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.