Vikalp Fellowship
A 24-Month Programme of Study and Community Engagement
The Vikalp Fellowship is a 24-month programme for young people, particularly young couples, who wish to undertake structured study, develop practical capabilities and participate in educational and community initiatives.
The fellowship combines learning, documentation, programme coordination and field-based work with schools, families, village communities and participating organisations.
- Duration
- 24 Months
- Initial Assessment
- 1 Month
- Format
- Study & Field Engagement
- Financial Support
- Provided
Conducted by:
Saurabh Shaikshanik, Samajik Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, Buldana
Registration No.: F-16547 / Maha. 565/2014
Study, Education and Social Awareness
The Vikalp Fellowship is structured around three areas of engagement.
01
Study
Studying Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva and AKSG-related material, participating in discussions and preparing written reflections and documentation.
02
Education
Preparing learning resources and contributing to seminars, introductory programmes and educational activities with school and college students.
03
Social Awareness
Engaging with village communities, Gram Panchayats, educational institutions and social organisations through field visits and coordinated activities.
The fellowship is not a conventional employment position. It is a structured period of study and participation in which fellows develop their abilities through assigned responsibilities and practical experience.
What Fellows Will Work On
Fellows participate in a range of educational, documentation and field-based activities according to programme requirements and their developing capabilities.
Assignments may vary during the fellowship according to the programme's requirements.
Participation and Conduct
Fellows are expected to follow the programme's discipline and institutional guidelines throughout the fellowship period.
Participation includes the following expectations:
- Following a vegetarian lifestyle.
- Maintaining appropriate personal conduct.
- Participating consistently in assigned study and activities.
- Cooperating with programme coordinators and other participants.
- Completing agreed responsibilities and maintaining required records.
Documents Required Before Joining
Applicants will be required to provide:
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Family consent.
- Reference letter.
- Any additional documents specified by the organising institution.
Learning Records and Assigned Work
Documentation forms part of the fellowship's learning and assessment process.
Depending on the assignments undertaken, fellows will be expected to prepare and submit materials such as:
- Chetana Vikas Mulya Shiksha (CVMS) study material.
- AKSG programme documentation.
- Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva presentations.
- Posters, videos and other communication material.
- Programme presentations and reports.
- Daily routine and learning records.
- Written reflections on study and field experiences.
Fellows are expected to complete their assigned work and submit the required material according to programme guidelines.
A 24-Month Commitment
The Vikalp Fellowship has a duration of 24 months. Participants are expected to maintain continuity in their study and assigned responsibilities throughout this period. Leave is generally considered in circumstances such as illness or genuine emergencies, in accordance with the organising institution's guidelines.
The First Month
The first month serves as an assessment period for both the fellow and the organising institution. During this period, the following areas are considered:
- Individual capabilities
- Commitment to the programme
- Ability to work with people
- Orientation towards learning
- Suitability for fellowship responsibilities
At the end of the assessment period, the fellow and the organisation jointly discuss the next stage of participation.
Fellowship Support and Savings
Financial support is provided during the fellowship period. The fellowship amount is deposited into a joint account held with a family member, encouraging transparency and family participation in financial planning.
The programme also encourages fellows to develop savings and gradually build resources for future entrepreneurship or livelihood activities.
The financial support is intended to assist participation in the fellowship and is not structured as a conventional salary.
Who Is the Fellowship For?
The fellowship is intended for young people, particularly young couples, who are interested in study, education and community-based work. It may be suitable for individuals who:
- Have an interest in working with villages and educational institutions.
- Are willing to engage in regular study and reflection.
- Can commit to a disciplined, 24-month programme.
- Are comfortable undertaking field-based responsibilities.
- Wish to develop practical and organisational capabilities.
- Are interested in building a sustainable livelihood while contributing to social initiatives.
The programme requires a willingness to learn, work with people and undertake responsibilities over an extended period.
After the Fellowship
The fellowship is intended to prepare participants for continued responsibilities beyond the 24-month programme.
Through study, practical assignments and community engagement, fellows can develop experience in educational communication, documentation, programme coordination and working with local institutions.
These capabilities may contribute to their future participation in community initiatives, educational work, entrepreneurship or other livelihood activities. The direction taken after the fellowship will depend on each participant's interests, capabilities and circumstances.
Interested in the Vikalp Fellowship?
If the programme aligns with your interests and you are willing to undertake a sustained period of study and community engagement, you can contact the AKSG team for further information.