Vartan Mathias, Chair of Young Indians (Yi) Goa Chapter outlines his plans for the association during his tenure
Tell us something about Yi Goa
The Young Indians (Yi) Goa Chapter is part of a vibrant national movement under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). I have had the privilege of being part of Yi Goa for the last 10 years, and it has been one of the most inspiring journeys of my life.
Yi is where young minds come together with one shared vision − nation-building. It brings together entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and changemakers who care deeply about making a difference.
Here in Goa, we focus on creating local impact through initiatives in leadership, education, innovation, healthcare, sustainability, and youth empowerment. This year, with our national theme ‘Bharat Rising,’ we are more committed than ever to driving change that is rooted in our culture, values, and future vision.
What is the primary focus of Yi Goa for this term?
This term, my primary focus is to strengthen our membership base and build deeper awareness about Yi and what it stands for.
I truly believe in the power of collective action. The more passionate individuals we bring into our ecosystem –especially young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students –the stronger our impact will be.
We are also aligning every project with our national theme of ‘Bharat Rising.’ It is about nurturing pride, purpose, and participation. We want to show that the youth of Goa are not just witnesses to change, but active contributors to India’s future.
We are laying a strong foundation by building a vibrant, diverse, and engaged member base while also deepening our outreach in schools, colleges, and local communities. My vision is to create programs that foster leadership, confidence, and resilience among the next generation − preparing them not just for careers, but for life.
When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of Bharat.
What legacy programs do you plan on continuing from your predecessors?
I stand on the shoulders of some incredible past Chairs, and I am committed to taking forward their legacy. We will be continuing and expanding impactful programs like:
- Thought Leadership Conclave – creating space for new ideas and bold conversations.
- Young India Parliament (YiP) – helping youth understand democracy and governance through experience.
- EMRI and First Responder Training – building a culture of preparedness and public service.
These initiatives perfectly align with our theme of ‘Bharat Rising,’ as they empower and equip the youth to step up as future-ready citizens.
What is Yi’s headquarters mandate for the term—at a national level?
At the national level, Yi has set a bold and unifying theme: Bharat Rising. It reflects our commitment to creating a self-reliant, inclusive, and future-ready India by empowering youth to lead in all sectors − entrepreneurship, climate action, education, mental health, and innovation.
As part of this movement, Yi Goa is aligning its goals with the national mandate to ensure our local impact contributes meaningfully to India’s global aspirations.
What are the various projects that you have envisaged in the near future?
This year, we have envisioned projects across multiple verticals that reflect both immediate community needs and our long-term vision of youth empowerment:
- Skill-building and leadership programs in schools and colleges under Thalir and Yuva
- Entrepreneurship mentoring, especially for first-time founders and students
- Climate action drives, from coastal clean-ups to zero-waste initiatives
- Health and mental wellness camps, tailored for both urban and rural youth
- Masoom child protection campaigns and workshops on body safety
- Road safety and accessibility programs, involving public-private partnerships
Each initiative is designed to engage, empower, and elevate – keeping Bharat Rising at its heart.
Who features in your team at Yi and what strengths do they bring to the table?
I am truly proud of the dream team we have put together this year – each one brings something unique and powerful:
- Lakshmi Kunkolienkar (Co-Chair): Calm, focused, and a brilliant strategist – she’s my sounding board for everything.
- Sairaj Dhond (Membership Chair): A connector by nature – Sairaj knows how to bring people together and keep the energy alive.
- Marc and Sanketh: Both bring clarity, fresh thinking, and deep commitment to action.
- Tanvi and Cletus (Yuva): Energetic, youth-centric minds who know how to inspire the next generation.
- Roopa (Thalir): Creative and grounded – she knows how to build bridges with children and educators.
- Barka (Rural Initiatives): She has a deep passion for community work and never backs down from a challenge.
- Diyana (Branding): A visual storyteller who can turn ideas into campaigns that truly connect.
- Tulsidas and Viraj (Learning): Wise, insightful, and driven by a love for learning and sharing knowledge.
- Sanjana and Devki (Masoom): They are champions of child safety and deeply committed to advocacy work.
- Siddarth and Mishal (Entrepreneurship): Both are go-getters who understand the startup mindset and want to help others thrive.
- Jai and Rohan (Innovation): Tech-savvy and creative –perfect for shaping tomorrow’s ideas.
- Kunal and Janak (Road Safety): Reliable and disciplined – they know how to work closely with local authorities.
- Neha and Anirudh (Climate Change): Passionate about the planet and constantly pushing for eco-conscious action.
- Shweta Verlekar and Priyanka (Health): Grounded, caring, and ready to roll out real change in community wellness.
- Roota and Sadhvi (Accessibility): Thoughtful leaders who truly understand inclusion and push for action that matters.
This team is dynamic, diverse, and fiercely purpose-driven.
What are the various means by which you wish to spread the message of Yi to Goa?
Spreading the message of Yi begins with showing up where the youth are – in schools, colleges, workplaces, and digital platforms.
We are leveraging:
- Campus engagement via Yuva and Thalir
- Collaborations with educational and social organizations
- Media features and panel discussions to reach broader audiences
- Storytelling through social media to showcase real impact
- Public events and community activations that allow people to experience Yi firsthand
Our goal is simple: make every young Goan aware that they have a role to play in Bharat Rising – and that Yi is the platform that can help them do it
