Bhubaneswar, Aug. 28: An eight-day programme that began today aims to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship among youths and introduce them to socially-conscious individuals and organisations working to give a facelift to the state.

At the second Odisha Yuva Jagaran Yatra, the more than 60 participants from eight districts will stay in a camp where they can interact with local people and lead social revolutions in different parts of the state.

“It is time for young people like us to transform our thoughts into action and take the lead in bringing about an all-round development in Odisha. Several small steps can lead to a big change,” said Sradhanjali Sahu, a young participant from Salepur.

Conceptualised by the Bhubaneswar-based Youth Development Foundation and sponsored by the state government, the programme would encourage the youths to come up with innovative solutions to society’s pressing problems.

“The yatra is a humble-yet-infectious initiative to inspire and empower young people. As future job creators, they will provide an answer to the state’s employment and development issues,” said Gobinda Ballava Dalai, founder of Youth Development Foundation.

Dalai said the participants would seek to make new connections with social entrepreneurs and role models, interact with them and gain practical insights on leadership and business models to boost their career.

During the tour, they would visit a host of social organisations and government bodies to have a first-hand experience in social entrepreneurship.The trip, which will conclude on September 4, has been sponsored by the sports and youth services department and the state youth welfare board.

The first edition of Yuva Jagaran Yatra was held in June this year, which saw around 80 participants from all over the state.