NEW YORK (TIP): Sanjana Das, a 22-year-old graduate of Pratham’s Vocational Training Program in India, will speak at the next Pratham NYC Young Professionals event on Tuesday, April 11th from 6 p.m. onwards at Stitch Bar & Lounge @ 247 W 37th Street in midtown Manhattan about her inspiring life journey so far.

After an early life of poverty, Das is defying the odds. She grew up in the small village of Kusasthali in the state of Odisha and was forced to leave school after her father passed away from a prolonged illness. Despite these challenges, Das persevered, and with the support of her mother, she completed Pratham’s vocational training program and earned a certificate in hospitality. Today, the diligent 22-year-old is employed in the front office at the three-star Lords Plaza Hotel in Jaipur and has realized her dream of financial independence.

“It is so empowering for us to hear the real-life testimonials of people who have benefitted from Pratham’s incredible work on the ground in India to educate and empower the youth,” said Meeta Manglani, co-chair of the New York chapter of Pratham Young Professionals. “Very rarely do we, the supporters of Pratham around the world, have an opportunity to see where our dollars, our energy and our time is going, unless we travel to India and witness it first-hand. Sharing Sanjana’s story is the responsible way for us to engage the next generation of Pratham supporters.”

Pratham’s Vocational Training Program promotes economic self-sufficiency for young adults through training and job placement. Last year, Pratham equipped 22,000 youth with skills and supported 300 entrepreneurs all over India.