Can INR 25 Change Your Life?
Imagine this: a 15-day journey across India, covering 8,000+ kilometers, visiting social enterprises, rural innovation hubs, and meeting changemakers, all for just INR 25. No, this isn’t a fantasy or a discounted travel deal. This is the Jagriti Express, India’s most unique train journey, which transforms young minds into social entrepreneurs, leaders, and nation-builders.
In this article, we examine the impact, structure, eligibility criteria, and significance of Jagriti Express, a unique initiative transforming India’s youth. If you’re 20 to 27 years old and dream of making a difference, this might be the opportunity of a lifetime.
What is Jagriti Express?
Jagriti Express is a specially chartered train operated annually as part of the Jagriti Yatra, a not-for-profit movement launched in 2008 by the Jagriti Sewa Sansthan in collaboration with Tata Group and Indian Railways. It brings together hundreds of selected youth participants from across India to embark on a 15-day nationwide train journey.
The goal? To awaken a spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and social change among India’s next generation.
The Route: Over 8,000 KM of Transformation
Jagriti Express travels through 12+ major destinations across India. The journey starts in Mumbai and covers cities and towns like:
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Madurai
- Kanyakumari
- Bhubaneswar
- Varanasi
- Deoria (Uttar Pradesh)
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
Each stop includes workshops, community visits, and interactions with real-world changemakers. The entire train functions as a mobile campus, offering mentorship, ideation labs, and storytelling sessions.
Why is it Called the “INR 25 Train”?
The symbolic ticket price of INR 25 is not the real cost of the journey. The actual cost (approximately INR 2 lakh per participant) is sponsored by Tata and other CSR partners. The nominal fee ensures commitment and ownership from participants while keeping the journey inclusive.
Participants are selected based on merit, mindset, and vision, not money.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for Jagriti Express, applicants must:
- Be aged between 20 to 27 years
- Be a student, graduate, or early-stage professional
- Demonstrate leadership qualities, entrepreneurial mindset, or strong social impact
- Complete a rigorous online application and selection process
Every year, around 500 youth are selected out of thousands of applicants from India and abroad.
What Do Participants Learn?
This isn’t sightseeing. Jagriti Express is an intense, immersive leadership program that includes:
- Workshops on Social Entrepreneurship
- Leadership and Innovation Training
- Panel Discussions with Founders & Social Leaders
- Field Visits to Real-world Impact Projects
- Peer Learning & Team Projects
Participants also stay in shared train coaches, creating deep bonds and collaborative learning experiences.
Real Stories Behind Jagriti Express Alumni Who Built Social Startups
Thousands of alumni have used this journey as a launchpad for impact.
- Anshu Gupta (Founder, Goonj): Has collaborated with Jagriti to promote grassroots development.
- Ritesh Singh (Co-founder, Eckovation): Created an AI-based ed-tech platform after his Yatra.
- Priyanka Das (Bihar): Started a rural eco-tourism initiative that now employs 40+ women in her village.
Why Jagriti Express Matters in 2025
India is set to become the world’s youngest nation, with over 65% of its population under 35. Yet, unemployment and underemployment plague educated youth.
Jagriti Express offers an alternate model, empowering youth to become job creators instead of job seekers. With the rise of sustainability, decentralization, and local innovation, programs like this play a critical role in India’s long-term development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jagriti Express
Q1: Is Jagriti Express available for just INR 25?
Yes, the registration fee is INR 25. The rest of the cost is covered by sponsors.
Q2: Is Jagriti Express safe for women?
Yes, the train ensures high safety standards and equal participation. Many alumni are women.
Q3: How do I apply for Jagriti Express 2025?
Visit www.jagritiyatra.com and apply online during their open application period.
Q4: Can non-Indians apply?
Yes, 10% of the seats are open to international participants.
Q5: Is this affiliated with the Government?
No, it is run by a non-profit but has support from various private and public sector partners.
Final Thoughts: A Moving University for India’s Future
Jagriti Express is not just a train. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of learning, leadership, and legacy. For young Indians with the fire to make a difference, it’s a platform of possibility. Whether you want to start your startup, solve a community problem, or simply understand India better, this journey might just change the trajectory of your life.
