Our Community: Who We Are
The Co-Creation Ecosystem
At the heart of YSI’s success was its diverse community of collaborators:
Guiding Minds: IKS experts provided mentorship rooted in Gandhian and Tagorean principles.
On-Ground Change Agents: Over 9 Student Fellows and 15 Faculty student facilitators from participating colleges guided students through the YSI project and presentation.
Strategic Partnerships: Institutional support from Bangalore North University (BNU), NSS, ICSSR, Gandhi Bhavana, and Sethi Foundation amplified YSI’s reach.
YSI Fellows
Niveditha – Srushti Degree College
A three-year YSI fellow who discovered her passion through service. Inspired by Gandhi’s teaching — “Lose yourself in service to find yourself” — she led peer training sessions and later founded ArtWorld, a social enterprise creating customized gifts, which won the Srushti Startup Prize.
“When I saw how my skills could uplift others, I realized what flourishing truly means.”
Sharulatha – Maharani Cluster University
Once nervous about guiding faculty in breakout rooms, Sharulatha found her voice through YSI. Her “Empathy Walk” project transformed stakeholder engagement on campus.
“YSI proves leadership isn’t about age but shared learning.
The Faculty Facilitators.
YSI has redefined what it means to be a teacher. Here, faculty are not lecturers — they are co-learners, mentors, and guides.
They show up with openness, humility, and a willingness to see students as equals.
Voices from Faculty
“The teacher-student barrier gave way to one of friendship… Empathy and being non-judgmental is what I learned.”
— Debamitra Ray, Srushti Degree College
— Padmavathi, Maharani Cluster University
— Shamna K.U., Faculty Facilitator
— Sharulatha, YSI Fellow reflecting on intergenerational collaboration
Faculty facilitators from institutions like Bangalore North University, RIE Bhubaneswar, and Maharani Cluster University have played a vital role in nurturing student projects, hosting reflective dialogues, and sustaining momentum beyond the conference.
The Srushti Core Team
Behind every YSI conference is a dedicated team from Srushti Degree College — passionate educators who facilitate, mentor, and hold space for innovation.
Key contributors include:
- Lakshmi Hariharan – Founder, Principal, and Curator of YSI
“YSI gave a platform where students talked, and adults listened.” - Debamitra Ray – Faculty Facilitator, 2019–2020
Played a key role in bridging generational gaps - Shamna K.U. – Faculty Facilitator, 2021–2022
Helped scale reflective practices across teams - Pushpalata – Faculty Mentor
Inspired students through empathetic guidance - Selva Rani, Sujata Agrawal – Convening Team
Ensured smooth coordination year after year
Their commitment — despite academic pressures — is a testament to their belief in student agency.
The Guiding Minds: IKS Experts & Thought Leaders
YSI draws deep inspiration from Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and the wisdom of thinkers like Gandhi, Tagore, and Sanskrit scholars.
We are honored to have been guided by remarkable individuals who bridge tradition and modernity:
- Jane Sahe – Former Faculty, Azim Premji University
Chairperson of YSI 2019, she beautifully said:
“YSI removed the hierarchy and brought students and faculty together as co-creators of a new campus culture.” - Srinivas Murthy – Sanskrit Scholar, Ex-Principal
Chairperson of YSI 2022, he reminded us:
“The college space should not be restrictive, but where the student can learn and fly.” Dr. Gouri Mahulikar – Academic Head, Chinmaya International Foundation
Praised YSI as a practical model aligned with NEP 2020, saying:
“Just as a single candle can light many others, transforming even one student creates ripple effects.”
Strategic Partners & Supporters
YSI would not exist without the generous support of visionary organizations committed to youth, education, and social change.
Our Gratitude To:
Bangalore North University (BNU)
Under the leadership of Prof. Kemparaju and Prof. Niranjana Vanahalli, BNU opened doors for students across 200+ affiliated colleges to participate. Their encouragement gave YSI its first wings.
“These types of programs should be continuously practiced and encouraged.” — Prof. T.D. Kemparaju, VC, BNU
National Service Scheme (NSS)
Enabled widespread student participation and community engagement, aligning YSI with national youth service goals.
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
Provided partial funding for YSI 2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, validating the academic rigor and cultural relevance of our work.
Gandhi Bhavana, Bangalore
Sponsored events, gifted books on Gandhian thought, and provided a sacred space for reflection and inspiration.
Sethi Foundation
The founding sponsor of four YSI conferences and publisher of the consolidated YSI Journey 2018–2022 book.
“We are happy to support the meaningful initiative of YSI… We hope it continues to make an impact across more institutions.”
— Shalini Sethi, Chairperson, Sethi Foundation
