My Story

Intro

Most youngsters in urban India today are interested in social activities. Yuva (which means youth in Sanskrit) was founded by a group of students pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Bangalore, India in the year 2008. Yuva was formed to create a conscious about social service in young minds of the society.

About Me

As any Indian boy, I, Manish Sankla, had an ambition to be an International cricketer.  I dedicated most of my time playing and practising the game, which even overshadowed my academics.  At one point of time, I even thought of it as a career, especially after being awarded the Best Cricketer of the year. Cricket was my passion…my dream, or phase?

I was born and bought up in Bangalore, India. I have seen the Bangalore city transform from a haven city to one of the world’s biggest IT cities.  Even in a city which is financially stable, I observed day in and day out, the harsh realities of people’s life around them.  I realized that there was more to life than just Cricket. My real passion lay in servicing the society and giving a portion of the privileges I had received so far in life. With the joint effort, a common goal, and compassion of 11 other teenagers Mitesh, Mayank, Heeralal, Kishore, Rajesh, Nitesh, Nikhil, Nand Kishore, Gautham, Prasan and Yashveer, Yuva Ignited Minds was formed on the 7th of February 2008.

I am currently pursuing Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Bangalore, India. All co-founders studied in the same institute where they studied and dreamt together.Our inspiration is drawn from ancient sages who practiced non- violence, love, peace and eternal liberation. We wondered and questioned our abilities, as we wanted to bring in these principles into the current times- even a day with absolute honesty.  It was our inspiration, traditions and cultural values that made us realize the need to serve the society.  Thus, our motto was formed, “The good we do today, will come back to us tomorrow.”

My Venture

Yuva Ignited Minds is an NGO.  True to its name, Yuva (which means youth in Sanskrit) was founded in 2008 by a group of 12 teenagers pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Bangalore, India.  The idea was conceptualized during a college trip to Udaipur, Rajasthan.  The trip made us, as individuals, reflect upon ourselves and provoked a thought as to how can we contribute towards building India as a developed nation in a way we dream of. The sight of a three year old visually impaired and a 103-year-old centenarian with crutches and still working with intense pain shocked us. This left us in deep thought about the realities of life and the luxury of our social background, which had protected us against these harsh realities. At that point of time, we realized that we need to give back a portion to the marginalized section with the little they have been blessed with. Yuva was born and its journey continues!

So far we have organized free eye camps for people suffering from eye-related problems and workshops in underprivileged schools, where members teach students basic values and morals of life. Interactive sessions include fun-filled activities like art, literature, craft and other competitions.

Over the past 18 months, Yuva Ignited Minds has grown steadily. Initially the organization started with 12 members and now has an armada of over 200 registered members. To serve our motto “The good we do today, will come back to us tomorrow.”

Yuva’s plan is to ignite young minds towards social service, which would last for a lifetime.  This includes Teaching by example, doing good before speaking about it, listening before speaking, giving before asking and loving before hating.