2023 Meridian Global Citizen Awardee

2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Youth Development for Social Development (YD4SD) India

Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar is a former journalist, social entrepreneur, artist and founder and director of one of India's largest volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations called Youngistaan Foundation. Since 2014, he has supported over five million lives across 60 cities in India. This was made possible through the collective efforts of over 70,000 young volunteers and over 150 partners in seven active programs aligned with eight United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, he has been recognized as a TEDx speaker and has had the privilege of interacting with over 100 colleges as a chief guest and speaker.

Arun's impactful work has been acknowledged by various government officials and bodies in India, including the Department of Information and Technology, the Police Department, the Education Department, the Municipal Government, the Health Department, UNICEF, and others. For over a decade, he has been dedicated to empowering young people and transforming the lives of underserved communities. Driven by a passion for nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, Arun actively explores perspectives on youth leadership and development, and behavioral change through grassroots awareness, policymaking, campaigning, education, advocacy, and community mobilization.