Applications Invited for Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship

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About the Organization

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), founded in 1988 by Professor M.S. Swaminathan, stands as a global leader in leveraging science and technology for sustainable rural development. Established with the proceeds of the First World Food Prize, MSSRF embodies the visionary ethos of its founder, who transformed the landscape of food security and ecological sustainability.

About the Program

The 5th edition of the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship (2026) is designed to empower journalists to produce impactful stories on gender and grassroots issues, with a special focus on the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). The fellowship is open to full-time and freelance journalists from print, television, and online media in five languages; Tamil, Malayalam, Odia, Hindi, and Marathi. The four-month fellowship offers a grant of ₹60,000, mentorship from MSSRF experts and field researchers, and direct engagement with rural communities. Fellows will receive support in translating their work into English for wider dissemination and will have opportunities to connect with policymakers, enhancing both visibility and influence of their stories.

Key Features

• Fellowship Amount: ₹60,000 INR for the four-month fellowship period.
• Direct Grassroots Engagement: Fellows will have first-hand access to rural communities, enabling authentic and impactful storytelling.
• Mentorship & Guidance: Dedicated mentorship from MSSRF experts and field researchers, including bilingual support.
• Policy-Level Exposure: MSSRF will facilitate a meeting with relevant government officials, giving fellows a chance to understand governance and policy perspectives.

Eligibility

• Minimum of three years in journalism.
• Open to full-time and freelance journalists from print, television, or online media.
• We encourage candidates who are interested in reporting on gender, grassroots issues, and community-driven themes to apply

How to Apply

Before applying, have the following documents ready:

• Your updated CV (Not more than 2 pages)
• Link to one published story that best exemplifies your work in the language you are applying (Tamil, Malayalam, Odia, Hindi, or Marathi). The story must be published in 2025.
• Translation of the article in English
• A signed consent form from your editor or supervisor (Sample form linked in the application form)

Applications close: 18th January 2026

Apply now

For more information please check the Link

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