Vimlendu Jha

Vimlendu Jha is a dynamic youth leader from India who currently heads Swechha, a Delhi-based youth and environment organization. Since founding the organization in 2000, Vimlendu has successfully turned Swechha into one of India’s leading youth-run and youth-focused NGOs. Engaged in issues of active citizenship and volunteering, Swechha is widely recognized as one of the country’s most influential organizations on youth matters. He has also worked closely with the Government of India through its Planning Commission arm, including the local government of New Delhi. His accomplishments include being profiled as one of the top 25 youth leaders of the world by reputed organizations like International Youth Foundation, India Today and Outlook.  Vimlendu was selected as one of 6 change makers worldwide by CNN International to be part of their Be the Change program. He has also anchored the International Year of Volunteers 2001 initiative in India through UNV, heading the Volunteer Promotion Unit in New Delhi. His international experience includes association with Civicus World Assembly, British Council, IVLP (Dept of State, USA), UNV, UNDP, and was invited to speak at the UN General Assembly on issues of the Youth in global south. He has been nominated as Global Economic Fellow for the year 2012.