Founder

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Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar

Founder and Director, Youngistaan Foundation | Global Citizen Awardee 2023

Arun Daniel Yellamaty Kumar is the visionary Founder and Director of Youngistaan Foundation. Honored as a Global Citizen Awardee in 2023, Arun has dedicated his career to social change and community development.

Professional Background

Arun has a diverse background that spans journalism, social work, and event management. With nearly seven years of experience as a journalist, his columns have appeared in multiple newspapers. He has also served as a part-time journalism lecturer for almost four years. His educational background includes a degree in journalism, a Master’s in Social Work (Family and Child Welfare), and also studied in Climate Change and Design Thinking.

Leadership and Impact

As a young man, Arun committed himself to creating a platform for community change-makers. Under his leadership, Youngistaan Foundation has grown exponentially, impacting over 5 million lives across 60 cities. By engaging 70,000 young people and partnering with more than 100 government, private, and civil society organizations, Arun ensures that the organization remains democratic and decentralized. He excels at harnessing individual talents and skills to align with the organization’s goals, fostering a new generation of young leaders dedicated to social transformation.

Social Entrepreneurship

Arun’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the growth of Youngistaan Foundation, which he established in 2014. What began as a small initiative of friends distributing food to the hungry has evolved into a robust organization running nine active programs and three special projects in line with seven UN Sustainable Development Goals. The foundation has engaged over 50,000 young changemakers and received numerous accolades from national media.

International Recognition

In 2022, Arun was selected for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the US Department of State. This experience took him and other participants across the United States to explore strategies for facilitating youth participation in various sectors.

Personal Journey

Growing up with four sisters under the care of a single mother, Arun faced significant challenges, including days when he went to bed hungry. At 18, he started delivering pizzas and later worked at a call center to fund his college education. Despite these hardships, Arun completed his BA at St. Mary’s in Hyderabad and secured a job he loved. His personal experiences of struggle and perseverance fuel his commitment to ensuring others do not face similar hardships.

Creative Pursuits and Future Aspirations

An artist at heart, avid blogger, and social media enthusiast, Arun has also been a speaker at TEDx, Josh Talks TV, and other prominent platforms. He describes himself as a foodie and multitasker, with dreams of making a film, recording a music album, and continuing to change the world.

Awards and Recognitions

• Global Citizen Award by Meridian International Center (USA)
• Young Achiever of the Year Social Service 2020-21 by Sakshi Media
• COVID-19 Warrior Award by Telangana State Government
• Recognized by the Telangana Government Women & Child Welfare Department, Hyderabad District Collector, Telangana State Police Department, and others

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