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In an inspiring celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit, the 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra reached Madurai on November 11, 2025. The event marked yet another milestone in the ongoing 15-day, 8,000-kilometre national journey that unites 500 carefully selected Yatris from across India and abroad. Chosen from over 68,000 applicants, these participants represent the growing resonance of Jagriti’s mission to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat through enterprise-led development.
This year’s Yatra is powered by HDFC Mutual Fund, reflecting a shared mission to empower India’s youth through enterprise, education, and financial awareness.
Mr. Navneet Munot, MD & CEO – HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said: “Atmanirbharta begins with awareness - awareness of one’s potential and purpose. At HDFC Mutual Fund, we believe that true empowerment comes when young Indians not only dream big but also make informed financial choices to realise those dreams. Through our investor education initiatives, we aim to spread financial awareness and educate individuals, especially young Indians, by promoting awareness of mutual funds as an investment vehicle across the length and breadth of our country, helping every individual take confident steps toward financial independence. Jagriti Yatra beautifully embodies this spirit of self-belief and nation-building, aligning with our commitment to investor empowerment and trust building through mutual fund awareness. We are proud to partner in this inspiring journey that nurtures the entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape the India of tomorrow.”
As part of the Madurai stop, Yatris engaged with one of India’s most inspiring social enterprises - Aravind Eye Care - an institution that has redefined healthcare through its model of self-sustaining, affordable service delivery. The programme featured an overview presentation by the Aravind team, the screening of the award-winning documentary Infinite Vision, and a special pre-recorded address by Dr. S. Aravind. The sessions offered deep insights into how purpose-driven enterprise can achieve large-scale social impact without compromising quality or compassion.
Adding to the day’s engagements were AGK Karunakaran, President & CEO, MulticoreWare; Viswanathan Rajalingam, Vice President & P&L GM; Sameer K. Mody, Head, K7 Labs; Vijetha Shastry, Startup Evangelist, Bhive Workspace; and Vijay Ladha, JECP Mentor and pro bono business mentor with Stanford Seed and NICEorg. Their participation reinforced the Yatra’s growing network of role models from healthcare, technology, and innovation sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shashank Mani, Founder of Jagriti Yatra and Member of Parliament (Deoria Lok Sabha constituency), said, ““For seventeen years, Jagriti Yatra has been a journey to awaken enterprise and purpose in India’s youth. At Aravind Eye Care, our Yatris witnessed how vision and discipline can create impact at scale. The message is clear - India’s future will be shaped by those who combine service with innovation, building an Atmanirbhar Bharat grounded in compassion and collective will.”
Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, CEO, Jagriti, remarked, “Each role model we visit is a living lesson in possibility. Aravind teaches that true scale is not about size, but about systems, purpose, and perseverance. The Yatra brings these lessons to life, showing how enterprise can become a force for both personal transformation and national progress.”
The 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra is powered by HDFC Mutual Fund, with generous support from Tally Solutions and Campa, whose partnership underscores the growing commitment of India Inc. to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and nation-builders.