Adi Yuva Fellowship & Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Launched to Empower Tribal Youth Across India
Adi Yuva Fellowship & Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Launched to Empower Tribal Youth Across India
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations in India, today launched the Adi Yuva Fellowship and the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, a flagship initiative envisioned as the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership movement.
The Adi KarmayogiAbhiyan was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 17 September 2025 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (15 Nov 2024 – 15 Nov 2025). It aims to directly engage 11 crore citizens across one lakh tribal-dominated villages in 550 districts of 30 States and Union Territories. Rooted in the principles of responsive, accountable, and citizen-centric governance, the Abhiyan seeks to transform governance into a people’s movement and serve as a foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047.
As part of the initiative, the Adi SewaParv (17 September – 2 October 2025) is underway, during which tribal communities and government officials will collaboratively prepare Tribal Village Vision 2030 Action Plans to chart local development pathways towards inclusive growth.
Adi Yuva Fellowship
The Adi Yuva Fellowship, supported by UN India, is a first-of-its-kind programme designed to empower tribal youth through structured learning, mentorship, and career development.
The first batch of 16 Fellows will be selected next month through a competitive process and placed with UN agencies at the national, state, and district levels.
Adi Karmayogi Volunteers
The Adi Karmayogi Volunteers initiative, supported by UNFPA, will equip tribal youth to act as catalysts for grassroots change and strengthen last-mile service delivery in tribal regions.
“The Adi Yuva and Adi Karmayogi Fellowships are a reflection of our strong One UN commitment to inclusive development – empowering tribal youth with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive and lead. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, we are proud to support India’s strength in diversity and accelerate progress towards both the 2030 Agenda and Viksit Bharat 2047.”
— Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India
“This partnership marks a transformative step to enable tribal youth to lead from the frontlines. It will not only accelerate inclusive progress but also ensure that tribal communities are at the heart of India’s growth story. The Ministry is committed to providing every possible support to our youth so that they emerge as leaders, innovators, and agents of change for the future of India.”
— VibhuNayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
The launch of the Adi Yuva Fellowship and Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme marks a significant milestone in empowering tribal youth as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. By fostering skills, mentorship, and grassroots engagement, the initiative ensures that tribal communities are active participants in shaping their own development. Through this partnership between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the United Nations in India, the Abhiyan reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive growth, participatory governance, and a Viksit Bharat 2047.
In line with the @PMOIndia‘s vision of #ViksitBharat, @TribalAffairsIn & the UN in India have launched the Adi Yuva Fellowship & the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme in support of the #AdiKarmayogiAbhiyan, envisioned as the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership movement. pic.twitter.com/fRmrjzZx9C
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