Thane’s Vidyadhar Prabhudesai gets fellowship from London’s Royal School of Arts

Thane-based entrepreneur Vidyadhar Prabhudesai (39) has become a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, known more formally as the Royal Society for Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). The co-founder of LeadCap was nominated to the prestigious fellowship in August 2020.

The RSA is a 260 year old London-based, British organisation committed to finding practical solutions to social challenges through powerful ideas, cutting-edge research and a 30,000 strong global network of fellows. The RSA is based on a belief in a world where everyone is able to participate in creating a better future.Notable past fellows include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx and Nelson Mandela. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide. Currently there are only 74 fellows from India.

“I am delighted to receive an RSA fellowship and I’m inspired by their work in the past. It is a true honour to be amongst people whom you read or hear about in the media. Past fellows are a roll call of great thinkers, social innovators and reformers.The RSA fellowship is an opportunity to build connections with such like minded individuals who share a common goal to create impact for better future,” says Prabhudesai.

Vidyadhar is also a fellow of United Nations and Ford Foundation. He works extensively with international institutions such as the World Economic Forum, World Bank, United Nations. Last year he started Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum in Thane and currently looking for more Global Shapers in the age group of 18-27 years to join him.

Prabhudesai also runs LeadCap Trust which has empowered more than 10 million youth through its programs and initiatives. He was awarded the Youth Prize for his work on youth employability by International Finance Corporation (World Bank). In July, he joined The Climate Reality Project, an initiative of Al Gore, former Vice President of the USA and noble laureate for fighting the climate crisis.

“Through my association with many international institutions I look forward to working for the betterment of Thane. Last year I met Hon. Mayor and expressed my desire to work with the municipal corporation on various issues pressing Thane,” adds Vidyadhar.