In an inspiring conversation with Faiz, Rupesh shared his transformative journey as a social entrepreneur and his association with Rubaroo’s fellowship program. His story is one of growth, challenges, and learning, and it sheds light on the powerful impact of youth development programs in shaping individuals who want to create a difference in society.

A Launchpad for Growth

Rupesh first encountered Rubaroo in 2019 when he came across their Changelooms and Changemakers Fellowship. With a background as a cybersecurity professional and an interest in social initiatives, he felt that Rubaroo’s fellowship could be a great platform for him to grow.

“I got in touch with Rubaroo for the Changemakers Fellowship, and that’s where everything changed,” said Rupesh. Initially designed as an offline program, the fellowship transitioned to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual format, though challenging, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Rupesh explained, “It was a different experience, and it helped me in various ways. The tools and sessions we learned were instrumental in my growth and developing my initiative further.”

The fellowship provided Rupesh with knowledge mentorship and seed funding that propelled his initiative, Cyber Jagriti, to a new level. Before the fellowship, Cyber Jagriti was just a small awareness project about cybercrimes. After the fellowship, it became an official Section 8 company with a structured plan and a clear mission.

What is Cyber Jagriti?

Rupesh’s journey in cybersecurity began in 2015 when he worked as a cybersecurity professional. In 2018, however, his work took a more socially conscious turn. Rupesh became a resource person for the police department, where he helped spread awareness about cybercrimes.

This engagement led him to an important realization—people were often unaware of the dangers they faced online. He recalled, “The most common response we got was, ‘I didn’t know this could happen.’ That triggered something in me. I wanted to create something to help society become more aware of these risks.”

Cyber Jagriti, which started as a small initiative, became his way of addressing this gap. It focused on educating people, especially students, on how to use digital devices safely. “We need to understand that we live in a digital era. Everyone has a smartphone now, but how many are smart enough to use it safely?” Rupesh questioned. The initiative’s reach grew as it took on a bigger role in educating people about online safety.

The Fellowship’s Personal Impact

The Changemakers Fellowship was a turning point for Rupesh, not just for his project but for him as an individual. Before joining the fellowship, Rupesh was doing social work out of a sense of passion, often in his spare time. However, the fellowship helped him realize he could turn this passion into a full-time career as a social entrepreneur.

“I was doing this as a side project before, but Rubaroo’s program helped me think like an entrepreneur. It taught me that I could make a livelihood while helping society,” Rupesh shared. The fellowship gave him the tools to structure his work and the confidence to pursue social entrepreneurship as a career.

Lessons from the Fellowship

Rupesh highlighted several crucial skills he gained during his time in the fellowship. One key takeaway was learning how to transform ideas into action. “I learned how to turn an idea into a product, run a pilot programme, and manage time effectively,” he explained. These skills helped him not only to expand Cyber Jagriti but also to scale it in a way that benefitted both society and his career.

The program also opened his eyes to the importance of effective communication and understanding business models, which are critical for sustaining any venture. “It helped me with time management and how to communicate with others professionally. It’s not just about the idea, but how you execute it.”

The Impact on the Ground

“The fellowship helped me and others in my cohort build a vision for the future. Before the fellowship, we were unsure, but after it, we had a clear direction,” he said.

Rupesh believes Rubaroo’s work empowers individuals to take action and turn their ideas into tangible societal changes. “The mentorship and networking opportunities that Rubaroo provides are invaluable. It’s not just about what you learn but how you apply it. There’s always someone to guide you when you’re stuck.”

Social Entrepreneurship in India: A Growing Landscape

The conversation also turned to the broader topic of social entrepreneurship, especially in metro cities like Hyderabad. Rupesh emphasized the growing scope of this field, explaining that social enterprises can now blend business with social change. He cited the example of a friend who runs a business with artisans from marginalized communities. “She trains them, empowers them, and creates a livelihood for them, all while running a profitable business,” he explained.

This kind of work blends profit with purpose and is at the heart of social entrepreneurship. Rupesh believes that such initiatives are crucial in driving societal change, though not always financially lucrative.

A Final Piece of Advice for Young Changemakers

When asked about advice for budding changemakers, Rupesh shared some wisdom: “Changemaking is a tough job. There will be times when your own family may not support you. They’ll ask why you’re doing this, especially when it may not bring immediate financial rewards. But if you are driven by a real desire to make a change, you must stick to it.”

Rupesh’s advice was to stay motivated, network with others, and find mentors who can guide you through difficult times. “Look for mentorship and keep going,” he urged. “You will find success in life.”

Wrapping Up

Rupesh’s journey from cybersecurity professional to social entrepreneur is a powerful example of how mentorship, structure, and guidance can turn passion into a career. Through his work with Rubaroo’s fellowship and initiative, Cyber Jagriti, he has transformed his life and empowered others to be more digitally aware and socially conscious.

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