Be the Change: DBRAU & AGE Collaboration

On 8th September 2025, The Institute of Social Sciences, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (DBRAU), Agra entered into a landmark collaboration with the Association for Gender Equality (AGE), powered further by the vision of BIGSTORY Network.

This collaboration, named “Be the Change”, marks the beginning of a movement for equality and empowerment. A commitment to reimagine what education can achieve — moving beyond degrees and classrooms to build a generation of changemakers.

DBRAU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ashu Rani, and AGE & BIGSTORY Network founder, Sseema Giill, have partnered to promote a new vision for education. They aim to transform students into socially responsible leaders by encouraging them to use their academic learning to drive community change.

Purpose of the Collaboration

• Promote and strengthen best practices for gender equality, inclusivity, and civic responsibility within the university and beyond.
• Nurture socially conscious students by fostering strong connections between campus and community.
• Encourage youth and women entrepreneurship as drivers of innovation, independence, and social change.
• Inspire students to become change-makers, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Objectives of the Collaboration

• Foster a gender-inclusive campus through awareness campaigns, student clubs, leadership programs, and recognition of best practices.
• Empower students for community development via internships, rural immersion, and service-learning programs.
• Support students in designing and implementing community-based solutions in health, education, livelihood, and women’s empowerment.
• Create platforms for social innovation through idea campaigns, innovation labs, and incubation for student-led projects.
• Facilitate partnerships with local institutions, NGOs, startups, and government bodies.
• Promote women and youth entrepreneurship with training, mentorship, bootcamps, and networking opportunities.
• Provide exposure to successful social entrepreneurs through talks, case studies, and interactive sessions.
• Scale and accelerate University-led initiatives like Bapu Bazaar and other social impact projects.

Breaking the Myths, Building the Future

“Be the Change” initiative is a new beginning. With DBRAU, AGE and BIGSTORY Network moving forward together, the vision is to create a society where gender inclusion is the norm, youth rise as entrepreneurs and leaders, and communities thrive through education, equality, and innovation. With a belief that, “Real transformation is not about breaking rules on paper — it’s about breaking myths in society, and shaping a future where progress is lived every day.”