(Expressed opinions are personal.)
A delegation of Young Indians (Yi) visited UK during the week. As the name suggests, Yi - Young Indians - is an organisation consisting of young progressive Indians between the age group of 21 and 45 years. It includes entrepreneurs, professionals and achievers in other walks of life. Yi is part of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Yi is a non-governmental, not for profit organisation. It aims to play proactive role in India's development process.
The delegation consisted of nine young entrepreneurs. This representative delegation aimed to explore the potential of collaboration between India and UK businesses, especially in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. The purpose of the delegation was to set the ground for future visits by larger delegation and also to identify potential partners in the UK. During the visit, delegates had meetings with High Commission of India, Department of Industry and Trade, UK businesses and various interlocutors. The delegation also visited Scotland. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro led the delegation. He is in agro business and has also held the post of President of Yi in the past. The delegation had an interesting company named Toogle, a search engine for travel, a complete ecosystem for travel agents. Similarly, there were entrepreneurs in real estate and affordable housing sector.
The Yi was formed in 2002 and today it consists of 3200 direct members in 46 chapters across India and 25000 students as YUVA members from colleges. Yi has undertaken a number of impactful projects and activities, mainly focusing on the three areas: 1. Youth Leadership 2. Nation Building and 3. Thought Leadership. It also engages with international organisations and institutions for various activities. It works with the motive of converging, leading, co-creating and influencing India's future. It believes in the motto - We can, We will. Its strategic objectives include areas of nation-building, reach, influence, digital and personal development. It aims that 1 in every 1000 youth in the age group of 21-45 is a member of Yi and its presence reaches every country with more than 1000 people of Indian origin. Thus is aims to expand globally and at least through its App it intends to connect to Youth digitally.
