Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar is a former journalist, social entrepreneur, artist and founder and director of one of India's largest volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations called Youngistaan Foundation. Since 2014, he has supported over five million lives across 60 cities in India. This was made possible through the collective efforts of over 70,000 young volunteers and over 150 partners in seven active programs aligned with eight United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, he has been recognized as a TEDx speaker and has had the privilege of interacting with over 100 colleges as a chief guest and speaker. 

Arun's impactful work has been acknowledged by various government officials and bodies in India, including the Department of Information and Technology, the Police Department, the Education Department, the Municipal Government, the Health Department, UNICEF, and others. For over a decade, he has been dedicated to empowering young people and transforming the lives of underserved communities. Driven by a passion for nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, Arun actively explores perspectives on youth leadership and development, and behavioral change through grassroots awareness, policymaking, campaigning, education, advocacy, and community mobilization.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Youth Development for Social Development (YD4SD)

The Youth Development for Social Development (YD4SD) project empowered 30 young people in India to become agents of change and positive leaders to take action on increasing awareness of global goals focusing on gender equality, reducing inequality, climate action, nation building and peacebuilding. Specifically, Arun hosted five training sessions on four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5, 10, 13, and 16) for participants from three different cities. Other project activities included stakeholder collaboration, volunteer registration and onboarding, volunteer training, and advocacy. More than 580 thousand beneficiaries across three cities were reached through digital and on the ground awareness campaigns, including a zero-waste carnival event.

 

"[This project] allowed me to be part of a global movement dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable future, while also providing the opportunity to engage with local changemakers who were making a difference right in our own community. This experience has left an indelible mark on my life, inspiring me to continue my efforts in support of the United Nations' SDGs and fostering positive change wherever I go." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Arun was a participant in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement -- Youth Activism (Pakistan and India), organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

Arun's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "Every interaction with individuals and organizations I had during my IVLP Project has ignited a fire within me, inspiring me to amplify my efforts for the people I work with back in India."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Pensacola, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Columbus, OH

"The exposure I've gained has challenged me to believe in the immense potential for positive change, fueling my eagerness to implement the valuable lessons I've learned in the work that I do in India." - Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar

Country: India

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