HDFC-YUVA Case Stories
In Mumbai’s marginalised settlements, young people grow up with dreams. They often face financial difficulties and obstacles in working towards their goals. However, with the right support and resources, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and help the next generation achieve their dreams.
Through a meaningful partnership between YUVA and HDFC Bank Parivartan, youth across select informal settlements and colleges in Mumbai are finding new pathways to success. Whether through job readiness sessions, arts and sports programmes, or leadership development, YUVA is creating spaces where young people can unlock their potential and thrive.
From Struggles to Success: The Journey of Growth
Pratik Ingle, a 19-year-old from Kranti Nagar, found himself in a financial crisis after losing his father, relying on his mother’s modest earnings as a hospital assistant and his sister’s job at a jewellery shop. Education took a backseat as Pratik took up part-time jobs to support his family. But his passion for music and his desire to build a better future never faded.
When Pratik connected with YUVA’s “Indradhanush Youth Resource Centre”, it was the turning point he needed. Through job readiness sessions, he gained valuable skills in communications and confidence-building. Soon, he secured a job at Mahindra Tractors, with a promising salary and incentives that would bring financial relief to his family. “This opportunity has changed everything for us,” Pratik shares. “It’s not just about the job, it’s about believing in myself again and helping my younger brother do the same.”
Similarly, Rani, from Ganpat Patil Nagar, faced her own set of challenges. A shy and soft-spoken young girl, she struggled with presenting herself in job interviews. “I would often feel nervous and unsure of how to carry myself,” she recalls. But YUVA’s professional training and etiquette sessions, supported by HDFC Bank, introduced her to the small but crucial aspects of professional presentation—maintaining eye contact, dressing appropriately, and speaking with confidence.
With newfound self-assurance, Rani faced her interviews head-on, no longer held back by self-doubt. “I’ve learned how important it is to present myself confidently,” she says. “Thanks to YUVA, I’ve started to believe in my potential.” Today, Rani stands as an example of how the right guidance can open doors to a world of possibilities.
Empowerment through Expression: Arts and Sports as a Pathway to Change
While Pratik and Rani found their footing in the job market, others like Anjali Bhagat and Komal Vishwakarma found their strength through YUVA’s arts and sports-based programmes, which aim to empower youth through confidence, teamwork, and self-expression.
Anjali, from a large family in Borivali, grew up with limited opportunities to step outside her home. Financial struggles were constant, and societal norms often dictated what young women could or couldn’t do. But when she participated in a sports and arts event organized by YUVA, it opened a whole new world for her. “It was the first time I played a team sport, the first time I expressed myself through art,” she says proudly.
Breaking free from the restrictions of her conservative community, Anjali discovered a sense of empowerment she had never felt before. “I realised I have the strength to achieve my dreams,” she shares, now determined to complete her education and support her family in meaningful ways.
For Komal Vishwakarma, a 21-year-old from Kurla, the journey to self-discovery was equally profound. Coming from a protective household, stepping out to participate in a sports event required careful negotiation with her family. With persistent efforts from YUVA’s team,
Komal’s parents agreed, and she found herself on the field for the first time, playing Lagori and engaging in creative activities.
“This event wasn’t just about playing a game; it was about finding myself,” she reflects. “Among my own community, I finally felt like I belonged.” The experience gave Komal the confidence to explore new opportunities, paving the way for personal growth and empowerment.
Here are two YouTube video links for the project jointly initiated by HDFC and YUVA:
A Partnership That’s Making a Difference
The success stories of youth like Pratik, Rani, Anjali, and Komal wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering partnership of YUVA and HDFC Bank Parivartan. Through a well-rounded approach that includes job readiness, financial literacy, leadership development, and community engagement, the partnership is nurturing young individuals and helping them realise their potential.
YUVA’s community resource centres serve as hubs of learning and empowerment, offering sessions that cater to different aspects of youth development—be it through interview training, leadership workshops, or arts and sports programmes that provide an outlet for self-expression.
Each success story is a testament to how small interventions can lead to life-changing impacts. Young people are not just gaining employment, they are gaining confidence, learning to express themselves, and becoming active participants in shaping their communities.
As we continue to see these inspiring transformations, it becomes clear that investing in youth is investing in the future. With the right support systems in place, dreams that once seemed distant can now become a reality.
