I am Jitendra Sinha, from India. I have had the privilege of being recognized as a recipient of the Ireland Fellows Programme since 1995. Prior to my arrival in Ireland, I worked at grassroots level as a Field Coordinator for a local NGO in India. The decision to pursue a master’s degree in Rural Development (now known as Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development) played a pivotal role in advancing my career.

The choice of the University College Dublin (UCD) for my studies was deliberate, as it presented an invaluable opportunity for international exposure and a broader perspective on rural development. Given my background in agriculture, the programme naturally allowed me to gain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of rural development. Furthermore, completing this course enhanced the academic credentials I brought to my professional endeavours.

During my time in Ireland, the programme gave me a sense of confidence that proved instrumental in advancing my career. Overcoming initial challenges in securing employment post-study, I excelled by seizing every suitable opportunity for professional growth. Despite my relatively short stay in Ireland, I left with enduring memories, particularly in terms of self-management, network growth, learning and adaptation to different cultures. Among the most noteworthy experiences I had during my time in Ireland include hosting frequent gatherings with fellow students from diverse global backgrounds at my residence in Belfield Court. These events allowed us to participate in the culinary delights of various nations, as each participant was required to bring a dish representative of their home country. Consequently, our gatherings featured a rich tapestry of flavours from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the USA. While there are some cultural commonalities between Ireland and India were evident, I observed many differences. Another fond memory was learning and participating in Irish dances like tap dance and straw boys dance during Christmas gathering, as well as singing carol with fellow students.

After completing my studies at UCD in 1997, and overcoming initial hurdles in getting a suitable job, I led a distinguished career with bilateral and multilateral development agencies across 20 countries including as the International Chief Technical Advisor to UNDP/GEF, and the Ministry of Agriculture in Iran from 2009 to 2014. Furthermore, I was a team leader for the European Union in Bangladesh, China, and Sri Lanka where I focused on programme monitoring and evaluation. My career development and experience helped me to extend my role as an expert in climate finance for regions such as Southeast Asia and West Africa.

Following my return to India, I co-founded Sai Sustainable Agro in 2013 as a social enterprise aiming to alleviate poverty among small and marginalised farmers using a climate-resilient Agro-Forestry model on degraded land. In 2019, I co-founded Sai-social purpose corporation in the USA to replicate this model globally. SAI received recognition from the Government of India, NITI Aayog and Seed Uno as a proven eco-inclusive business model, winning awards such as the best start-up award from Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the BRICS Solution Awards for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

I absolutely encourage individuals to consider applying for the Ireland Fellows Programme. I recommend that current Fellows approach the opportunity with an open mind, fostering adaptability, continuous learning, and active contribution. This extends beyond academic pursuits to include the sharing of cultural insights and professional expertise. Please remember that all Fellows who come to Ireland, are like you – looking for support, sharing and cooperation from others.

Looking ahead to the future, I am committed to sharing knowledge and experiences with younger generations. I want to give back to society and Ireland, the country where I acquired valuable insights, and am currently evaluating how I can best utilise my skills to develop young entrepreneurs in Ireland to build their capacities in social entrepreneurship.