To encourage students to bring about a positive change in the society, Tarapore School is organising the Young Leaders Fellowship Programme for the second year in a row.

Over 200 students of classes X, XI and XII from 17 schools in Jamshedpur have applied for the programme, which is partnered by SIGMA, a student wing of XLRI and social outfit SEEDS.

The first round of selection, which involves a group discussion, was held on the premises of Tarapore School in Agrico on Sunday.

The discussion was led by eminent evaluators, including education specialist Deepali Misra, academician Dipa Sengupta, gynaecologist Indu Chauhan and principal of Baug-E-Jamsheed Anu Tewary. Students were asked questions meant to assess their thought process and and creativity.

A group of 40 students were chosen for the final interview at XLRI in June after which 15 fellows would be selected to work on a theme-based project.

During July-December, XLRI students and faculty members will help the fellows know more about the themes like e-waste, agriculture and tribal welfare. Collecting data by visiting remote areas and government schools will also be part of the agenda.

The 15-member team will have to work on simple and new-age solutions to solve the problems identified and prepare a project report to be submitted to XLRI. At the end of the programme, the fellows will get a certificate.

“This will help me improve my skills besides giving me an opportunity to be mentored by XLRI faculty. This is my chance to make a change,” said Sahil Asthana, a Class XI student of Gulmohur High School.