Mumbai: In an inspiring celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit, the 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra was inaugurated and flagged off this evening at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West, Mumbai. The event marks the beginning of a 15-day, 8,000-kilometre national journey uniting 500 carefully selected Yatris from across India and abroad — chosen from over 68,000 applicants — underscoring Jagriti’s mission to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat through enterprise-led development.
This year’s edition of the Yatra is powered by HDFC Mutual Fund through its Investor Education and Awareness Initiative, reflecting a shared vision to empower India’s youth through enterprise, education, and financial literacy.
Gracing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Navneet Munot, MD and CEO, HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, delivered an inspiring address connecting India’s entrepreneurial energy with the nation’s larger vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
He 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.”
The event witnessed powerful reflections and performances setting the tone for the journey ahead. Shashank Mani, Founder of Jagriti Yatra and Member of Parliament from Deoria Lok Sabha constituency, shared his perspective on the Yatra’s enduring purpose.
Mani said, “For seventeen years, Jagriti Yatra has been a journey to awaken enterprise and purpose in India’s youth. As we begin the 18th edition, the message is clear — India’s future will be built by those who see nation-building as their own responsibility, shaping an Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovation and collective will.”
Adding further, Ashutosh Kumar, CEO of Jagriti, commented, “Each year, the Yatra reflects the spirit of its time. This 18th edition, themed around Atmanirbhar Bharat, invites Yatris to explore how self-reliance grows from local innovation and community strength. The journey is a living classroom — showing how enterprise can become a force for both personal growth and national transformation.”
The event also featured a keynote by Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder of Mann Deshi Foundation, who shared her journey of empowering rural women entrepreneurs, and an address by T. Krishna Kumar, CEO of Campa, emphasizing the value of nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship and corporate partnerships that fuel India’s growth story.
Artistic performances by the ANKH Ensemble (Kathak) and Folk Masti captured India’s cultural vibrancy, symbolizing the power of unity, creativity, and innovation.
Since its inception, Jagriti Yatra has evolved into one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial journeys on wheels, having inspired over 8,000 Yatris to drive innovation and enterprise-led growth across Middle India. The Jagriti Express will traverse from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hubli, and beyond, stopping at key destinations that exemplify sustainable and inclusive development.
Among the mentors joining this year’s Yatra are Ashwin Naik (Executive Vice Chairman, Jagriti), Sameer K. Mody (Head, K7 Labs), Captain Shinish (Indian Navy), Vishal Dhale (Co-founder, Rapido), Sovattha Neou (Impact Hub), and Kama Krishna, each contributing to the dialogue on innovation and leadership.
The 18th edition also receives support from Tally Solutions and Campa, underscoring India Inc.’s growing commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
As the Jagriti Express departs from Mumbai, it carries with it not just 500 Yatris but the aspirations of an emerging India — young minds determined to create impact, shape opportunity, and script the story of an Atmanirbhar Bharat built by its people.
Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan):
- Freedom from market timing
- Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation
- Disciplined wealth creation
To know more, visit www.hdfcfund.com/sip
