EPISODE 13

Youth Power: Gen Z and the Future of Impact

Guest: Pranati Panda
Guest Role: Programme Director, Parinaama Development Foundation
Duration: 34 min
Image link
In This Episode
  • Empathy creates impact only when young people turn awareness into purposeful action.
  • Technology and mentorship can help young changemakers stay focused despite constant distractions.
  • With the right guidance and sense of purpose, the next generation can become socially conscious leaders who drive lasting change.

Can the next generation turn empathy into lasting impact? Host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Pranati Panda, Programme Director at Parinaama Development Foundation, about what it takes to move from awareness to real action.

The conversation explores what it takes to motivate young changemakers in a world of distractions. Together, they unpack how purpose, technology, and mentorship can ignite a new wave of socially-conscious leaders determined to create lasting change.

Show Notes

00:00:06 to 00:00:38 | What Drives Change

  • Sparking lasting impact among youth
  • Health, education, and upskilling in underserved India
  • Invitation to a purpose-led conversation

00:01:14 to 00:01:42 | Parinaama & Partnership

  • Closing gender gaps; removing barriers
  • Longstanding RYTHM Foundation ally
  • Menstrual health & sustainable agriculture wins

00:03:08 to 00:06:20 | From Sceptic to Builder

  • Watching a non-profit start from scratch
  • Management skills meet grassroots action
  • Field visits that changed perspective

00:08:00 to 00:11:03 | “Impact Is Fun”

  • From “NGO” to “for-purpose” mindset
  • Try volunteering; exposure shifts views
  • Value beyond corporate status

00:15:01 to 00:18:37 | Youth, Tech & Literacy

  • Rural phones = new opportunities
  • Creator economy requires fundamental skills
  • Digital literacy over endless scrolling

00:21:42 to 00:23:44 | Nonprofits, Upgraded

  • Education to keep pace with automation
  • Foundational literacy with RYTHM
  • Storytelling that scales impact

00:27:30 to 00:28:54 | Leading Earlier

  • Younger teams in real authority
  • Skills > seniority culture
  • Project-based leadership development

00:28:55 to 00:30:57 | Case Study: Pratima

  • Soap and napkin maker to Panchayat leader
  • Quiet voice to civic champion
  • Skills + confidence = community power

00:30:59 to 00:32:35 | Finding Your Voice

  • Maharani Programme outcomes for girls
  • From silent to school leaders
  • Channelling energy to positive change

00:32:52 to 00:34:01 | Support Systems Matter

  • Family backing fuels courage
  • Deeper RYTHM–Parinaama partnership hopes
  • India’s scale demands sustained efforts
—
More Episodes

Conversations that create lasting impact.

EPISODE: 13

Youth Power: Gen Z and the Future of Impact

with
Pranati Panda
Programme Director, Parinaama Development Foundation
34 min
EPISODE: 3

Unveiling the Struggles of the Stateless

with
Maalini Ramalo
Director for Social Protection, DHRRA Malaysia
32 min
EPISODE: 5

Transforming Education for the Neurodivergent

with
Dr Tricia Yeoh
IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs)
49 min
EPISODE: 1

Surfing Over Every Hurdle

with
Amara Wichitong
Former Olympic Windsurfer & Environmental Activist
23 min

Never Miss an Episode.

Follow RYTHM Connect on your favourite platform and be the first to hear every new conversation.