By Amruta Pawar (STEM Coordinator) , CYDA
Supported by : Coforge
The relevance of AI & Data Science in today’s world
In today’s digital-first world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science (DS) are the engines driving innovation, problem-solving and socio-economic progress. From healthcare to education, from small businesses to global corporations, data-driven decision-making is shaping the future of every sector. For young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, gaining access to these emerging technologies is a path to employment and also a tool to rewrite their life stories.
This is exactly what happened in the life of Omkareshwar Upadhyay, a youth from Yerwada, Pune, whose journey reflects how opportunity, mentorship and determination can transform challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Early life and challenges
Omkareshwar was born into a middle-class family living in the slum area of Yerwada. His father worked as a field secretary in a cash logistics company, while his mother managed the household chores. The family lived with dignity until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything. Schools shut down, his father’s income became uncertain, and his education came under threat. Private coaching was not affordable for him, and the risk of dropping out was high. The uncertainty of the pandemic years was hard on the family, but even in those hard times, Omkareshwar kept his curiosity and desire to learn.
I always wanted to do something different, something that could shape my future and make my parents proud, says Omkareshwar
A Turning Point: CYDA’s Intervention
In 2020, when Omkareshwar was in the 8th grade, he joined CYDA’s online computer classes. These classes became a lifeline for him. He also joined the remedial classes started and caught up with his studies and also grew in confidence and self-expression.
Through life skills sessions, he enhanced his communication and developed self-belief. Through TARANG (Talking to Adolescents on Reproductive Health & Gender), he overcame his stage fear, while the Youth4Change (Y4C) movement gave him a platform to grow as a leader, decision-maker, and changemaker.
Exploring Technology and the Leap into AI
After completing matriculation in 2023 with 70%, Omkareshwar enrolled in a two-year diploma in Electronics & Telecommunication. During this time, with the guidance of CYDA’s mentor, he enrolled in an AI & Data Science course. He was amazed to see how AI was changing different industries and was excited to join the program. The course gave him deep learning experiences, where he got to explore topics like:
- What AI is and how it works
- How data is collected, cleaned and used
- Practical skills in programming and problem-solving
- Real-life examples of AI in health, business and daily life
- Backend and frontend development
- Python programming and web design
- Website building
- Fundamentals of Data Science
The course emphasized practical, real-world projects as the backbone of learning. One of the most impactful was the Youth Aid Foundation App, developed by a five-member team under Omkareshwar’s leadership. The app was designed to support grassroots entrepreneurs by classifying them through a three-stage model, Sankalp, Sphurti and Saksham, based on their income levels. Beyond data collection, it offered features for tracking progress and accessing resources. As a team leader, he coordinated backend, frontend, and UI/UX tasks, ensuring smooth integration while actively contributing to implementation. This project strengthened his technical knowledge and enhanced his leadership, project management and problem-solving skills.
A Life Transformed
The exposure from the course soon translated into professional opportunities. During campus placements, Omkareshwar applied for the role of Data Investigator at Youth Aid Global and got selected. This role gives him a platform to apply his learnings and a chance to create social impact through data-driven insights. Most importantly, with his first salary of Rs . 15,000/- per month, Omkareshwar is able to support his family. He pays fees for his sister’s education, while also contributing to household expenses. For his parents, this milestone is more than financial relief—it is pride, joy, and reassurance that their son’s determination has borne fruit.
I am very thankful to CYDA and Youth4Change for this life-changing opportunity. The guidance, support, and practical exposure I received have shaped my future – Admits Omkareshwar.
