KSHETRA
CONSULTING
Shri Nanaji Deshmukh Fellowship
About the Fellowship
At the heart of India’s strength lies its villages—and no one understood this better than Shri Nanaji Deshmukh. A visionary social reformer, he championed the idea of self-reliant rural communities, blending education, grassroots governance, and decentralized development to drive transformative change. At Kshetra, we carry forward his legacy by building models of rural empowerment that are sustainable, participatory, and community-driven.
The Shri Nanaji Deshmukh Fellowship is designed for individuals passionate about rural transformation through socio-economic policy, community-based governance, education and skill development, and the agriculture and allied sectors. Anchored in the principles of public affairs, social impact, and education, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work on building the future of rural Bharat from the ground up.
Through this fellowship, Kshetra aims to foster grassroots innovation and leadership by engaging fellows in the planning, execution, and analysis of rural development programs. From strengthening local governance bodies and promoting livelihood opportunities to enhancing access to quality education and sustainable farming practices, fellows will be immersed in the realities of India’s villages—crafting data-driven, scalable interventions that make a lasting difference. Fellows will work closely with local institutions, policy think tanks, educational organizations, and farmer cooperatives to co-create solutions that are rooted in community needs and aspirations. The program will also provide exposure to decentralized governance mechanisms, policy research, capacity building, and impact evaluation, enabling fellows to bridge the gap between macro policy frameworks and micro-level action.
Inspired by Nanaji Deshmukh’s founding of Shishu Mandirs and his holistic approach to development, this fellowship seeks to empower a new generation of changemakers who believe in the power of the village as a unit of development.
If you envision a Bharat where progress is inclusive, rural economies are thriving, and communities take charge of their own destiny—this fellowship is your opportunity to turn that vision into reality.
Eligibility Criteria
Selection Process
Step 1
Application
Students submit their project work, relevant past experience, and resume for evaluation. Shortlisted candidates then move on to the next round of assessments based on fit and alignment with our initiatives.
Step 2
Assignment
After the application submission stage, candidates are given an assignment to gauge their real-world experience, a crucial step in our selection process. This allows us to assess their practical skills and suitability for the role.
Step 3
Interview
Finally, candidates move to an online interview as part of our evaluation process at Kshetra. This interview allows us to assess their interpersonal communication skills and assess their fitness in consideration to our organizational values.
Roles And Responsibilities
As part of fellowship, candidates are supposed to perform following tasks:
01.
Design and implement rural development initiatives that strengthen community-led governance, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods at the village level.
03.
Engage with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), SHGs, and local stakeholders to foster participatory governance and build community ownership of development projects.
05.
Work with farmer cooperatives and agrarian communities to enhance productivity, support sustainable agricultural practices, and create linkages with markets.
07.
Promote awareness and access to government welfare schemes through grassroots outreach, policy literacy sessions, and digital inclusion strategies.
09.
Collaborate with academic and policy research organizations to assess the impact of interventions and contribute to evidence-based rural policy recommendations.
02.
Conduct field research and data analysis to identify key gaps in socio-economic indicators and develop tailored policy solutions for rural transformation.
04.
Develop and execute educational and skilling programs in partnership with schools, vocational institutions, and NGOs to improve rural access to quality learning.
06.
Support decentralized planning efforts by helping village and block-level institutions align local development needs with state and central schemes.
08.
Document successful community models and scalable innovations in rural governance, education, and livelihoods to inform policy and replicate impact.
10.
Facilitate training and capacity-building workshops for rural leaders, educators, and community workers to strengthen institutional capabilities and leadership at the grassroots level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills will
I develop during the fellowship ?
Fellows will gain experience in rural policy planning, socio-economic research, grassroots governance, stakeholder engagement, education and skill development initiatives, and implementation of community-driven development models.
Where will the fellowship be based, and how can I apply?
Fellows will be placed in rural regions across India, working with local bodies, cooperatives, and educational institutions. Applications can be submitted through our official website and will include a written assessment, interview, and evaluation of relevant experience.
Is the fellowship
paid and what is its duration?
Yes, the Shri Nanaji Deshmukh Fellowship is a paid, full-time program. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover basic living and travel expenses during their fieldwork. The standard duration of the fellowship is two to three months, with a possibility of extension based on performance, project requirements, and mutual agreement.