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Viksit Bharat Fellowship
Introduction
BlueKraft Digital Foundation presents the second edition of its exciting fellowship program, which offers a monthly grant for research and writing. 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 to become 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.
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Objectives
Applicants will write books 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 characterise the country’s progress.
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. The fellowship does not require committed office hours with BlueKraft Digital Foundation. 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.
Fellow Categories
- 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: These are emerging leaders in their fields, possessing an established level of experience and a proven track record of research and/or policy contributions in their relevant field.
- BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows: These fellows are recognised 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 in-person experiences. These experiences may encompass orientation, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and other activities. Additionally, the fellowship may be extendable at the discretion of the Foundation.
Stipend
A monthly stipend will be provided, tailored to the candidate’s experience level and the specific output 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
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 that will constitute their deliverables.
Mentorship
Central to the program are the Knowledge Partners, who will offer personalised sessions, ensuring tailored support throughout the fellowship. These partners will include seasoned professionals and influential voices who will engage in immersive sessions, offering the fellows valuable perspectives from diverse fields.
Access to BlueKraft’s Resources
BlueKraft Digital Foundation, known for its array of in-depth research resources and background information, will provide fellows with access to its influential policy papers, white papers, books, comprehensive policy analyses, and specialised research. These materials will empower the fellows 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to applicants from all over the world who are 18 years or older.
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 website;
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 website;
Or
At least 20 published works in academic journals or equivalent industry-standard publications
Indicative Topics
The following is an exhaustive list of indicative topics for your reference, highlighting key areas of focus that are essential for fostering nation-building and development, and encompassing various aspects of society. The fellowship does not support scientific or experiment-based proposals. We encourage meaningful deliverables and narratives based on these topics that contribute to the nation’s journey of becoming a Viksit Bharat.
Governance
- Citizen Engagement in the Digital Age: Exploring the role of digital tools in facilitating citizen participation in policy-making and decision-making processes.
- Strengthening Public Institutions: Understanding the role of institutions like the judiciary, police, and public sector enterprises in ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Decentralisation of Governance: Investigating the evolution and empowerment of panchayats, municipalities, and urban local bodies in driving grassroots development.
Economy
- MSMEs as Engines of Growth: Examining policies that enhance the scalability and competitiveness of MSMEs and their integration into global supply chains.
- Fostering an Industry 4.0 Revolution: Looking into the evolution and revival of India’s manufacturing sector, with a focus on automation, AI, and smart technologies.
- India’s Global Supply Chain Leadership: Assessing India’s potential to lead in global supply chains, with special focus on key industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics.
- Reinventing Indian Banking: Delving into the future of banking reforms in India, emphasising financial inclusion, digital banking, and fintech innovations.
Nation First
- Defining the New International Order: India’s growing influence in global governance at multilateral forums, including the UN, BRICS, G20, and others, with a focus on shaping policies for peace and sustainable development.
Renaissance of India’s Global Presence
- Redefining Diplomatic Engagement: The strategic reshaping of India’s foreign policy with various nations to reflect a new era of global partnerships, including trade, technology, and diplomacy.
Defence and Foreign Policy
- Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Exploring India’s path towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, focusing on indigenous technology development and global partnerships.
- Fortifying Frontiers: Analysing the importance of infrastructure development along India’s western and eastern borders to strengthen national security.
- Emergence of India’s Grand Strategy: Mapping India’s evolving defence strategy, its priorities, and its balancing act between regional security and global peace-building efforts.
Social Sector
- Empowering the Marginalised: Strategies for ensuring that economic and social reforms reach every corner of India, particularly marginalised communities, for inclusive growth.
- Women at the Forefront: Highlighting the role of women in leadership positions and the impact of gender-focused policies on the socio-economic landscape.
- Public Health for All: Assessing the challenges and achievements of India’s healthcare reforms, with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and quality care.
Cultural Identity
- Global Stage, Local Roots: India’s rise as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage, leveraging film, art, literature, and other mediums to influence world opinion and strengthen international ties.
- Traditional Roots, Modern Wings: Exploring how India’s rich cultural heritage is being integrated into contemporary society while preserving traditional values.
Infrastructure: Physical and Digital
- India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Paradigm: Examining the importance of India’s digital infrastructure in enabling e-governance, financial inclusion, and seamless connectivity because of the role of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) in ensuring access to welfare schemes.
- Building Future for All: Investigating the growing need and impact of integrated, sustainable infrastructure solutions across urban and rural areas in India.
Healthcare
- Transforming India’s Healthcare System: Exploring the growing role of telemedicine and digital tech in making healthcare more accessible in remote areas and closing the gap between rural and urban regions.
Climate Action and Renewable Energy
- India’s Green Transition: Discussing India’s policies and strategies to achieve carbon neutrality while promoting sustainable growth.
- India’s Clean Energy Revolution: Investigating India’s push towards solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources and its impact on both the economy and the environment.
- India’s Reduced Carbon Footprint: Examining the role of electric vehicles (EVs) in India’s climate action strategy, focusing on policies, infrastructure development, and incentives aimed at promoting EV adoption.
Technology and Entrepreneurship
- Making India a Tech Hub: Fostering a national culture of innovation, focusing on the rise of startups to their transformation into unicorns.
- Empowering Dreams: Creating the largest start-up ecosystem in the world and employment in emerging sectors.
Women Empowerment
- Economic Empowerment: Delving into economic policies that specifically aim to include women in the workforce, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
- Legal Reforms: Examining policies and social programs designed to ensure the safety, security, and legal protection of women in India.
Empowering the Youth
- The Future is Now: Harnessing India’s demographic dividend and understanding the power of India’s young population in contributing to the economy and society.
- Youth as Nation Builders: Focusing on India’s skill development ecosystem to ensure that the youth are equipped with skills for future challenges.
India’s Frontier States
- North East India from Isolation to Integration: Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for North East India in terms of infrastructure, education, and regional development.
- Kashmir’s New Chapter of Peace and Prosperity: Understanding the future of Kashmir in the context of national integration, development, and regional peace-building.
Children’s Literature
- Instilling a Sense of National Pride and Heritage from a Young Age: Focusing on the creation of children’s literature that educates young minds about India’s rich cultural heritage, historical achievements, and ongoing progress in nation-building.
Deliverables
The fellowship is an inclusive platform for new and emerging talents, as well as experienced and exceptional professionals, academics, and experts eager to explore new themes and 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.
The fellows are expected to achieve the agreed-upon deliverables at the end of the program.
Interim Deliverables
During the course of the fellowship, the fellows are required to regularly submit relevant short-form collaterals for publication in recognised public domains. This ensures a consistent stream of high-quality content that meets industry standards for relevance and excellence. The different types of collateral which can be published include:
- Book Chapters: In-depth, well-researched chapters that explore a specific aspect of your research topic, contributing to a larger, cohesive narrative.
- Research Papers: Scholarly, data-driven papers presenting original findings or analyses, typically structured with an introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
- Articles: Short-form pieces that convey a clear message or analysis on a particular issue or event, written in an engaging and informative style for a general audience.
- Op-eds: Opinion-based articles where you present your perspective on a topical issue, supported by evidence, aimed at sparking public discussion and reflection.
- Case Studies: Detailed examinations of specific instances or examples that highlight key insights, challenges, or solutions related to your research or project.
- Research Summary: A concise overview of your research findings, emphasising key takeaways and implications, meant to communicate the essence of your work in an accessible format.
- Blog Posts: Informal yet insightful pieces that explore aspects of your research, offering analysis, opinions, or updates that engage readers and encourage further thought.
- Digital Media Interventions (Podcasts, Social Media Campaigns, etc.): Creative multimedia content that communicates your ideas through audio, video, or social media, designed to engage a broader audience and stimulate online discussions.
- Video Content: Short videos that visually explain or elaborate on your research or findings, making complex ideas accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
- Webinars and Online Sessions: Interactive online discussions or lectures where you present your research, ideas, or findings, allowing for audience engagement through Q&A or live feedback.
Final Deliverables
The final deliverables of the fellowship will be books that reflect the niche nature of each fellow’s area of expertise. These books will not only contribute to their specific fields but also align with the overarching vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed, progressive, and self-reliant India. Each book will be a comprehensive exploration of the chosen subject, providing critical insights into India’s development journey and offering valuable perspectives on policy, governance, economy, culture, and more. The final books may be of three types:
- Non-fiction Books: These books will explore a wide range of topics such as historical analyses, policy studies, biographies, economic evaluations, environmental research, or cultural explorations, aimed at educating and engaging the reader with in-depth insights and factual information.
- Coffee Table Books: Visual storytelling that combines powerful narratives with stunning imagery, these books will capture the essence of change and progress through a blend of engaging illustrations, photography, and well-crafted narratives, often focusing on societal or cultural milestones.
- Children’s Books: Designed to educate and inspire young minds, these books will focus on stories that highlight India’s rich heritage, achievements, and developmental journey, presented in an engaging and accessible way to instil a sense of pride and awareness from an early age.
Final Publication
Completed works may be published under the auspices of BlueKraft Digital Foundation or an external entity, as mutually agreed upon, providing fellows with a platform to reach a broader audience and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on India’s development.
How to Apply
Before starting your online application, please read the instructions carefully and prepare all required information and documents in advance. This will help ensure a smooth and error-free submission process.
01
Personal Information
Fill in your basic personal details and upload your photograph and resume.
- Information Required: Full Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Nationality, Email Address, Phone Number, Mailing Address, and Permanent Address.
- Documents to Upload:
- Passport-size Photo (Max 2 MB; JPG/PNG only).
- Resume (in PDF format; Max 5 MB). Update and format your resume according to the provided template.
02
Educational Background
Provide details of your highest degree and related academic information.
- Information Required: Highest Degree, Field of Study, Graduation Year, and Name, Address, and Webpage of the Institution.
- Document to Upload:
- Last Qualification Certificate / Transcript (PDF format; Max 5 MB).
03
Professional Experience
This section captures your current or most recent employment details.
- Information Required: Current / Last Organisation Name, Your Designation / Role, Duration of Employment, and Key Roles and Responsibilities.
04
Fellowship Information
This is the most critical section, where you identify your area of interest and propose your idea.
- Information Required: Fellowship Program Applied and Indicative Themes (you can choose up to 3 relevant themes).
- Documents to Upload:
05
Recommendations
You will need two referees who can vouch for your professional or academic competence.
- Information Required for Each Referee: Referee’s Full Name, Email Address, Mobile Number, Current Designation and Organisation, Institutional Affiliation / Department and Webpage.
- Document to Upload:
- Recommendation Letters (PDF format; Max 5 MB) — preferably on official letterhead.
06
Additional Information
You may include your publications and social media profiles to strengthen your application.
- Information Required:
- Name of Publication, URL or link to the published work (if available). There is also an option to upload the Publication File (PDF format; Max 2 MB).
- Social Media Handles (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), etc.).
07
Preview & Submit
This is the last step in your application process.
Before submitting:
- Review all the filled-in details carefully.
- Ensure that all the necessary documents have been uploaded correctly.
- Tick the checkbox confirming that you have read and understood the Terms & Conditions.
- Once satisfied, click “Submit” to finalise your application.
Tips:
- Use a desktop or laptop (not a mobile phone) to fill in your application form.
- Save your progress frequently using the “Save Form” option available on each page.
- Make sure that all the documents meet size and format requirements.
- Use clear, professional filenames (e.g., FullName_FileType.pdf) for the documents.
- Ensure your PDFs are unlocked and easily readable.
- Double-check spelling, contact information, and uploaded documents before final submission.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a 2-step review process conducted by a panel of leaders, professionals and experts from relevant fields. The selected applicants will then be interviewed, and the final fellows will be chosen.
The 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.
Application Form
Fellowship Application Timeline
Deadline
Completed applications must be submitted by November 1, 2024.
Selection
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by December 1, 2024.
Selected applicants must confirm their acceptance of the fellowship offer by December 15, 2024.
Commencement
The fellowship officially begins on January 1, 2025.
Terms and Conditions for the Fellowship Program
The following Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), effective November 15, 2025, onwards, govern the application and participation in the Viksit Bharat Fellowship Program (“Fellowship”) offered by BlueKraft Digital Foundation (“Organisation”).
By applying for or participating in the Fellowship, you (“Applicant”) agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions.
Applicants must review the fellowship agreement provided by the Organization and report any concerns within 7 days of receipt.
2. Agreement to Terms
By applying, the Applicant agrees to adhere to the eligibility criteria, application process, submission deadlines, duration, structure, stipend, and stipulations, as outlined in the fellowship document.
3. 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.
4. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during the Fellowship. This obligation remains in effect after the termination of the Fellowship.
5. Professional Behaviour
Applicants must demonstrate professional behaviour during the Fellowship, including adherence to ethical standards, respect for diversity, and compliance with organisational policies.
6. Termination of Fellowship
The Fellowship may be terminated for breach of these Terms, misconduct, failure to meet program requirements, or any other reason at the discretion of the Organisation.
7. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from this Fellowship shall be resolved through mediation or arbitration in accordance with the laws of India. The jurisdiction for any legal matters shall be New Delhi.
8. Equal Opportunity Statement
BlueKraft Digital Foundation is an equal opportunity organisation. All rights are reserved, and the selection process will be conducted fairly.
9. Final Decision
The decision of the Organisation regarding any aspect of the Fellowship is final and binding.
10. 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.
11. Amendments
The Organisation reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time.
12. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of India, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
13. Acceptance
Applicants must accept these Terms and Conditions prior to the submission of their application, as indicated by the checkbox feature added online.
14. Personal Data Protection
The Organisation will collect, use, and protect personal data provided by the Applicants and the selected 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the fellowship is open to applicants from all over the world, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
A total of 12 fellows will be selected and categorised into three tiers:
BlueKraft Associate Fellows
BlueKraft Senior Fellows
BlueKraft Distinguished Fellows
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
The fellowship spans one year, offering a combination of virtual engagements and in-person experiences, including orientation, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.
There are no fees to apply for or participate in the fellowship. Selected fellows will receive a stipend to support their work.
The fellowship does not require any committed office hours, allowing you to continue your career alongside it as long as you submit your deliverables.
Yes, applicants currently enrolled in academic programs are eligible to apply, provided they can commit to the fellowship's requirements and timelines.
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.
Applicants can choose from a variety of formats, including:
- Standard non-fiction books
- Coffee table books
- Children’s book
Applicants are encouraged to review the description provided in the program details section for a list of indicative topics related to India's development journey.
Yes, the fellowship may be extendable at the discretion of the BlueKraft Foundation.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Decision Notification: December 1, 2024
Acceptance of Offer: December 15, 2024
Fellowship Start Date: January 1, 2025
Applicants should select the category that best aligns with their experience and expertise. Applying to multiple categories is generally not permitted, but you may inquire for specific guidance.
Yes, you can submit published works as your writing sample, provided they clearly showcase your writing capabilities.
Letters of recommendation are crucial as they provide insight into your qualifications, character, and potential contributions to the fellowship.
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.
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.
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.
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 nation's socio-economic landscape.
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. However, experiment-based scientific proposals will not be entertained.
Yes, the organisation will facilitate cross-collaboration among the fellows, enhancing their overall learning experience and fostering partnerships on various projects.
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.
Yes, fellows will have opportunities for travel during in-person experiences, workshops, and field activities, depending on the program's structure and activities planned.
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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