Swatantrata Mini-Grants

Indic Liberalism Fellowship

The Swatantrata Center invites Expressions of Interest for the New Age Indic Liberalism Fellowship. This fellowship provides mini-grants to support students, researchers, academics, young professionals, and content creators working on projects exploring the relationship among liberty, human flourishing, and India’s intellectual and Dharmic traditions. The fellowship seeks to encourage high-quality research, writing, advocacy, and creative projects that deepen understanding of freedom in the Indian context.

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Who Can Apply?

Academic Professionals: Master’s students, PhD scholars, researchers, lecturers, and early-career academics.

Young Professionals: Individuals working in public policy, law, economics, governance, social sciences, and related fields.

Content Creators: Writers, podcasters, journalists, social media creators, and individuals involved in public discourse.

Students: Undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in classical liberalism, public policy, economics, governance, or Indic studies

Activities of Fellowship Themes

Applicants may submit projects under one of the following themes:

Emerging Technologies and Individual Freedom

Projects examining artificial intelligence, blockchain, Bitcoin, nuclear energy, and related technologies through the lens of freedom, innovation, and economic empowerment.

Indic Liberalism and Dharmic Governance

Projects exploring the historical, philosophical, and intellectual roots of liberty, governance, and human flourishing within Indian traditions.

Grassroots Advocacy and Economic Reforms

Projects that advance understanding of classical liberal ideas and promote economic reforms, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and opportunity in India.

Supported Project Types

The fellowship supports a wide range of projects, including:

  • Academic papers
  • Dissertation or thesis work
  • Paper presentations
  • Policy op-eds
  • Policy recommendations
  • Podcasts
  • Social media campaigns
  • Advocacy events
  • Other innovative project formats
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Fellowship Support

Selected fellows may receive:

  • Mini-grants of up to ₹25,000 (need-based)
  • Mentorship and guidance
  • Access to the Swatantrata Center network
  • Support throughout the project period

Projects are expected to be completed within three months unless otherwise agreed.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Phase 1: Expression of Interest

Applicants submit an Expression of Interest outlining their project idea, timeline, and budget through the Google form.

Phase 2: Video Screening

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a brief compatibility interview.

Phase 3: Selection and Funding

Successful applicants will receive fellowship support and begin project implementation.

Fellowship Reporting

To ensure accountability and successful project completion, fellows are expected to complete the following milestones:

Progress Report: A brief written update accompanied by a check-in call with the Swatantrata Center team.

Final Report: A short report summarizing project outcomes, deliverables, links, and evidence of completion, followed by a final review call.

Grant Details

    • Maximum grant amount: up to ₹25,000 per project
    • Funding is need-based
    • Funds may be disbursed in multiple stages
    • Maximum project duration: 3 months
    • Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Why This Fellowship?

The fellowship aims to support individuals who are interested in exploring how the principles of liberty, human flourishing, and responsible self-governance can be understood and advanced within the Indian context.

Whether through research, writing, advocacy, policy work, or creative projects, the fellowship seeks to encourage ideas and initiatives that contribute to a freer and more prosperous society.

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