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.”