Working Towards A Developed Future - Rajesh Meher

“I belong to a very small village in Kalahandi. Since childhood, though I was interested in a lot of things, I could not explore them because we didn’t have a lot of money. I was good at studies, and it felt like the only thing I was meant for.

For high school, I went to BBSR. The transition from my village to such a space was really difficult. Since I couldn’t ask for much money from home, I did tuitions, and also distributed newspapers with my roommate.

During graduation, I stumbled upon a youth organization called Patang, and being deeply influenced by their activities, I got associated with them. For the first time, I got exposure to things that were beyond studies, and I felt valued there.

Later, I came across the International Youth Exchange Program. A total of 9 young people from India were sent to the UK for 3 months, where we stayed with 9 young English people. We raised funds for Multiple Sclerosis patients, and also took care of them. After coming back to India, we stayed for 3 months in rural Rajasthan. This program changed my perspective forever. 

I continued volunteering and after my Masters, took a break year to do social work in tribal MP. Going out of academics, working in the development sector, and again coming back to academics has been my pattern. During my MPhil, I went out with 5 of my friends to start a travelling café, called ‘Café Bean Here Bean There’, and that turned out to be a huge success.

Currently, I am invested in adolescence, youth, and social entrepreneurship. I have been trying to build something that youth can relate to, and be comfortable around.” – Rajesh N Singh Meher.