MUMBAI: The 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra, India’s iconic journey of enterprise and inspiration, set off from Mumbai on 7 November, powered this year by HDFC Mutual Fund through its investor education and awareness initiative.
The 15-day, 8,000-kilometre expedition brings together 500 spirited “Yatris” from across India and beyond, chosen from over 68,000 applicants. Their shared destination, an Atmanirbhar Bharat built through ideas, innovation and enterprise.
Speaking at the flag-off in Mumbai’s Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, HDFC Asset Management Company MD and CEO Navneet Munot, connected India’s entrepreneurial pulse with the nation’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said empowerment begins with awareness of one’s potential and financial choices. Through its education initiatives, HDFC Mutual Fund aims to help young Indians make informed investment decisions and take confident steps toward financial independence.
Jagriti Yatra founder and MP Shashank Mani reminded participants that the movement’s spirit lies in responsibility and resilience, while CEO Ashutosh Kumar called it a “living classroom” for self-reliance born from local innovation.
The evening featured a stirring keynote by Mann Deshi foundation founder Chetna Gala Sinha, who urged the Yatris to channel resilience into enterprise. Performances by ANKH Ensemble and Folk Masti added rhythm to reflection, celebrating India’s creative energy and unity in diversity.
Over the years, Jagriti Yatra has become one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial journeys on wheels, touching more than 8,000 participants. This year’s train, aptly dubbed the Jagriti Express, will travel across Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hubli and beyond, with mentors such as Ashwin Naik, Sameer K. Mody, and Vishal Dhale guiding the travellers.
As the train leaves Mumbai, it carries more than people, it carries purpose. Each Yatri, and each partner like HDFC Mutual Fund, is helping steer India toward a future powered by awareness, enterprise and self-belief.