#ChangeMakerSpeak: Kishor Palve, Bright Future

Kishor Palve

We catch up with Kishor Palve, Founder & Trustee of Bright Future, as part of our weekly change-maker series. Bright Future provides a nurturing environment for children and youth from marginalized communities to transform their passion into gainful employment through career guidance, life skill development, mentorship and placement opportunities.

      What inspired you to set up Bright Future? Why is the cause so close to your heart?

Bright Future is the story of my own life, and struggles everyone faces. We all want careers, but often we don’t know what direction to take. Education is important, but sometimes it is a challenge to put to use what we learn, especially when we don’t have a definite goal. This is why I decided to work with adolescents and youth, to guide them at this critical juncture in their lives, and help them select suitable careers. I help them develop ‘soft skills’ to help make them employable, and mentor them to ensure they have all the information and guidance they need to excel in their chosen careers. They are then introduced to internship programmes to test the waters before they can finally go on to earning their own livelihoods.

Can you recall an act of giving that you did/experienced or witnessed that changed your life? Do tell us about it.

There is one incident I recall when I started personally going for school sessions, sharing my journey with students. They were very curious to know and understand how I started my career. That day I decided to help adolescents and youth, and guide them to choose suitable careers. Today Bright Future is a big organisation touching thousands of lives in Mumbai. I plan to reach out to 1 lac adolescents and youth in the coming years.

Do you have a motto or mantra, or even a quote that you live by?

“Do not fear failure. Keep trying until you achieve.”

In a perfect world, what dream do you want Bright Future to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

I hope 1 lac youth start careers in areas they are passionate about. A few passionate people have the power to change the world.

#ChangemakerSpeak: Mrinalini Kher

Mrinalini Kher

Mrinalini Kher is the Hon. Secretary of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association, and has been for the past 30 years. She and her husband established 'Yuva Parivartan' to provide transformative vocational training for youth in the community they serve. Read on to find out more.

1) What was the inspiration behind Kherwadi Social Welfare Association?

The Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSWA) was founded by Late Shri Balasaheb Kher in 1928, to help the women and children living in miserable conditions in the marshes of Bandra East. He had established a credibility amongst the community and his work and contribution is still respected. 

2) Can you recall an act of giving that you did/experienced or witnessed that changed your life? Do tell us about it.

I am the Hon. Secretary of the organization for the past 30 years. And together with my husband Kishor Kher – grandson of the late founder, we founded ‘Yuva Parivartan’ – a skills training programme for semi-literate youth to transform their livelihood prospects.

The earliest experience was an eye opener. Adult literacy classes were being held all over the community. Learning the 3R’s encouraged the women and girls to learn vocational skills. When young women became auxiliary nurses and beauticians it was the most satisfying experience. Realising the latent potential in illiterate women and girls, encouraged us to find our calling of Yuva Parivartan.

'Yuva Parivartan'. Skills training for young girls in the community.

3) Is there somebody (living or dead) whose giving/philanthropy you admire? Why?

Warren Buffet and Amit Chandra, who have given selflessly for the benefit of stakeholders only. 

4) Do you have a motto or mantra, or even a quote that you live by?

Everyone deserves a ‘second chance’. The fortunate like me should reach out to people whether rich or poor and offer our strengths.

5) In a perfect world, what dream do you want Kherwadi Social Welfare Association to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

KSWA has the capacity to deliver more than it does. Our strengths need to be shared and hence our model of skilling youth should be replicated by small and medium size agencies. KSWA should be in the role of researcher, developer and leader to promote ‘skilling for all’. A complete national presence is the aim and dream.