Lighting a lamp in many lives
Unnati means progress in Sanskrit. Many of us leep cribbing there is no ‘unnati’ in our country and often do absolutely nothing about it. A few work on making a difference.
This is what has happened with SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF)
It was formed by people who wished to make a difference to our nation and hence, registered this NGO in 2011. Initially they were active only in Bangalore by teaching much needed skills to the underprivileged and even getting them placed. Soon they realised that many all over Indin needed this help and hence, established themselves all over India with centres in other places in Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesjh, Maharashtra, Delhi and even Nagaland. They teach not only vocational skills but life skills to
In times where even the well educated and middle class are worrying about their jobs, the students of Unnati are going places making good use of technology.
The journey of the founder, Mr Ramesh as told to Jamuna Rangachari
The defining inspiration in my life was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. As a young engineering student at NIT Bhopal, I volunteered during the rescue and relief operations. Witnessing unimaginable human suffering—children dying in my arms, families wiped out overnight—left a deep and permanent impact on me. That experience awakened a lifelong commitment to social responsibility and dignity for the underserved.
Equally inspiring was my father’s journey—being the first in our family to leave Kerala in search of work. That single step transformed many lives and taught me the true power of livelihood and self-reliance.
My strongest support system has been my family,and the many volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who believed in the vision. The credibility built by SGBS over the years brought people together who trusted us—not just with funds, but with faith. I am also deeply grateful to the Unnati faculty and staff who work tirelessly on the ground, and to the students themselves, whose determination constantly motivates us.
One of the biggest challenges was realizing that supporting education alone was not enough. Despite years of assistance, many bright students dropped out due to economic and social pressures. This forced us to confront a difficult question: Were we really creating lasting change?
The answer came through a leap of faith—shifting from charity to employability through skill development. Building Unnati was challenging: infrastructure, funding, curriculum design, and ensuring guaranteed placements. We overcame these through credibility, partnerships, disciplined execution, and an unwavering focus on outcomes.
Every transformation story is special, but moments that stand out are when students walk out with job offer letters in hand, sometimes holding more than one. Seeing youth who once lacked confidence speak fluently, dream boldly, and support their families is deeply fulfilling.
Lighting a lamp in many lives
Unnati means progress in Sankrit. Many of us leep cribbing there is no ‘unnati’ in our country and often do absolutely nothing about it. A few work on making a difference.
This is what has happened with SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF)
It was formed by people who wished to make a difference to our nation and hence, registered this NGO in 2011. Initially they were active only in Bangalore by teaching much needed skills to the underprivileged and even getting them placed. Soon they realised that many all over Indin needed this help and hence, established themselves all over India with centres in other places in Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesjh, Maharashtra, Delhi and even Nagaland. They teach not only vocational skills but life skills to
In times where even the well educated and middle class are worrying about their jobs, the students of Unnati are going places making good use of technology.
The journey of the founder, Mr Ramesh as told to Jamuna Rangachari
The defining inspiration in my life was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. As a young engineering student at NIT Bhopal, I volunteered during the rescue and relief operations. Witnessing unimaginable human suffering—children dying in my arms, families wiped out overnight—left a deep and permanent impact on me. That experience awakened a lifelong commitment to social responsibility and dignity for the underserved.
Equally inspiring was my father’s journey—being the first in our family to leave Kerala in search of work. That single step transformed many lives and taught me the true power of livelihood and self-reliance.
My strongest support system has been my family,and the many volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who believed in the vision. The credibility built by SGBS over the years brought people together who trusted us—not just with funds, but with faith. I am also deeply grateful to the Unnati faculty and staff who work tirelessly on the ground, and to the students themselves, whose determination constantly motivates us.
One of the biggest challenges was realizing that supporting education alone was not enough. Despite years of assistance, many bright students dropped out due to economic and social pressures. This forced us to confront a difficult question: Were we really creating lasting change?
The answer came through a leap of faith—shifting from charity to employability through skill development. Building Unnati was challenging: infrastructure, funding, curriculum design, and ensuring guaranteed placements. We overcame these through credibility, partnerships, disciplined execution, and an unwavering focus on outcomes.
Every transformation story is special, but moments that stand out are when students walk out with job offer letters in hand, sometimes holding more than one. Seeing youth who once lacked confidence speak fluently, dream boldly, and support their families is deeply fulfilling.
Another special moment is watching former students return as trainers and mentors, choosing to give back—proof that Unnati creates change agents, not just employees.
The vision is simple yet ambitious: to touch one million lives through skill development and employment. We want Unnati to be a national movement that bridges the gap between unemployment and un-employability. By expanding our centres and strengthening NGO–corporate partnerships, we aim to ensure that youth from low-income communities are included in India’s growth story.
Livelihood has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire families and communities. When one person begins to earn with dignity, a cycle of progress begins. I believe social change is most effective when it is sustainable, inclusive, and outcome-driven. We don’t feed people fish—we teach them how to fish.
I am very happy with the path chosen. The journey has not been easy, but it has been deeply meaningful. Seeing thousands of young people stand tall with confidence, purpose, and self-respect reassures me that this path—though demanding—is the right one. The joy of impact far outweighs every challenge.
This organisation is indeed making the best use of technology and taking the underprivileged on this path, making them feel useful and empowered.
We from Life positive wish them all the best to empower more people and make an India where no one is left without hope.
By Jamuna Rangachari
