In the early months of 2024, Anirudh, a member of the Young Changemakers Programme’s 2023 cohort, embarked on a journey that changed his outlook towards social impact.
The Inspiration
During an internship at his uncle’s office in early 2024, young Anirudh stumbled upon a story that catalysed his journey into social change. Tasked with learning something new every day, he discovered the tale of a young boy—who invented smokeless chullahs after his mother passed away due to lung cancer caused by the use of conventional clay ovens. This innovation sparked a thought—the introduction of smokeless chullahs in Rasabeda, a village where such a solution could greatly improve the quality of ordinary life.
Inspired and driven by the possibility of change Anirudh found himself at a crossroads: he could let this be just another story or he could act.
Building The Team
He chose the latter: to act. Determined to bring this idea to life, Anirudh geared for action. He began reaching out to his fellow YCP alumni to rally support. He found his first partner in Vrushank, a risk-taker with a knack for embracing new experiences, who immediately shared Anirudh’s enthusiasm for the project. This was a sign of things to come.
Lekhana, whose thoughtful insights and strategic thinking had impressed many during the programme, joined soon after. Siddh, known for his infectious energy and ability to rally people around a cause brought an essential spark to the team ensuring their efforts were both dynamic and cohesive.
The group’s dynamic, built on diverse personalities, highlighted the thoughtful selection process of the YCP program, which focuses on nurturing individuals who bring different strengths to the table.
Vision To Reality
Anirudh then reached out to Prof. Gaurav Marathe, a faculty at Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi. With a mix of hope and trepidation, Anirudh requested a meeting unsure of what to expect.
Prof. Marathe was delighted at their dedication. During the meeting, Anirudh’s team laid out their plan in detail. By the end of the call, Prof. Marathe was genuinely impressed; he had anticipated a simple proposal but was met with a thoughtful and well-researched strategy.
One nod was all they needed.
For Anirudh and his team, Prof. Marathe’s approval felt like their first taste of victory. It was a validation of their hard work and dedication, a sign that they were on the right path. The excitement in their voices was palpable as they recounted the moment to me.
Yet, their journey had only begun. When I first came across their proposal, I admit—I was sceptical. It seemed like another group of kids trying to pad their CVs with a superficial NGO project. However, Anirudh’s persistence and the team’s genuine passion soon won me over.
As we collaborated, exchanging data from Project SONDER (Survey of Needs Demographics Expectations and Resources) to refine their estimates for the chullahs needed in Rasabeda I began to see the depth of their commitment.
However, the road to success was not without its quiet moments. For a period, there was radio silence as the team struggled to raise funds. Then, in a serendipitous turn of events, Anirudh attended a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, where he met a philanthropist. Anirudh’s enthusiasm and the mention of an IIM Ranchi piqued the man’s interest. Impressed by the team’s sincerity, he donated 1.8 lakh rupees, allowing the team to purchase 36 smokeless chullahs from Gujarat.
The arrival of the chullahs at IIM Ranchi was a moment of pure joy and surprise for everyone involved. The team was invited to the campus and on 14th September they embarked on a journey to Rasabeda to distribute the chullahs and train the villagers in their use. As they witnessed the impact of their efforts firsthand the team realised just how far they had come—from last-minute applicants to the Young Changemakers Programme to true agents of change. Life had come full circle for them.
The Bigger Picture
This journey epitomizes the very spirit of the Young Changemakers Program. Whilst official engagements may appear minuscule, behind-the-scenes work goes a long way. The alumni of the various cohorts are highly embedded—ideas are shared, impactful projects are developed in collaboration, travel is done together, and meetings take place when visiting each other’s cities.
Seeing the programme mould the lives of young changemakers, equipping them with the skills and perspectives needed to make a difference reaffirms the commitment to the cause—emphasising the importance of formalising post-programme engagements and ensuring that future cohorts continue on this trajectory of learning and growth.
As I stood there surrounded by the chullahs that Anirudh and his team had worked so tirelessly to bring to Rasabeda, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. It reminded me that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the human spirit has the capacity to triumph and bring about meaningful change.
As I watched the villagers of Rasabeda learn how to use their new chullahs, their faces lit up with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. It was a moment that crystallised the true impact of the team’s efforts—not just in the tangible benefits of the smokeless chullahs but in the way they reignited a sense of optimism and belief in a brighter future for the villagers and me.
Perhaps I am just being my usual hopeful optimist; but then again, isn’t that the very essence of the Young Changemakers Programme—to inspire us to dream big, to believe in the power of our own convictions and to work tirelessly towards a better tomorrow?
