Vedika Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Yein Udaan, on Empowering Youth and Women in Urban Slums
- Sheltered upbringing and eye-opening experiences at age 18
- Volunteering in a fishing community in South Mumbai
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Overview
In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Vedika Agarwal, the passionate Founder & CEO of Yein Udaan, an organization dedicated to creating safe and transformative spaces for children, youth, and women in marginalized urban communities.
Dive into their conversation and explore how Vedika’s journey and experiences are creating tangible change on the ground.
00:52 — What personal experiences shaped Vedika’s understanding of inequality and access to education?
- Sheltered upbringing and eye-opening experiences at age 18
- Volunteering in a fishing community in South Mumbai
- Impactful encounters with girls who worked from a young age instead of attending school
- The realization of her purpose: supporting vulnerable children
02:13 — What is the meaning behind the name “Yein Udaan,” and why is it significant?
- A fusion of Hindi (“Udaan,” meaning flight) and Tamil (“Yen,” meaning my/with me)
- The name’s dual resonance across cultures and languages
- A symbolic connection to Vedika’s work in Tamil Nadu
03:38 — What core problem was Yein Udaan founded to address?
- A gap in safety for marginalized children after school hours
- Risks they faced: unsafe home environments, hunger, and exposure to crime and violence
- The importance of after-school community spaces as protective environments
05:14 — What challenges did Vedika encounter while building trust in the community?
- Language barriers despite growing up in Chennai
- Persistence in community engagement through daily presence and home visits
- Overcoming skepticism and helping parents of first-generation learners find their voice
07:13 — How are safe spaces designed for children, youth, and women? Why is safety non-negotiable?
- The essential need for safe, judgment-free spaces before any educational work can begin
- The approach: emotional safety first, academic progress second
- Community ripple effects, with mothers and youth also using these safe spaces
09:05 — What are the biggest misconceptions about urban slum communities?
- Common stigmatization and stereotyping of children from marginalized backgrounds
- The importance of recognizing the untapped potential in every child
10:26 — What patterns of resilience stand out among the women and youth?
- The power of overcoming fear and breaking free from societal limitations
- Role models emerging from the community and reinforcing collective belief
11:40 — Can you share a story of extraordinary resilience?
- The journey of a girl who went from aspiring to be a housemaid to becoming a teacher in a privileged school
- The multiplier effect of community role models inspiring hope
13:06 — How does Yein Udaan balance structured education with emotional and social learning?
- Scheduled initiatives addressing academic, nutritional, and mental health needs
- Flexibility to prioritize well-being over rigid curriculum structures
- The role of counselors and family engagement in holistic development
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Vedika Agarwal: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
Vedika Agarwal admits she didn’t realize her own privilege until the age of 18, when she volunteered in a fishing community in Mumbai. That’s where she saw children scaling fish at docks instead of attending school. At that moment, her life’s purpose became clear: helping vulnerable children.
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- Sheltered upbringing and eye-opening experiences at age 18
- Volunteering in a fishing community in South Mumbai
- Impactful encounters with girls who worked from a young age instead of attending school
- The realization of her purpose: supporting vulnerable children
