Want to make a difference? Try applying for these fellowships

April 25, 2023 Aarish

By Aarish Ghazi

Fellowships are crucial for career development since they offer excellent chances for both personal and professional advancement, hands-on learning, and networking. Young professionals in India with a desire for social change, education, public service, or rural development have access to several fellowship programs that can help them get relevant experience, improve their leadership abilities, and make a difference in society. The best fellowship programs in India, including Teach for India, the Goonj Fellowship, the India Fellow, the Gandhi Fellowship, the Bhumi Fellowship, the LAMP Fellowship, the Sewa Fellowship, SBI Youth for India, and the Punjab Youth Leaders Program will be discussed in more detail in this article. Even though each program has its own approach, they all give young people the chance to contact top organisations and experts in their field, be exposed to a variety of cultures,

Goonj Fellowship:

The Goonj Fellowship is a one-year initiative designed to provide young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to help the development of rural India. The Goonj team and partner organizations collaborate closely with fellows to implement several activities targeted at improving the standard of living for those living in rural and marginalized areas. An individual can easily get hands-on experience in disaster relief, education, healthcare, and sanitation through the fellowship. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

India Fellow:

The 18-month India Fellows program is a social leadership development initiative aimed at fostering the social change-loving potential of young professionals. Fellows are assigned to a variety of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) around the country and work closely with the organisation’s leadership to implement programs that address social concerns such as education, health, livelihood, and the environment. Via lectures, mentorship, and field excursions, the training provides chances for both professional and personal growth. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is in April, 2023. It will be opened in 2024 now.

Gandhi Fellowship:

The Gandhi Fellowship is a two-year program created to foster the growth of young leaders dedicated to bringing about social change. Fellows are assigned to rural schools, where they collaborate with the administration and the neighborhood to improve the educational environment. Along with providing possibilities for professional and personal development, the experience also imparts leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

Bhumi Fellowship:

The Bhumi Fellowship is a two-year program created to foster the growth of young leaders dedicated to improving India’s educational system. To execute a variety of programs aimed at enhancing educational quality and giving pupils a well-rounded education, fellows collaborate with schools in impoverished communities. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is April 30, 2023.

Teach for India:

The two-year Teach for India program aims to develop young leaders who are committed to providing all Indian children with a high-quality education. Colleagues are put in schools or education institutes around the country to work on discipline as well as teaching giving them a balanced instructive encounter. Opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as instruction in teaching, leadership, and communication, are provided by the fellowship. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is April 16, 2023.

LAMP Fellowship:

The LAMP Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to cultivate future elected leaders and public servants. Fellows work directly with Members of Parliament to create and implement legislation and initiatives addressing a variety of socioeconomic challenges. The course offers teaching in advocacy, research, and analysis as well as possibilities for both individual and professional growth. The fellowship offers young people a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Indian government procedures first-hand and contribute back to the neighborhood. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is December 29, 2022. The fellowship’s application has closed for 2023; stay tuned to enroll in the fellowship for 2024.

Sewa Fellowship:

The Sewa Fellowship is a social leadership program that identifies and develops young leaders passionate about community development. Fellows work on projects related to education, healthcare, and disaster relief. The 12-month program offers mentoring, training, networking opportunities, and a stipend for living expenses. Its goal is to equip fellows with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective social change agents and leaders. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is April 16, 2023.

SBI Youth For India:

SBI Youth for India is a fellowship program offered by the State Bank of India, one of the largest banks in India. The program is designed to promote rural development and provide a platform for young professionals to contribute to the country’s social and economic progress. The program invites young professionals to spend a year in rural areas working on development projects alongside local communities. The fellows work on projects related to agriculture, education, health, and women’s empowerment. They are also provided with training, mentorship, and a stipend to cover their living expenses.The SBI Youth for India program has a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive development, and it seeks to foster a sense of social responsibility and leadership among the fellows. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is April 30, 2023 (Tentative).

Punjab Youth Leaders Program:

The Punjab Youth Leaders Program is an initiative of the Government of Punjab, India, aimed at developing young leaders who can contribute to the state’s growth and development. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 21 and 35 who are residents of Punjab and have completed their education. Selected participants are provided with a six-month training program that includes mentorship, leadership training, and exposure to various sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance. The program also includes field visits, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program seeks to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to be effective leaders and change agents. To apply, go to the official website; the deadline for applications is non-exhaustive.

To sum up, fellowships are an excellent method for young professionals to develop vital experience, skills, and knowledge while also having a positive influence on their respective industries. The goal of each of these fellowships—Goonj, India, Gandhi, Bhumi, Teach for India, and LAMP—is to cultivate young leaders who are dedicated to enacting social change and improving the lives of others. These programs provide participants with a unique opportunity to collaborate with well-known individuals and organisations, get to know various cultures and develop their leadership potential. Participants in these fellowships can get the skills and knowledge needed to improve society and aid India’s overall growth.

References:

Goonj Fellowship: https://goonj.org/goonj-fellowship/

India Fellow: https://indiafellow.org/

Gandhi Fellowship: https://gandhifellowship.org/

Bhumi Fellowship: https://fellowship.bhumi.ngo/

Teach For India: https://www.teachforindia.org/

LAMP Fellowship: https://prsindia.org/lamp

Sewa Fellowship: https://www.sewainternational.org/Fellowship