Shankar Vanavarayar Shankar Vanavarayar National Chairman, Young Indians Commonwealth Conference on 'Investing in Youth Employment’ 10 May 2011 : London

Young Indians (Yi) is an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India’s premier business association. Created in 2002 as a platform that “thinks and acts beyond business” to engage Young Indians in the age group of 25 – 40 and involve them in ensuring that “this generation is shaping the future of India” and help realize the dream of a developed nation Comprises of professionals and progressive achievers from different walks of life. Entrepreneurs, farmers, students, managers and leaders Yi through campaigns and projects focuses on employability, education, environment and healthcare directly impacting youth and their future. Young Indians - Yi

1305 members spread over 24 chapters in 15 States of India 4,100 students spread over 70 Student Nets across 19 Chapters 10,000 farmers from two Farmer Nets 160 corporate chapter members from three corporate chapters

India: A Rapidly Growing Economy India’s GDP has increased rapidly over the past 15 years from $250 billion to over US$ 1.7 trillion currently Source: National Accounts, RBI

Favourable Demographics Source: United Nations, India’s Biggest Advantage: One of the youngest working populations in the world. India is projected to have the largest population in the age group of yrs by year 2050

Entrepreneurship Development Process Yi has focused on the first and second stages of this process CII Works on Education, Skill and creation of an enabling environment for the entrepreneurship development

Young Indians (Yi) – Employability Focus Rural Career Counseling Initiative It is a program that allows children in underprivileged schools in rural and urban India to think in a structured manner about their dreams and aspirations. It gives an opportunity to students to think of their career in a long term manner It gives exposure to students regarding the sea of opportunity that exists beyond just being doctors or engineers It is a tool that empowers students to self determine their career path with support from teachers and family Rural Career Counseling Initiative It is a program that allows children in underprivileged schools in rural and urban India to think in a structured manner about their dreams and aspirations. It gives an opportunity to students to think of their career in a long term manner It gives exposure to students regarding the sea of opportunity that exists beyond just being doctors or engineers It is a tool that empowers students to self determine their career path with support from teachers and family Yi Livelihood Advancement Business School (LABS) The LABS program aims to ensure employment to the underprivileged youth in age group of years through its tailor-made programs enabling them to gain access to opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The essence of the program is to match market demand and incorporate the requirements into a tailor-made three-month training package so that the training is far more meaningful. CEO Connect Series Opportunity for School, College Students to interact with CEOs and Successful Entrepreneurs. Learning visits to successful enterprises CEO Connect Series Opportunity for School, College Students to interact with CEOs and Successful Entrepreneurs. Learning visits to successful enterprises

CII – Creating an Enabling Environment Working with Multiple Stakeholders Industry Governments Academia Society Non Governmental Organsations (NGOs) involved in employability Media Focus ( ) Affirmative Action Working Regional Skill Development Centers Collaboration with State Level Entrepreneurship Development Institutes

Education For Enabling Enterprise In a large country like India with about 50% of the population in the youth category, Entrepreneurship is the way ahead. Educating youth to be enable enterprise is the best way ahead

Thank You

Education Scenario in India Universities — 504 (243 state universities, 40 central univs and 130 deemed universities, 53 state private universities, 33 institutes of national importance set up through central legislation and 5 institutes set up through state legislation) Number of colleges—25,951 Total number of students enrolled in universities and colleges in — lakh, of which lakh (12.24%) are in university departments and lakh (87.76%) are in affiliated colleges Enrolment in distance education-- 30 lakh Intake in technical education lakh in degree and 5.09 lakh in diploma There are 15 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) 3 Schools of Planning and Architecture Universities — 504 (243 state universities, 40 central univs and 130 deemed universities, 53 state private universities, 33 institutes of national importance set up through central legislation and 5 institutes set up through state legislation) Number of colleges—25,951 Total number of students enrolled in universities and colleges in — lakh, of which lakh (12.24%) are in university departments and lakh (87.76%) are in affiliated colleges Enrolment in distance education-- 30 lakh Intake in technical education lakh in degree and 5.09 lakh in diploma

Favourable Demographics India’s Biggest Advantage: One of the youngest populations in the world Percentage of population aged 65 and older Source: United Nations, 2008