Viksit Bharat Fellowship
Application deadline 1st Nov 24
BlueKraft Digital Foundation presents an exciting fellowship program. The fellowship program welcomes applicants from diverse disciplines and backgrounds—experienced professionals and enthusiastic newcomers—who are eager to contribute to the growth narrative of New India in its quest of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Capture the pulse of change, the exhilaration of progress, and the vibrant stories that are shaping the future of our nation.
Objectives
Applicants will write about the strides that 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 a variety of 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 that may encompass historical analyses, policy studies, biographies, economic evaluations, environmental research, anthologies showcasing diverse viewpoints, and cultural explorations.
Articles
Articles and papers including opinion pieces, research studies, comparative analyses, policy reviews, thematic discussions, impact assessments, and cultural commentaries that provide insights into contemporary issues.
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, grassroot movements and innovative solutions that drive change and progress in society.
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.
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 having to pause 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 who are 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 or 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, offering 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 experience level of the candidate and the specific output format required.
- BlueKraft Associate Fellows: Rs 75,000 per month
- BlueKraft Senior Fellows: Rs 1,25,000 per month
- BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows: Rs 2,00,000 per month
Access to BlueKraft Digital Foundation’s Resources: BlueKraft, known for its array of in-depth research resources and background information, will provide access to its influential policy papers, white papers, books, comprehensive policy analyses, and specialized research. These materials will empower participants to engage deeply with the forefront of the nation’s discourse, equipping them with the knowledge and insights necessary to drive impactful change in their respective fields.
Cross Collaboration: For the duration of the fellowship, participants will be organized into groups to facilitate cross-collaboration and enhance the overall learning experience.
Publication:
- Program Deliverable: The Fellows are expected to focus on achieving the agreed-upon deliverable(s) at the end of the program. Refer – Indicative Topics.
- Interim Deliverables: During the course of their study, the Fellows are required to produce regular contributions relevant to the end-deliverable and their program objectives in the form of short form collaterals, such as articles or research papers for publication in recognized public domains. This ensures a consistent stream of high-quality content that meets industry standards for relevance and excellence.
- Final Publication: Completed works may be published under the auspices of BlueKraft Publications and Knowledge Centre or an external entity as mutually agreed, providing fellows with a platform to reach a broader audience and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on Indian development.
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 Bachelors 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
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 MSME’s
- 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
How to Apply
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.
Application Form
We invite and encourage meaningful voices to join us in contributing to and enriching the narrative surrounding India’s journey forward!
Fellowship Application Timeline
Application Deadline
Completed applications must be submitted by November 1st, 2024
Decision Notification
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.
Terms and Conditions for the Fellowship Program
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), effective 17th September 2024 onwards, govern the application and participation in the Fellowship Program (“Fellowship”) offered by BlueKraft Digital Foundation (“Organization”). By applying for or participating in the Fellowship, you (“Applicant”) agree to comply with these Terms.
- Review of Fellowship Document
Applicants must review the fellowship agreement provided by the Organization and report any concerns within 7 days of receipt. - Agreement to Terms
By applying, the Applicant agrees to adhere to the eligibility criteria, application process, submission deadlines, duration, structure, stipend, stipulations, and required documents as outlined in the fellowship document. - Ownership of Intellectual Property
Intellectual property created during the Fellowship, including research findings, publications, and projects, shall be jointly owned by the Applicant and BlueKraft Digital Foundation. Standard practices regarding external publishers will apply in cases of publication. - Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during the Fellowship. This obligation continues after the termination of the Fellowship. - Professional Behaviour
Applicants must demonstrate professional behaviour during the Fellowship, including adherence to ethical standards, respect for diversity, and compliance with organizational policies. - Termination of Fellowship
The Fellowship may be terminated for breach of these Terms, misconduct, or failure to meet program requirements or any other reason on account of the Organisation. - Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through mediation or arbitration in accordance with the laws of India. The jurisdiction for any legal matters shall be New Delhi. - Equal Opportunity Statement
BlueKraft Digital Foundation is an equal opportunity organization. All rights are reserved, and the selection process will be conducted fairly. - Final Decision
The decision of the Organization regarding any aspect of the Fellowship is final and binding. - Limitation of Liability
The Organization’s liability for any injuries or damages incurred during the Fellowship is limited to the extent permitted by applicable laws. - Amendments
The Organization reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. - Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of India, ensuring compliance with local regulations. - Acceptance
Applicants must accept these Terms prior to the submission of their application, as indicated by the checkbox feature added online. - Personal Data Protection
The Organization will collect, use, and protect personal data provided by Applicants and fellows in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
By applying for the Fellowship, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
What types of formats can applicants choose for their deliverables?
Applicants can choose from a variety of formats, including:
Standard non-fiction books
Articles and opinion pieces
Case studies
Children’s books
Coffee table books or graphic novels
Research papers in journals
How many fellows will be awarded positions?
A total of 25 fellows will be selected, categorized into three tiers: BlueKraft Associate Fellows, BlueKraft Senior Fellows, and BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows, each with specific eligibility criteria.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship spans one year, offering a combination of virtual engagement and up to one month of in-person experiences, including orientation, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Is a stipend provided during the fellowship?
Yes, a monthly stipend is provided, tailored to the experience level of the candidate:
BlueKraft Associate Fellows: Rs 75,000 per month
BlueKraft Senior Fellows: 1,25,000 per month
BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows: Rs 2,00,000 per month
Are there any fees associated with the fellowship?
There are no fees to apply for or participate in the fellowship. Selected fellows will receive a stipend to support their work.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes, the fellowship is open to applicants from all over the world, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Are there specific deliverable expectations for fellows?
Yes, fellows are expected to focus on achieving agreed-upon deliverables, including interim contributions such as articles or research papers during the fellowship, culminating in a final publication under BlueKraft or an external entity.
What is the application timeline?
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Decision Notification: December 1, 2024
Acceptance of Offer: December 15, 2024
Fellowship Start Date: January 1, 2025
FAQ’S
Can the fellowship be extended beyond one year?
Yes, the fellowship may be extendable at the discretion of the BlueKraft Foundation.
What are the indicative topics for the fellowship?
Applicants are encouraged to review the appendix provided in the program details section for a list of indicative topics related to India’s development journey.
How can this fellowship benefit my career?
This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to enhance your expertise, connect with industry leaders and experts, gain mentorship, and produce meaningful work that contributes to the broader discourse surrounding India’s development.
What criteria will be used to evaluate applications?
Applications will be evaluated 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.
Can I apply for more than one fellowship category?
Applicants should choose the category that best fits their experience and expertise. Applying to multiple categories is generally not permitted, but you may inquire for specific guidance.
Can I submit previous works as my writing sample?
Yes, you can submit published works as your writing sample, provided they are relevant to your proposal and clearly showcase your writing capabilities.
How important are the letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are crucial as they provide insight into your qualifications, character, and potential contributions to the fellowship.
How can I ensure my application stands out?
To make your application more competitive, focus on crafting a clear, compelling proposal that highlights the significance of your work, your unique perspective, and how it aligns with the fellowship’s mission
Will there be opportunities for collaboration among fellows?
Yes, fellows will be organized into groups to facilitate cross-collaboration, enhancing the overall learning experience and fostering partnerships on various projects.
Are there any specific themes or issues that the fellowship focuses on?
While the fellowship encourages a broad exploration of India’s development journey, applicants are encouraged to align their topics with contemporary issues and impactful initiatives relevant to the socio-economic landscape
Will there be opportunities for public speaking or presentations during the fellowship?
Yes, fellows may have opportunities to present their work at various events, workshops, or conferences, allowing them to share their insights and findings with a broader audience.
Are there any restrictions on the topics I can choose?
While there are no strict restrictions, applicants are encouraged to select topics that align with the fellowship’s mission and contribute positively to the discourse on India’s development.
Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in another academic program?
Yes, applicants currently enrolled in academic programs may apply, provided they can commit to the fellowship’s requirements and timelines.
Will there be any travel involved during the fellowship?
Yes, fellows will have opportunities for travel during in-person experiences, workshops, and field activities, depending on the program’s structure and activities planned.
What is the expected level of commitment for fellows?
Fellows are expected to dedicate significant time and effort to their projects, engage actively in mentorship sessions, and participate in fellowship activities throughout the year.
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