India Fellow Program 2017

Why India Fellowship?

Development of India is responsibility of everyone – NGOs, government, corporate, enterprises and most importantly of its citizens. Our belief is that in each and every sector, India needs talented young leaders who have had deep exposure to India’s broader realities, who understand the challenges and opportunities presented in diverse environments that have the empathy, skills and determination to create social good. Our future bankers, scientists, bureaucrats, teachers, entrepreneurs need this learning experience. Young people have tremendous potential to bring about change in the country. We need to invest in these young leaders and provide them the opportunity to get exposed to India’s social development challenges, explore their role within it and approach the future with the passion and purpose they need to make an impact – on our nation and our world. 

A lot many young people are making a conscious career choice to work in the development sector by choosing to go to social work institutions such as like IRMA, TISS, XISS etc. However there are many who have not considered their role in social development and therefore can tremendously benefit from an experiential learning program that can help them find their own path to contribute to social change irrespective of whether they choose a career in NGO, businesses or government.

Through the India Fellow program we want to capture the attention of young people from all walks of life, with diverse career interests, to dig in and get their hands dirty, to get to know the development challenges through internship, training and coaching. This we believe will help them in becoming committed and passionate leaders of tomorrow. And in the process contribute a lot to the development of India.

Click Here For A Video On Fellowship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm7esieHeW8

Fellowship Design:

The India Fellow program design has 3 prime pieces that fit into each other over the duration of 13 months that the fellow spends into it.

1] Training and Coaching:

The fellowship has approximately 6 weeks spread over the duration of overall 13 months where the fellows meet at a common point for training. This is into 4 parts namely

(i) orientation training at the start of the program
(ii) mid point training at the end of 6 months into the program
(iii) travel workshop in the 10th month, fund-raised by the fellows
(iv) end point training after completion of the work assignments with grassroots organizations towards the end of the program

The central theme across them is creative thinking, development work skills/knowledge and personal leadership. The training is innovative and unique in the learning tools it uses. Some methodologies include:

– Interactions with experts from various sectors
– Workshops on design thinking, communication, development theories and leadership skills
– Sessions on crux of management topics and their practical applications like – operations, finance, developing new ideas, project and team management etc.
– Travel workshop and rural immersions for hands on understanding
– Peer learning through sharing

2] Work Assignment with Grassroots Organization:

The volume wise biggest chunk of the fellow life will be spent with a reputed, authentic and committed to its vision – grassroots organization working on various social issues. During this, the fellow will be living in their work areas, typically rural setups, and working on a specific role the fellowship and this host organization has discussed and agreed upon for. The immersion with the organization inculcates sensitivities, deeper understanding and consciousness and is a powerful experience for the fellows to look inwards as well as issues India faces at large. The fellow not only learns but also impacts the organization in myriad ways by bringing their skills and enthusiasm on board. The organization supports the fellow with a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 for living expenses.

3] Mentorship:

Every fellow from the third month onwards for duration of a year will be assigned a mentor. A mentor is an expert with huge experience in their domain and will personally be a philosopher and guide to the fellow in his/her journey. They are not a part of the fellowship team or NGOs; but independent advisors. Their role will be more geared to the fellow’s development than the fellowship or work assignments. Along with that, the fellowship ecosystem that consists of trainers, alumni, personnel from various host organizations and the program team are constantly available and interacting with the fellows to enrich the experience as friends and coaches.

Selection Process:

The selection to the India Fellow program is a 3 step process.

1. Applicants fill a detailed online application form.
2. Shortlisted candidates will go through a telephonic interview with the India Fellow team.
3. Those who qualify after the telephonic interview will be invited for a day of assessment process and personal interview in one of our centres.

Final selections will be announced only after the personal interview 2 months prior to the commencement date of the fellowship.

To apply visit: http://www.indiafellow.org/about-the-fellowship/apply-now/

Eligibility:

-    You are between 20 to 28 years of age
- You are already a graduate (in any discipline) or will be by July 2016 before fellowship begins
- You are an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin
- You are ready for a 13 month full-time commitment to the fellowship

Core Values:

We are looking for potential leaders of tomorrow. We believe that these leaders should exhibit certain values which are at the heart of a leadership journey. The fellows, fellowship team, partners and all other associates would be expected to live by these values.

1. Authenticity: Be true to oneself and others without fear. Congruence between thought and actions.
2. Openness to Learning: Committed to learn and also help others learn.
3. Humility: Patience, a humble approach to service combined with good humour.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to be flexible and adaptable when facing difficult situations.
5. Commitment to Social Change: Committed to explore ways your own personal role in bringing about social change in the society.
6. Perseverance: Persistence in doing something that you believe in despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

For more information please visit the Link