Ms. Kashvi Jindal, Founder, Invest The Change, Co-Founder, The Youth Platform

Interview with Ms. Kashvi Jindal, Founder, Invest The Change, Co-Founder, The Youth Platform

This is the interview of Kashvi Jindal, Founder, Invest The Change, Co-Founder, The Youth Platform. At Sugermint Media, our aim is to bring to our entrepreneurs community some of the inspiring and motivational stories from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As part of this endeavour, we invited yet another women entrepreneur Kashvi Jindal for an exclusive interview with us.

What inspired you to become involved in social entrepreneurship and community engagement, and how did you get started with it?

Kashvi Jindal: During the pandemic, I noticed that marginalized communities were struggling to access education while I, as a student attending a private school, had the privilege of continuing my education through online classes.

However, when I saw that my house help, who has two children in grades 7 and 9, was facing challenges in supporting her children’s education, I felt deeply moved.

To support them, I started tutoring the children in math and English at my home. They enjoyed the sessions, and during one of our study sessions, they showed an interest in my preparation for a Model United Nations conference, which gave me the idea of creating a simple debating program. This program boosted their confidence and sparked their curiosity for learning more.

The children shared their experiences with their friends, and more children expressed an interest in joining.

Their enthusiasm motivated me to develop a more structured program, which later became The Youth Platform.

The goal of The Youth Platform is to provide children from marginalized communities with access to quality education and extracurricular activities that can broaden their horizons and build their confidence. 

Can you tell me more about Invest The Change, and how you have leveraged your financial and social skills to make a difference in the community?

Kashvi Jindal: Invest The Change was established with the aim of promoting financial literacy among lower-income sections of society.

Initially, the project focused on educating people about saving and investing to help them make better financial decisions and build long-term financial security.

However, after conducting sessions with people at the Rotary Skill Development Center in New Delhi, it became evident that the concept of saving and investment was not as relevant to lower-income groups who often have limited resources and struggle to make ends meet.

Instead, their financial difficulties typically arise from medical emergencies, accidents, or the death of a breadwinner.

This realization was further reinforced when a housekeeping staff member in my housing society passed away after an accident, leaving his family in a precarious financial situation.

As a result, I began researching and exploring government schemes that could provide much-needed relief in such situations.

Thus, the project’s focus shifted from financial literacy to creating awareness about government schemes that could offer a safety net during times of financial distress.

Over the past year, Invest The Change has conducted multiple sessions at various locations to educate people about the available government schemes.

Thus far, the project has successfully enrolled around 3000 people, helping them access the benefits of these schemes. The project aims to continue expanding its reach and impact to help more people in need.

How did you develop an interest in finance, and what have you learned from completing the Wharton Summer Program in Essentials of Finance and the Asset Talent Search program in The EQ Edge?

Kashvi Jindal: Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the financial world and markets. This fascination can be attributed to my father, who is the founder of a hedge fund and often discussed the markets around me.

Even as a child, I remember asking him if the markets had gone up or down, even though I didn’t fully understand the underlying concepts.

The Wharton Summer Program was a transformative experience that allowed me to broaden my understanding of finance.

Through this program, I was exposed to a wide range of finance-related topics, such as corporate finance, investments, financial markets, and valuation, and was able to explore their practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Moreover, the program facilitated my interaction with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and countries, providing me with a deeper understanding of the socio-economic conditions in various parts of the world.

Participating in The EQ Edge’s Asset Talent Search program provided me with a unique opportunity to delve into the concept of emotional intelligence.

Through this program, I was able to enhance my self-awareness by engaging in self-reflection and mindfulness practices, while also practicing techniques to regulate my emotions and manage stress.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was developing empathy and understanding the emotions of others.

Through role-playing exercises and group discussions, I gained insights into how to communicate effectively with others and build stronger interpersonal relationships.

Can you tell me more about The Youth Platform and the impact it has had on marginalized students?

Kashvi Jindal: The answer is in 1^st question. In addition, I started the Youth Platform initiative from my home, and now I am taking it to various NGOs.

Through these workshops, I have been able to help many children gain confidence to express their emotions and thoughts.

The Youth Platform has taught these kids to articulate their ideas in a structured and formal debate format, rather than resorting to arguments and fighting.

The impact of the Youth Platform is not limited to the marginalised students; it has also had a positive impact on me. It has made me more sensitive and aware of the issues and challenges faced by our society.

How do you manage your time effectively to balance your academic pursuits, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities?

Kashvi Jindal: Achieving balance between academic pursuits, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but I have discovered that prioritization and organization are essential.

I always start by setting clear goals for myself and then prioritize my tasks using a planner, Google Calendar, and Trello.

This strategy helps me avoid multitasking and ensures that I am making progress towards my goals. Taking breaks is also important to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

I incorporate activities that bring me joy, such as working out, listening to music, cooking, or playing the guitar.

Staying organized is also crucial to reduce clutter and improve productivity. Additionally, I prioritize self-care by staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing.

These practices enable me to maintain a healthy balance between academic pursuits, volunteer work, and other activities, and allow me to find satisfaction and inner peace in all aspects of my life.

What are your future career aspirations, and how do you see your experiences and skills contributing to your success in your chosen field?

Kashvi Jindal: In the short term, my goal is to pursue further education in the field of finance and business from a top-tier institution in the world.

Upon completion of my education, I aspire to work in the financial markets to gain a better understanding of how they operate and their impact on the global economy.

In the long run, I am determined to start my own company in the field of finance. My ultimate goal is to make a significant impact on society, particularly on the lives of marginalized communities.

I plan to continue working with such communities to help uplift them and provide them with financial literacy and resources to help them become self-sufficient.

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