Centre for Nurturing Leaders (CNL) is a nonprofit dedicated to Nurturing young people from marginalised and displaced communities to become strong leaders. We believe real change happens when those most affected have the skills and access to information they need to lead. Our work focuses on communities that are marginalised and displaced by systemic inequality, and excluded from their social and economic rights.
Our work began in New Delhi in 2021, with a small group of young people learning about leadership and civic participation. In 2024, this work grew into the Centre for Nurturing Leaders, with a sharper focus on communities living with the effects of industrial development and displacement. Today, much of our work is centred in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, a highly industrialised district often called the Energy Capital of India. Dalit and Adivasi communities have lived here for generations, alongside coal, limestone, and granite industries, and are working to build a stronger voice in decisions that shape their land, water, and future. CNL works alongside them, nurturing young leaders who can bridge that gap. Several of our own team members come from the very communities we work with.
Young people growing up in industrial and displaced communities often face a real gap in opportunity. Many are first generation learners with limited exposure to leadership and civic participation beyond their local areas. Awareness of available rights and support systems is often low, and the confidence to engage with local institutions and decision makers is lower still. CNL exists to close that gap, through education, training, and hands-on community work that helps young people learn, grow, and lead.
Meet the Team
Sonu P. Yadav (He/Him)
Founder & CEO
Sonu has over 12 years of experience nurturing youth leadership across India, especially among marginalized communities. He founded CNL to give young people at the grassroots a platform for equal participation.
Dindayal Bharti (He/Him)
Coordinator, Youth Collectives
Dindayal coordinates the Youth Leadership Initiative, organizing training and workshops that help young people understand their rights, build leadership skills, and actively take part in local governance and community decisions.
Ranju Kumari (She/Her)
Fellow, Women's Collectives
Ranju Kumari leads women’s collectives in the tribal villages of Lojhra, Sonbhadra, strengthening women’s leadership and participation in local governance. She has become a respected leader who inspires women to organise.
Ajay Kumar (He/Him)
Manager, M&E
Ajay comes from the same community CNL works with, and ensures our programs run to the highest standard, using technology to strengthen everything from teaching to measuring our impact for the future.
Registered Office
Koharouliya, Yogichaura, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh-231222, India
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