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2024 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

Student Organization Mission Statement

Transforming Rural Youth (TRY) is committed to catalyzing change in rural communities through entrepreneurship and innovation. Our core aims are to identify and support rural entrepreneurs, inspire students towards entrepreneurship, address village-level problems through public-private partnerships, enhance the skills and incomes of small business owners, and contribute to the development of educational and residential infrastructure. Upholding values of empowerment, collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, TRY operates within thematic fields of entrepreneurship incubation, education awareness, problem-solving in rural settings, economic upliftment, and infrastructural enhancement. Our mission is straightforward: to foster a sustainable ecosystem where rural youth can prosper, contribute to their communities, and lead healthy lives.

How has the work of your student organization advanced the SDGs and the Seven Principles for Responsible Management Education?

Transforming Rural Youth (TRY) has been instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Seven Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) through its comprehensive initiatives. By focusing on rural entrepreneurship, education awareness, and community empowerment, TRY significantly contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities).

TRY's activities, such as career orientation sessions for government school students and entrepreneurship awareness sessions in rural colleges, directly promote quality education and lifelong learning opportunities (SDG 4). Furthermore, initiatives supporting rural women entrepreneurs align with SDG 5 by fostering gender equality and economic empowerment.

TRY’s commitment to PRME principles, especially Purpose, Values, and Method, is evident in its collaborative approach with local communities and government institutions. Upholding values of empowerment, collaboration, and sustainability, TRY ensures responsible management practices and social impact are integral to its operations.

Overall, TRY's proactive endeavors not only address immediate community needs but also lay the foundation for sustainable development and responsible management practices. This contributes to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world, both within and beyond the university campus.

How has the work of your student organization built upon creative approaches?

Transforming Rural Youth (TRY) has continuously embraced creative approaches to advance its mission, fostering meaningful student engagement and impactful initiatives. Through innovative methods, TRY empowers students to take ownership of projects, fostering a sense of joy, purpose, and collaboration.

One notable example is TRY's "Crafting Connections: Bridging Silence with Art" initiative, which facilitated a powerful connection between a deaf and mute student and a teacher experienced in artistic work. This creative approach not only provided the student with a means of expression but also fostered collaboration and understanding within the school community.

Moreover, TRY's career orientation sessions for government school students utilized interactive activities, campus tours, and highlighting diverse career paths to engage students actively. By incorporating elements of joy and social interaction, these sessions inspired students to explore various career opportunities and envision their futures.

Additionally, TRY's De-Addiction Campaign employed skit performances and community engagement to raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction, promoting social interaction and active participation among villagers.

Overall, TRY's commitment to creative approaches enhances student agency, fosters active engagement, and cultivates a collaborative spirit, ensuring that initiatives are impactful, meaningful, and sustainable in addressing rural challenges.

How has the work of your student organization impacted the university ecosystem and local/regional communities?

The work of Transforming Rural Youth (TRY) has had a significant positive impact on both the university ecosystem and local/regional communities, fostering social, economic, and environmental progress while promoting responsible management practices.

Within the university ecosystem, TRY's initiatives have strengthened community engagement and student leadership. Through career orientation sessions, entrepreneurship workshops, and collaborative projects, TRY has provided students with opportunities to develop practical skills, cultivate empathy, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

In local and regional communities, TRY's efforts have led to tangible improvements in various areas. By empowering rural entrepreneurs, providing career guidance to students, raising awareness about social issues such as domestic violence and addiction, and renovating infrastructure like schools and hostels, TRY has contributed to economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

Quantitative metrics, such as the number of individuals reached, the number of successful entrepreneurial ventures supported, and the number of infrastructure projects completed, demonstrate the breadth and depth of TRY's impact. Qualitative feedback from community members and stakeholders further attests to the meaningful and lasting effects of TRY's initiatives on the university ecosystem and local/regional communities.

How has the work of your student organization promoted student development?

The work we do at Transforming Rural Youth (TRY) is immensely valuable for us as students. Being part of TRY has been transformative, both personally and professionally. Engaging in our projects is not just about completing tasks; it is about learning and honing skills that transcend the classroom.

Listen to one of the club members' views on this question:

"As a member of TRY (Chaitanya Ganesh), I have led and contributed to various projects, ranging from organizing career orientation sessions to participating in entrepreneurship workshops. These experiences have not only enriched my understanding of project management, communication, and teamwork but have also sensitized me to the challenges faced by rural communities and the potential for impactful change."

What stands out most about TRY is our dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. Through initiatives like career sessions and workshops, I have witnessed the direct impact we can have on people's lives, igniting a sense of purpose and commitment within me.

TRY has fundamentally altered my perspective. It is no longer about academic learning; it is about applying that knowledge to real-world scenarios and effecting positive change. TRY has equipped me with the confidence and skills to lead and drive change within my community.

How has the work of your student organization promoted global cooperation?

The engagement of foreign faculty from diverse and well-established universities during visits to schools, colleges, and villages has been instrumental in promoting global cooperation through Transforming Rural Youth (TRY). These visits serve as crucial opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering mutual understanding.

Through direct interactions with educators, students, and community members, foreign faculty members offer valuable insights and expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, education, and community development. These exchanges not only enrich the learning experiences of local stakeholders but also provide a platform for displaying the innovative initiatives undertaken by TRY.

By involving faculty members from different countries and renowned universities, TRY underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing usual challenges faced by rural communities. These interactions inspire cooperation and mutual learning, encouraging student organizations worldwide to adopt similar inclusive approaches in promoting social responsibility and community engagement.

The engagement of foreign faculty members amplifies TRY's efforts in building bridges between diverse communities and fostering a sense of global citizenship. Through these exchanges, TRY contributes to creating a more interconnected world where cultural diversity is celebrated, and collaborative solutions are embraced.

Members

  1. Shaik Iqbal Pasha* - President

  2. Abdul Adil* - Vice President

  3. M Muniratnam - Treasurer

  4. V Chaitanya Ganesh* - Outreach Officer & Community Liaison

  5. M Sai Charan* - Project Manager & Lead Operations

  6. M Vishwanath* -Operations Executive

  7. Sahini Reddy Pulla - Innovation Officer

  8. A Ramya Sri - Mentorship Coordinator

  9. Kasi Vishwanath - Social Media Lead

  10. K Venkatesh - Social Media Executive

  11. Vishal - Graphic Designer

  12. K A Manikanta - Event Manager

  13. Mekala Chetana - Research & Content Writer

  14. Siri Vennela - Research & Content Writer

  15. P Yogitha - Executive

  16. Bhuvishri Vijayan - Executive

  17. Mamta - Executive

*Competed in simulation competition