In 1990, while accompanying my father on a state visit to the United Kingdom, I had the privilege of sitting next to the Prince of Wales. During our conversation, he shared one of the UK’ most inspiring initiatives—identifying young school dropouts from underprivileged backgrounds and empowering them to become successful entrepreneurs.
Learning that the programme had already produced its first millionaire of Indian origin left a lasting impression on me. It inspired a simple yet powerful question that would eventually shape my life’s purpose: “Why can’t India create similar success stories?”
That moment transformed my thinking. I made the life-changing decision to leave my career and bring this vision to India. During the early nineties, entrepreneurship was not widely regarded as a preferred career path. Nevertheless, I presented this concept to JRD Tata. Inspired by the idea, he graciously agreed to mentor me and became the Founding Chairman of BYST.
I was equally fortunate to receive the continued encouragement and support of Prince Charles. With their guidance and belief in the vision, Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) was established in 1992 with a mission to nurture young entrepreneurs, create sustainable livelihoods, and inspire generations of changemakers across India.
Lakshmi V. Venkatesan
Founding & Managing Trustee, Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST)
Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged young Indians by transforming innovative business ideas into sustainable enterprises. Through the guidance of experienced mentors, BYST enables aspiring entrepreneurs to become job creators rather than job seekers, fostering economic growth and social impact.
At the heart of BYST lies the timeless Indian tradition of the Guru–Shishya (Mentor–Entrepreneur) relationship. Every entrepreneur is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides continuous guidance, practical knowledge, professional networking, and moral support. This long-term mentoring ensures that young entrepreneurs develop ethical, sustainable businesses while contributing meaningfully to society through wealth and employment generation.
BYST primarily supports aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years who possess innovative business ideas, determination, entrepreneurial capability, and the passion to create lasting impact. The organisation believes that talent and commitment—not financial background—should determine entrepreneurial success.
To make entrepreneurship accessible, BYST encourages deserving applicants without requiring any financial down payment or collateral. Instead, the organisation facilitates access to credit by working closely with its partner banks and financial institutions, ensuring that promising entrepreneurs receive the financial support they need to launch and grow their ventures.
What began as a pioneering initiative in New Delhi has today evolved into a nationwide movement. With a presence across 15 regional clusters, BYST continues to inspire, mentor, and empower thousands of young entrepreneurs, creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
I am happy to share that over the last 30 years of service to the nation and India’s youth, BYST has supported entrepreneurs with funding of nearly INR 477 Crores, and today, more than 10% of BYST entrepreneurs have become millionaires.
Through its outreach and counselling initiatives, BYST has reached 9,51,414 young people. Many BYST entrepreneurs have gone on to receive 72 National Awards and 27 International Awards, emerging as inspiring youth icons and successful entrepreneurs.
