Gopabandhu Fellowship Programme

Gopanbandhu Fellowship Programme: 2023-24

a unique opportunity for young professionals

This is an opportunity for those aspiring to serve the society and contribute to societal good by adding an extra dimension to life!

Objective

• Learn by doing through community engagement – applying classroom learning to field real experiences, and experience the local world.
• Sharpen perspectives on the development sector through learning from renowned thought leaders/ practitioners to embark on a transformational journey.
• Acquire gainful experience in various thematic domains, like Rural Livelihoods, Participatory Governance/Inclusive Education, Disaster Management & Climate Change Concerns with the guidance of experienced expert Mentors. The program seeks to combine in-house sessions, field immersions, value based orientations, and a host of creative assignments.

For Whom

• Highly motivated young Graduates from diversified academic backgrounds, including young professionals and fresh out (such as Humanities, social work, social science, anthropology, human geography, development studies, rural development, Agriculture, youth development, law, general science, IT, communication and Media Studies) are encouraged to join the programme.
• Aged between 20- 25 years as on the date of commencement of the program.
• Passionate about rural Transformation; social change.

Duration

• Gopabandhu Fellowship – 2023 is up to two years (Minimum one year).

Fellowship Support

• Cover reasonable and basic living expenses (Learn while you earn mode)
• Coverage under Medical Insurance & Personal Accident Policy
• Guided by experienced mentors and professionals
• Periodic training opportunity on perspective building and leadership pathways

Selection Process

N.B: The First Batch Gopabandhu Fellowship Programme (2022-23) was commenced in April 2022 and concluded in March 2023. A total of six (6) Young Fellows from diversified academic backgrounds have joined the programme and successfully completed it by undergoing an evaluation process where they presented their innovations individually and finally awarded with Fellowship Completion Certificates at a Graduation Ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How the Program will benefit you?

• The program is about solving challenging rural problems and will train youngsters to think innovatively, act proactively, exhibit leadership, and acquire management skills.
• The design of the entire program is through an Action Reflection model with periodic training that shall be available for development of a wholesome personality.
• This combination of knowledge and skills will be highly valued by many organizations and will be of relevance in social development sector career that you choose to pursue thereafter.

Q. What is the duration of Programme and type of Engagement?

• The Fellowship is one-year full time program requiring you to stay committed for the entire program duration.

Q. How much will I be paid during the Fellowship?

• Reasonable low-cost living expenses are covered.
• Covered under Medical Insurance & Personal Accident Policy

Q. What options will be open to me after the Fellowship?

The fellowship opens up a host of new avenues for you. You can choose to:

• Continue working in the Development sector or organizations in different themes of your choice.
• Become a social entrepreneur!
• Pursue any professional career with confidence and maturity

Q. Will it be safe to stay /work in rural locations?

• The location of your stay is decided keeping in mind your safety and security in South or North Odisha.

Q. What are the challenges I will face living in rural/tribal areas?

• Adapting to stay in rural/tribal areas is an integral part of the learning experience. Erratic mobile connectivity, poor power supply, and unreliable internet facilities might help you to reduce your dependency on the props of modern living.