drama, or a heartwarming tale, stories have the power to transport us, teach us, and inspire us. So, make time for reading and discover the magic that unfolds within each page.

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Today YESummit 2026 begins at ni-msme, Hyderabad

Hyderabad is set to become the national capital of inclusive entrepreneurship as YESummit 2026, organised by YouthAid Foundation, brings together grassroots innovators from across India in a powerful celebration of ideas rooted in lived realities. Supported by corporates, civil society organisations, and government institutions, the summit will witness large-scale participation

YESummit: Redefining Entrepreneurship from Elite Boardrooms to Grassroots Innovations

This article challenges the traditional, elite image of entrepreneurship and highlights a powerful shift toward inclusive, community-driven innovation. It explores how grassroots entrepreneurs—women, youth, tribal communities, and informal workers—are redefining enterprise by solving real-life problems and shaping a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem across India. says, ImpactLens Correspondent, Soumyashree Mohanty. What

YESummit – Democratizing Grassroots Entrepreneurship

Organised by YouthAid Entrepreneurs Federation of India | Hosted by Telangana Innovation CentreHeld at National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hyderabad | 5–7 February 2026, Mathew Mattam delve deep into the origin and future course of YESummits. Growth Begins at the Ground Level In a country as vast

YESummit Hyderabad 2026: From 0→1 to Street-by-Street Impact

In this sharply grounded and deeply insightful article, Prof Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury reframes entrepreneurship from the perspective of India’s streets, villages, and informal markets. Drawing inspiration from global startup thinking and translating it into lived grassroots realities, he argues that innovation is not the privilege of technology hubs but a

Gig-Platform Work Raises New Challenges for Women Workers: Experts

The gig economy plays a significant role in India’s economic system. It offers flexible income opportunities across sectors. However, it is important to examine how women are positioned within this structure. This article by Shirin Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor at St. Mira’s College for Girls, explores the participation of women in

International Women’s Day Celebration at Dahanu: Community Outreach for Girls’ Education and Women Empowerment

On International Women’s Day, the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) organised programs and activities at various locations where its initiatives are being implemented. The purpose of these events was to initiate conversations around women’s rights and to challenge structural barriers that limit women’s participation. With the support of

Legal Rights Exist, But Equal Pay Still Elusive

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, women demand equal pay for equal work and a minimum wage to ensure a dignified life. Soumyashree Mohanty reports for ImpactLens. Many studies reveal that women and marginalised groups, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, do not receive equal pay for equal work.

Communities Come Together to Celebrate International Women’s Day and Promote Equality

Voices, performances, and discussions filled Rohi Villa Palace in Koregaon Park, Pune, as people gathered on 8th March 2026 to observe International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women’s achievements while creating space for dialogue on equality, rights, and leadership. The programme was jointly organised by the Centre for Youth Development

Women Reclaiming Their Place in Agriculture – A New Era Begins

On International Women’s Day, ImpactLens brings you the story of a woman farmer who has challenged social norms and learned sustainable farming practices. This article by Ganesh Waghmode, CYDA Agriculture Expert, Sangola, shares the success story of a woman who is now on her way to becoming an entrepreneur.

Livelihood Transformation led by a young woman through Kitchen Gardens

Sairupa Dola, Asifabad This case study is part of the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) implemented by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), supported by HDFC Bank under its Parivartan programme in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District, Telangana. In Mengubaiguda village, 54-year-old Bhembai and her family of three survived