18th Jagriti Yatra powered by HDFC Mutual Fund reaches Ganjam (Brahmapur)
Berhampur: In an inspiring celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit, the 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra reached Ganjam (Brahmapur) on November 15, 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.”
At the Ganjam stop, Yatris engaged with Gram Vikas, one of India’s most respected community development organisations working across rural Odisha to promote water, sanitation, and livelihood transformation. The sessions featured a keynote address and an interactive fireside chat with Liby Thomas Johnson, Executive Director, Gram Vikas, who shared the organisation’s journey of enabling dignified living for rural communities through innovation and participatory development.
The Yatris also explored the Gram Vikas School, where they interacted with students and teachers to understand the model’s focus on holistic education rooted in sustainability and local empowerment. The day concluded with cultural exchanges and discussions that celebrated the spirit of rural enterprise and self-reliance.
Mr. Shashank Mani, Founder of Jagriti Yatra and Member of Parliament (Deoria), shared his reflections on the visit:
“Ganjam embodies the power of collective enterprise – where community becomes the catalyst for change. At Gram Vikas, our Yatris saw how innovation rooted in compassion can transform lives at scale. This is the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat – where empowerment begins at the grassroots and radiates upward to build the nation.”
Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, CEO of Jagriti, added: “Every stop on the Yatra tells a story of transformation. Gram Vikas is a reminder that sustainable change is born when enterprise and empathy come together. The lessons from Ganjam strengthen our belief that development must include, empower, and inspire – not just grow.”
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.
