There are 157 million rural youth in India. While some leave to seek a better future in cities, many young women and men in our villages are choosing to work for and with their communities. We’re seeing a new generation of job roles emerging in rural India that hold promise for the future. At Hindustan Unilever Foundation rural youth are at the frontline of our water conservation and farmer programmes. They are trained as paraprofessionals with sharp and complex skill sets. They drive better management of water resources in their village, help panchayats prepare robust plans and train farmers on adopting progressive regenerative practices. They are committed, passionate and driven – all qualities that we seek in our teams! And they have driven tremendous change in their villages – securing abundant water for all, improving incomes of farmers, giving women a voice, becoming role models for others.
India’s 5.94 lakh villages can be transformed through a cadre of skilled youth. We’ve made a start and will need many more to join hands with us.
