Viksit Bharat Fellowship by BlueKraft Digital Foundation [25; Stipend Upto Rs. 2 Lakh]: Apply by Nov 1

All UG and PG students can apply for the Viksit Bharat Fellowship by BlueKraft Digital Foundation. The application deadline is November 1, 2024.

About BlueKraft Digital Foundation

BlueKraft Digital Foundation presents an exciting fellowship program offering a monthly research and writing grant. The fellowship program welcomes applicants from diverse disciplines and backgrounds—experienced professionals and enthusiastic newcomers—eager to contribute to New India’s growth narrative in its quest to become a developed nation by 2047. Capture the pulse of change, the exhilaration of progress, and the vibrant stories shaping our nation’s future.

Objectives

Applicants will write about the strides India has made on its development journey across various sectors using their subject-matter expertise and insights that reflect the impactful initiatives and changes that characterize the country’s progress.

Diverse Formats

Applicants are encouraged to choose from various formats for their deliverables, including traditional and non-traditional writing, to capture the essence of India from different perspectives. This includes

• Standard Books
  • Non-fiction books may encompass historical analyses, policy studies, biographies, economic evaluations, environmental research, anthologies showcasing diverse viewpoints, and cultural explorations.
• Articles
  • Articles and papers provide insights into contemporary issues, including opinion pieces, research studies, comparative analyses, policy reviews, thematic discussions, impact assessments, and cultural commentaries.
• Case studies
  • To document successful initiatives and their impacts to illustrate effective practices and lessons learned.
• Coffee table books
  • Visual narration of stories of change through coffee table books or graphic novels and capturing stories of progress through engaging illustrations and narratives.
• Research Papers in Journals
  • To explore the impactful contributions of various initiatives, grassroots movements and innovative solutions that drive societal change and progress.
• Platform for All Applicants
  • Create an inclusive platform for new and emerging talents, experienced and exceptional professionals, academics and experts eager to explore new themes and formats.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a diverse and impactful cohort of fellows, the following eligibility criteria will apply:

Global Reach

Open to applicants from all over the world who are 18 years or older. Applicants must show a dedication to exploring meaningful stories relevant to India’s growth and development and a commitment to producing works of excellence.

Qualifications

• For BlueKraft Associate Fellow
  • A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent degree in a relevant field from a prestigious institution
    and Demonstrated interest in a relevant field with a prior robust portfolio, with a willingness to engage in research and analysis, Or
  • Relevant internship or work experience in a relevant field, with a demonstrated record of contributing to projects
• For BlueKraft Senior Fellow
  • A Master’s Degree (or Bachelor’s in exceptional cases) or a higher degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 5-15 years of relevant experience in academia, government, research or the private sector, with a demonstrated record of contribution, specialization, or leadership in the area of nation building and development, Or
  • At least 2 published books with major publishing houses on subjects in consonance with the indicative list of topics mentioned in the fellowship overview Or
  • At least 5 published works in academic journals or equivalent industry standard publications.
• For BlueKraft Distinguished Fellow
  • A nationally or internationally renowned subject matter expert Or
  • A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in academia, government, research or the private sector, with a demonstrated record of contribution, specialization or leadership, in the area of nation building and development; or
  • At least 5 published books with major publishing houses on subjects in consonance with the indicative list of topics mentioned in the fellowship overview Or
  • At least 20 published works in academic journals or equivalent industry standard publications

Program Details

The Viksit Bharat Fellowship is designed as a flexible grant opportunity, allowing you to engage in this enriching experience while continuing with your current job or professional responsibilities. This means you can contribute to India’s growth narrative without pausing your career, making it an ideal choice for those looking to balance their professional commitments with meaningful contributions to nation-building. Thus, the fellowship does not require committed office hours with BlueKraft Digital Foundation.

Total Number of Fellows to be Awarded: 25

• BlueKraft Associate Fellows: These positions are aimed at new talent, typically early-career applicants beginning to establish their expertise in a specific area.
• BlueKraft Senior Fellows: Senior fellows are emerging leaders in their fields, possessing an established level of experience and a proven track record of research, policy, or contributions in their relevant field.
• BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows: Distinguished fellows are recognized experts, authors, leaders or specialists with extensive domain experience and a substantial body of work.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship spans one year and offers a blend of virtual engagement and up to one month of in-person experiences. These experiences may encompass orientation, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and field activities. Additionally, the fellowship may be extendable at the discretion of the Foundation.

Learning and networking Opportunities

Fellows will enjoy exclusive opportunities to engage with leading decision-makers from diverse fields, policymakers, and subject matter experts. These invaluable interactions will enhance their writing and deepen their understanding of India’s socio-economic landscape, providing rich insights towards their deliverables.

Mentorship

Central to the program are the Program Mentors from BlueKraft Digital Foundation and other subject-matter experts, who will offer personalized one-on-one mentoring sessions, ensuring tailored support throughout the fellowship. The external experts will include seasoned subject matter experts, renowned professionals, and influential voices who will engage in immersive one-week mentoring sessions, providing applicants with valuable perspectives from various fields.

Stipend

A monthly stipend will be provided, tailored to the candidate’s experience level and the specific output format required.

Selection Process

• Applications will undergo a 2-step review process conducted by a panel of leaders, professionals and experts from relevant fields.
• A selection committee will review applications based on the quality of the proposal, creativity, feasibility, clarity of vision, ability to tell India’s narrative and alignment with the Fellowship’s goals.
• Applicants will be shortlisted for interviews.

Indicative Topics

The following is a list of indicative topics for your reference, highlighting key areas of focus that are essential for fostering nation-building and development. Such topics also encompass various aspects of society, and we encourage meaningful deliverables, discussions and narratives aimed at contributing to the nation’s journey of becoming a Viksit Bharat.

Governance in India

• Making Citizen Engagement and Participative Democracy the Norm for New India
• The Gamechanger of Flagship Scheme: Direct Benefit Transfers
• Engraining Transparency in Systems

Defence and Foreign Policy

• Atmanirbharta in Defence: The Need, Progress and Future Trajectory
• Fortifying Frontiers: The new way of engaging with the Western and Eastern Borders, including infrastructure development
• The New International/World Order: Growing Role of India
• Reimagination of India: Emergence of India’s Grand Strategy

Economic Progress

• Small Industries, Big Impact: Creating a New Success Story for MSMEs
• Revival of India’s Manufacturing Leadership
• The New Disruptor: India’s Role in Leading Supply Chain Management
• Re-looking Banking Reforms in India

Social Welfare

• Empowering the Marginalised: Saturation by Economic Reforms
• Women at the Forefront: Towards Women-led Development
• The Indian Model of Public Health: Making Health Care Accessible for All

Infrastructure: Digital and Physical

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Paradigm
Building the Future: The Impact of Physical Infrastructure Growth in India

The North East

• From Isolation to Integration: The Comprehensive Development of North East India

Climate Action and Renewable Energy

• Climate Action in India: India’s New Agenda
• Powering Progress: The Impact of India’s Hot Pursuit of Renewable Energy

Technology and Entrepreneurship

• Racing to the Future: Making India a Tech Hub
• Empowering Dreams: Creating the Largest Start-Up Eco-system in the World

Cultural Resurgence

• Global Stage, Local Roots: The Revival of India’s Cultural Identity
• Traditional Roots, Modern Wings: Making Culture an Integral Part of Viksit Bharat

Empowering the Youth

• The Future is Now: India’s Youth as Catalysts for Economic and Social Development

Timeline

• Application Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by November 1st, 2024
• Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified of their final acceptance status by December 1st, 2024.
• Acceptance of Offer: Applicants will be notified of their final acceptance status by December 1st, 2024.
• Fellowship Start Date: Selected applicants must confirm their acceptance of the fellowship offer by December 15th, 2024.

How to Apply?

• Submit the online application.
• Participate in the selection process.
• Interviews will be conducted for shortlisted candidates

Interested candidates can directly apply through this link.

Deadline

The application deadline is November 1, 2024.

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