MUMBAI, May 27 (MExN): Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), in partnership with Dasra, has announced the opening of registrations for the inaugural Samvardhan Biodiversity & Conservation Fellowship, a 12-month programme aimed at supporting early-career conservation leaders from underrepresented backgrounds across India.
The fellowship seeks to address barriers such as limited access to mentorship, financial resources, and professional networks faced by young conservationists. It will provide seed funding, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities to strengthen India’s biodiversity and conservation ecosystem.
Selected fellows will receive a seed grant of Rs 3 lakh for practice-led or exploratory conservation work, mentorship from conservation experts, and access to a peer-learning community through cohort activities and skill-building workshops.
The initiative is co-curated by RNP and Dasra, and seed-funded by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
“Some of the most important conservation work in India is happening quietly, far from visibility and formal recognition. Young practitioners working closely with communities and ecosystems often have deep knowledge and commitment, but very little support. The Samvardhan Fellowship is built on a simple belief: that people doing this work deserve trust, time, and the freedom to ask difficult questions, explore new pathways, and grow within a community of peers,” said Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
Eligible applicants include early-career conservation researchers and practitioners under 35 years of age, engaged in public-interest conservation work. Individuals from diverse educational backgrounds, grassroots communities, and underrepresented regions across India are encouraged to apply.
Neera Nundy, Co-founder & Partner at Dasra, said, “The future of conservation in India depends on whether our young practitioners are supported to lead through the complexity of systems of change. The Samvardhan Fellowship is part of Dasra’s mission to strengthen and diversify the ecosystem of philanthropic leadership.”
Interested candidates can apply through the official website: https://samvardhan.dasra.org/
