Category: Young India Fellowship

YIF – One Year Later

This time last year, in the sweltering heat of Delhi summer, I was preparing for my graduation ceremony from the Young India Fellowship. Cars were crawling in through the Ashoka gates, parents were gathering in numbers, being met with delighted shouts from their sons and daughters. Fellows flapped around, borrowing pins for a sari here, … Continue reading YIF – One Year Later →

Should we have Reservations about Reservations?

An analysis of the impact of reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions drawing from field observations in Uttar Pradesh It has almost been three decades since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 was passed, which granted 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRI). The move was heralded as “a watershed in the history of … Continue reading Should we have Reservations about Reservations? →

A Basic Guide to Field Research

Part of our Experiential Learning Module (ELM) involved us learning to conduct field research. Considering that our ELM team consists of a law, psychology and media & communications’ graduate, none of us were very well versed with the ins and outs of field research when we first began. Over the last six months, we’ve experimented, … Continue reading A Basic Guide to Field Research →

When Surya Broke the Internet and Section 377

*As of 6 September 2018, the section which criminalised certain forms of sex between consenting adults has been struck down by the Indian Supreme Court. You can read the full judgment here.* 12 November 2017 marked the celebration of the 10th Delhi Queer Pride festival, where thousands took to the streets to march, dance and - protest. No matter … Continue reading When Surya Broke the Internet and Section 377 →

10 things I wish I knew before joining YIF..

1. INTENSITY In preparation for this blogpost, I looked up the definition of intensity, which the Oxford dictionary very ambiguously describes as “the quality of being intense”. Over the course of my interviews for the programme, I was asked time and time again how I dealt with an intense workload. Having worked for two years … Continue reading 10 things I wish I knew before joining YIF.. →

The Case for Sexual Harassment Workshops and Why Consent is not a Dirty Word

This is the first year of the YIF programme where sexual harassment training and workshops are mandatory. Considering myself to be as woke a feminist as they come, I thought that I was well aware of the sexual harassment and consent terminology and didn’t think that there was anything else I could learn. So what … Continue reading The Case for Sexual Harassment Workshops and Why Consent is not a Dirty Word →

Karen’s Search for Meaning: The Trials and Tribulations of Trek Life

A psychic once told me that I should reconnect with nature. When one of my batchmates proposed a trek, I thought I should seize this golden opportunity and act on her advice. I would never have counted myself as a huge out-doorsy kind of person. I like my creature comforts; I like to feel clean … Continue reading Karen’s Search for Meaning: The Trials and Tribulations of Trek Life →

How to: Put your Name on the Map

Before my arrival at YIF I knew one name in particular. Shardul. It turned out, I wasn’t the only one. In a batch of 285 fellows, it is hard to stand out and gain recognition. He wasn’t a Bollywood movie star and he hadn’t committed any heinous crime that would garner international attention (as far … Continue reading How to: Put your Name on the Map →

Do you have The Force Within you?

The Ashoka website describes the Young India Fellowship as “bring(ing) together a group of 300 bright young individuals who show exceptional intellectual ability and leadership potential. It trains them to become socially committed agents of change.” It’s a big statement. It’s ambitious. And it is a baffling notion for someone who is not part of the programme. … Continue reading Do you have The Force Within you? →