Season 07, Male, Ashutosh Garg, English, Business Leader, India, Social Sector, NGO

Sunil Kumar Sharma, CEO of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association, on Skilling for Change

Posted on by inknuts
16
Jun

Sunil Kumar Sharma, CEO of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association, on Skilling for Change

  • Experience across leading organizations including HUL, Coca-Cola, Tata Teleservices, Goodyear, and Mahindra Lifespaces.
  • The enduring influence of strong organizational values and inspiring mentors.

Podcast

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Overview

In this inspiring episode of TBCY, Sunil Kumar Sharma, CEO of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSW), joins Ashutosh Garg to discuss his remarkable journey from the heights of the corporate world to impactful social entrepreneurship. They explore how KSW’s programs are transforming underprivileged and rural youth into empowered contributors to India’s workforce. Below, we break down the notable moments and insights from this conversation, with direct questions and key points, each referencing their respective timestamps.

01:13 | From Corporate Leadership to Purpose-Driven Impact

  • Experience across leading organizations including HUL, Coca-Cola, Tata Teleservices, Goodyear, and Mahindra Lifespaces.
  • The enduring influence of strong organizational values and inspiring mentors.
  • A personal decision-making framework centered on “doing good,” not just “feeling good.”

02:33 | Choosing Social Entrepreneurship and Joining KSW

  • Building an edtech venture with his wife and responding to opportunities created during COVID.
  • Aspiration to lead an organization focused on meaningful social impact.
  • The serendipitous journey that led him to KSW, shaped by personal vision, timing, and purpose.
  • The attraction of working with KSW’s distinguished advisory board.

05:17 | The Legacy and Evolution of KSW

  • Origins dating back to 1928 and formal establishment in 1955.
  • Founded by Balasaheb Kher to support underserved communities in Bandra East, Mumbai.
  • Early initiatives focused on civic infrastructure, healthcare, and migrant welfare.
  • Transformation into an education and livelihoods-focused organization under Kishore Kher’s leadership.

07:00 | Why Employability Matters More Than Education Alone

  • KSW’s philosophy of evolving with changing community needs.
  • Recognition that education without employability has limited impact.
  • Focus on supporting underserved youth, including school and college dropouts.
  • Creating second-chance opportunities through vocational skilling and employability programs.

08:50 | Understanding the Challenges Faced by Underprivileged Youth

  • Low self-confidence and diminished self-belief.
  • Limited awareness of career opportunities.
  • Lack of access to guidance, counseling, and role models.
  • Economic pressure to start earning at an early age.
  • Additional employment challenges faced by rural youth.

10:17 | KSW’s Approach to Youth Transformation

  • Extensive mobilization through local stakeholders and partner NGOs.
  • Counseling-led interventions emphasizing soft skills and mindset transformation (“Soch Ka Parivartan”).
  • Community-based trainers serving as relatable role models.
  • Flexible learning schedules designed to reduce dropouts.

13:22 | Unlocking Potential Through the Right Support Systems

  • Many young people possess talent and confidence but lack preparedness and exposure.
  • Sustaining employment and adapting to workplace expectations remain major challenges.
  • Proper support systems can transform not only individual lives but entire families.

15:19 | Empowering Women Through Skills and Employment

  • Women represent 65–70% of KSW’s beneficiaries.
  • Delaying early marriages through economic empowerment.
  • Increasing women’s influence in family decision-making.
  • Building confidence, financial independence, and social participation.
  • Empowering women as a catalyst for broader community development.

17:26 | Yuva Parivartan: Creating Second Chances

  • KSW’s flagship initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of school and college dropouts.
  • Practical, employment-linked courses ranging from 15 to 90 days.
  • Enhanced scale and professionalism under the current trusteeship.
  • Inspiring stories of transformation achieved within relatively short timeframes.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Sunil Kumar Sharma: LinkedIn 

Enjoyed this podcast?

KSW isn’t just another NGO. Founded in 1928 by a visionary leader, it has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of communities. From healthcare and sanitation to education and livelihood skilling, KSW has remained committed to creating meaningful impact.

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Profile

  • Sunil Kumar Sharma is the CEO of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSW), dedicated to empowering underprivileged and rural youth across India.
  • After a successful corporate career, he transitioned into social entrepreneurship to create meaningful and lasting societal impact.
  • Under his leadership, KSW has developed programs focused on skill development, employability, and livelihood creation for marginalized communities.
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