Founder

Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar
Founder and Director of Youngistaan Foundation | Journalist | 
Global Citizen Awardee, 2023 | Social Entrepreneur | TEDx Speaker

Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar is the visionary Founder and Director of Youngistaan Foundation, one of India’s largest volunteer-driven, grassroots organizations committed to social equity and community development. Honored with the Global Citizen Award in 2023 by the Meridian International Center (USA), Arun has dedicated his life to empowering people and creating sustainable impact through youth engagement.

About Youngistaan Foundation

Founded in 2014 by Arun, Youngistaan Foundation began as a humble initiative to serve food to the homeless. Over the years, it has grown into a powerful movement spanning 9 active programs and 3 special projects aligned with 7 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Today, the Foundation has:

• Positively impacted over 5 million lives across 60+ cities
• Mobilized more than 70,000 youth volunteers
• Partnered with 100+ government, private and civil society organizations

From addressing hunger and education inequity to advancing gender equality, animal welfare and climate action, Youngistaan Foundation is known for being decentralized, inclusive and volunteer-led and this is a model Arun champions to empower community-led change and next-gen leadership.

Professional Background

Arun brings a diverse background in journalism, social work and event management. He spent nearly seven years as a journalist with columns featured in leading newspapers and also taught journalism part-time for four years. His academic credentials include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (Family and Child Welfare)
• Certifications in Climate Change and Design Thinking

Leadership & Impact

Arun’s leadership style is people-centered and purpose-driven. He believes in unlocking the power of youth and has built a culture at Youngistaan Foundation that’s both democratic and impact-oriented. He’s known for aligning individual talents with the organization’s mission, nurturing thousands of young changemakers to drive grassroots change.

Social Entrepreneurship

A true social entrepreneur, Arun transformed a small act of kindness into a national movement. His work has been widely recognized in national media, and his vision continues to expand with new programs, advocacy campaigns, and strategic collaborations that bring diverse communities together to solve critical issues.

International Recognition

In 2022, Arun was selected for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the U.S. Department of State. The program took him across the United States, where he learned from and collaborated with leaders and organizations working on youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community leadership.

Personal Journey

Raised by a resilient single mother alongside four sisters, Arun’s life was marked by early struggles, including financial hardships and hunger. He began working at 18 delivering pizzas and later at a call center to support his education. His journey from adversity to leadership is not only inspiring but central to his commitment: “no one should go to bed hungry or feel unseen.”

 Creative Pursuits & Aspirations

An artist at heart, Arun is a passionate storyteller. He’s also a TEDx and Josh Talks speaker and has addressed audiences at 500+ platforms, institutions, and global events. A self-described foodie and dreamer, Arun aspires to:

• Make a film
• Write a few books
• Record a music album
• Continue creating impact at the intersection of creativity, community and compassion

Awards & Recognitions

• Global Citizen Award – Meridian International Center, USA (2023)
• Young Achiever of the Year (Social Service) – Sakshi Media (2020–21)
• Senior Citizen Support Award – Times Now
• COVID-19 Warrior Award – Telangana State Government
• Recognized by:
  • Telangana Women & Child Welfare Department
  • Hyderabad District Collector
  • Telangana State Police Department
  • And multiple civil society organizations

You can email Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar at arun@youngistaanfoundation.org!