Pranesh

Climate Champion of Young India under NYCC, supported by YuWaah-UNICEF.

• Selected as a fellow from over 1200 youth grassroots leaders from India as a youth representative of Karnataka. awarded a grant of 65,000 amplify grassroots efforts
  
• Participated in a 3-day Capacity Building Training of Trainers' as one of the 30 Climate Champions of Young India to gain learnings in Climate Communications and Advocacy, Project Management, Engaging with Multiple Stakeholders, etc
  
• Attended Local Conference of Youth 2024 as an NYCC Youth Delegate with 250 youth representatives from the nation; aided formation of National Youth Statement representing recommendations of 1500+ young people and children
• Designed and Implemented grassroot Initiative called " Yuva - Panchayat for Western ghat's "
• Mentored and conducted Capacity building workshop for 30 local youth leaders ( Western Ghats Region )

• Together with a dedicated group of passionate youths, I founded Voice of Western Ghats, an initiative aimed at making a difference in the Western Ghats Region (Conservation and Policy effort.)
• Our team is actively working to address various environmental, social and governance challenges in this ecologically significant area
• By raising awareness, advocating for sustainable practices, and engaging local communities in local governance, we strive to protect and preserve the Western Ghats

National-Level Initiatives :

• National Youth Manifesto ( Youth Agenda 2024) : spearheaded youth consultations across Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, and Karnataka, engaging over 43,000 youth in collaboration with 50 organizations. These efforts included amplifying outreach, facilitating meaningful dialogues, and driving advocacy initiatives. Worked closely with central government policymakers and political parties to ensure youth perspectives were integrated into national-level decision-making processes.
• Designed and implemented strategic plans for political advocacy and grassroots mobilization.
• Managed social media campaigns and developed the website for the National Youth Manifesto, including toolkits for consultations and outreach.
• Youth Rights Charter :
• Facilitated the promotion and endorsement process for the Youth Rights Charter.
• Designed and launched a dedicated website for the Youth Rights Charter, ensuring accessible and impactful digital engagement.
• Developed and strengthened the Youth Rights Charter brand under Samvada Baduku, enhancing visibility and outreach efforts.

State-Level Initiatives :

• Karnataka Youth Manifesto (Jan–Mar 2023): Creation of the manifesto, engaging 3000+ youth across 12 consultations. Mobilized over 100 volunteers for outreach, impacting 300,000 youth. and Communicated with Government stakeholders including political leaders.
• Mid-Day Meal Expansion (Mar–Nov 2023): Advocated for state-wide program expansion, reaching 5 million individuals through public advocacy campaigns.

Workshops, Facilitation and Communication :

• Conducted and facilitated sessions on youth rights, sustainability, climate emergency, Western Ghats conservation, and youth leadership.
• Managed organizational communication channels and social media handles

PEARL - Policy Engagement and Action Research Leadership Fellow

• Led the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change global campaign and contributed effectively to the Global Forum for Adolescents
• Led youth-led evidence-based action to strengthen youth affirmative health services in respective states/UT

• Gained valuable experience and theoretical insights of startups and Co-founded a Community initiative called Ecofiya.

• Engaged in strategy-building and cultivating meaningful social relationships with homeless individuals
• Developed a deep understanding of their needs and challenges, fostering connections to empower and uplift

• Participated in the Development Sector Fellowship Program, a 9-month program providing theoretical and practical skills in the development sector
• Completed 20+ workshops on project management, critical thinking, design thinking, sustainable planning, public speaking, leadership, and report writing
• Initiated a digital literacy program for youth in Avalahalli, Bengaluru, implemented through a peer facilitation model
• Trained youth leaders to teach digital literacy skills, covering internet safety, online communication, and digital content creation
• Developed a sustainable plan for migrant workers in Bengaluru, collaborating with school students to collect data on their needs and create solutions
• Attended 20+ sessions related to Development sector and social entrepreneurship

• Engaged in diverse ideologies encompassing self-discovery and societal norms
• Acquired knowledge and explored on crucial topics such as environmental sustainability, gender issues, and pluralism
• Underwent comprehensive leadership training at levels 1 and 2
• Spearheaded impactful campaigns focusing on youth rights, mental and physical health, mid-day meal provisions for college students, and advocating against violence on women

• Spearheaded a state-level campaign to raise awareness about COVID-19
• Mobilized a dedicated group of 10 dynamic individuals to ensure vital information reached every corner of the community

• During the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdown, I actively participated in running a community kitchen in Mangalore

• Distributed essential ration kits to support families affected by the pandemic