Frequently asked questions - General
We have an additional FAQ for international participants that compliments this FAQ. 1. What is Jagriti Yatra?2. Is there an eligibility-criterion? Who can apply for the Yatra? 3. Do I need to be an entrepreneur to apply for the Yatra? 4. How many role models will I get to meet? And who are these role-models? 5. Where will I stay during the Yatra? 6. I am a girl and wish to come for the yatra. How safe will the Yatra be for me? 7. Will there be a shower/bath facility on board the train?
8. What happens on the train while we are traveling between places?
9. When should I reach Mumbai?
10. Will there be medical assistance available during the Yatra?
11. How safe is it to travel on the train for 18 days?
12. What is the provision for meals?
1. What is Jagriti Yatra? Jagriti Yatra is an annual train journey that that takes 400 of India's highly motivated youth (with some participation of international students) on an 18-day national train-journey, introducing them to unsung heroes of India. The aim is to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship (both social & economic) within India's youth by exposing them to individuals and institutions that are developing unique solutions to India's challenges. Through this national event we have begun to inspire the youth of India to lead and develop institutions both nationally and within their communities. The vision of Jagriti is to inspire young Indians living in the middle of the Indian demographic diamond (Rs 40-Rs 120 per day) to lead development by taking to enterprise. By doing so, they can turn from being job seekers to job creators. 2. Is there an eligibility-criterion? Who can apply for the Yatra? Anyone over 20yrs of age can apply for the Yatra. We have two categories of the Yatris. Participants: between the ages of 20-25 and Facilitators: experienced professionals with age above 25 yrs. 3. Do I need to be an entrepreneur to apply for the Yatra? Not necessary. In-fact the core purpose of the Yatra is to give exposure to any individual who has an inclination, and shows the potential to be an entrepreneur. 4. How many role models will I get to meet? And who are these role-models?
We have short listed 13 destinations for the forthcoming Yatra, and at each destination we would be visiting at least 1-2 role-models. So we would be interacting with 20-30 role-models. Some of the role-models we have visited in the past and would meet again this year are: Anshu Gupta (Goonj, Delhi), Joe Madiath (Gram Vikas, Orissa), Bunker Roy (Barefoot College, Rajasthan), Dr.Arvind (Arvind Eye Care), and many more… 5. Where will I stay during the Yatra?
On the train. The organizing team, volunteers and the support staff live in the train for all 18 days. The organising team assigns compartments to the yatris before they board the train. Male and female candidates are in separate bogies. The bogies are so assigned that the team and the volunteers are placed in between the male and female candidate bogies. 6. I am a girl and wish to come for the yatra. How safe will the Yatra be for me?
Safety of all on the train is our prime concern. Remember, you are one among almost 200 like-minded women from various parts of our country. Other than the participants of the Yatra, we have women volunteers and team members on the train as well. Our security staff includes women security staff for each women bogie. Male and female candidates are in separate bogies and both have separate bathing facilities. In the words of a Yatri who participated in the 2008 Yatra “As a woman participant, at no time did I feel unsafe or threatened. It is incredible that after being together on the train for just 1-2 days such a spirit of camaraderie develops that everyone looks out for each other and is willing to go out of their way to help each other." 7. Will there be a shower/bath facility on board the train?
There is a special coach which is converted into a bathroom where everyone on board the train can take a bath. This has cubicles to maintain privacy and hot and cold water is provided. There are separate designated times during the day when males and females can use the bath facility. 8. What happens on the train while we are traveling between the places?
This is the time when the greatest interaction and learning takes place. Participants are encouraged to engage into debates and exchange ideas. The various themes/groups into which participants are divided get together and work on their project. This is also the time to socialize and get to know each other and have fun while on the Yatra. 9. When should I reach Mumbai?
Registration and introduction to the Yatra will take place on morning of the 24th of December at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Dadar(w). Participants are encouraged to arrive in Mumbai a night before to ensure they attend the morning session at Ravindra Natya Mandir. For the facilitators, there will be a workshop on 23rd December at Ravindra Natya Mandir. So they need to come to Mumbai by 23rd morning.
For those women participants that do not have a place to stay in Mumbai, we'll arrange for their accommodation. However, since only a limited number approximately 30-35 participants can be accommodated, it is advisable to contact the Yatra organizers if you feel you would require a room. An information kit will be sent to all the selected Yatris to give more details. 10. Will there be medical assistance available during the Yatra?
1-2 doctors will be on board the train as facilitators having a well equipped First Aid kit. If you take any medication or have a pre-existing medical condition, please inform the Yatra organizers prior to the start of the Yatra. 11. How safe is it to travel on the train for 18 days?
Safety of all on board is of prime importance. At all time guards travel on the train and if required additional guards can be added. In the words of a Yatri who participated in the 2008 Yatra “As a woman participant, at no time did I feel unsafe or threatened. It is incredible that after being together on the train for just 1-2 days such a spirit of camaraderie develops that everyone looks out for each other and is willing to go out of their way to help each other." 12. What is the provision for meals?
A pantry car will be part of the train. All meals will be prepared and served on board the train. At destinations, if required packed meals will be provided.