The Experiential Learning Module (ELM) forms a core component of the Young India Fellowship (YIF) curriculum at Ashoka University, where Fellows work closely with an organisation over an extended period of eight months. This engagement allows them to gain practical, hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to ongoing institutional projects. At SPRF, Fellows have been involved in research initiatives centred on climate resilience, governance, and grassroots women’s leadership.
Through this collaboration, the programme aims to deliver substantive research outputs in these thematic areas while enabling Fellows to engage with real-world policy challenges and strengthen their analytical and problem-solving capabilities. A strong emphasis is placed on producing collaborative, outcome-oriented work that aligns with SPRF’s research priorities.
As part of their engagement, Fellows will contribute to multiple research projects, including the development of a dedicated tracker on grassroots women’s leadership, accompanied by a comprehensive analytical report. In addition, individual Fellows will undertake focused research projects within the domains of climate resilience and governance.
The process begins with a writing and research workshop conducted by Yashoroop along with Neha Maria Benny to orient Fellows to research frameworks and expectations. This is followed by weekly project meetings that provide mentorship, feedback, and progress reviews to ensure rigorous and timely outputs.
The initiative is led by Yashoroop Dey, Research Lead, and Anusha Arif, Research Associate at SPRF. The collaboration with YIF Fellows from Ashoka University runs as a year-long engagement, fostering sustained academic-practice integration.
Fellows
Manasi Prabhakaran
Manasi Bhagyashri Prabhakaran (she/her) is currently pursuing the Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University, building a career in public policy research & communications. She graduated with a degree in Applied...
+MoreManasi Bhagyashri Prabhakaran (she/her) is currently pursuing the Young India Fellowship
at Ashoka University, building a career in public policy research & communications. She
graduated with a degree in Applied Psychology from Gargi College, University of Delhi, and
is a passionate crusader for mental health and gender rights. Her artistic liberation comes
through her engagements with poetry, dance, and films.
-LessSmriti Rawat
Smriti Rawat (She/Her) is currently a fellow at the Young India Fellowship programme of Ashoka University. She has been a software engineer by profession who then transitioned into explorations of...
+MoreSmriti Rawat (She/Her) is currently a fellow at the Young India Fellowship programme of
Ashoka University. She has been a software engineer by profession who then transitioned
into explorations of the social sector with the 52 Parindey Fellowship where she traveled solo
across India and engaged with social initiatives to get a deeper and realistic understanding of
women’s issues, an area of keen interest for her. Additionally, one would find her creating art
through poetry, painting and photography.
-LessSandra Sreekumar
Sandra Sreekumar (she/they) is a BTech Computer Science Graduate, who has a work experience of three years. In the pursuit of exploring her other interests, she is now pursuing the...
+MoreSandra Sreekumar (she/they) is a BTech Computer Science Graduate, who has a work
experience of three years. In the pursuit of exploring her other interests, she is now pursuing
the Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University. Her major interest areas are Gender and
Sexuality. Alongside, she harbors a keen passion for both music and fashion.
-LessSimran Kapoor
Simran Kapoor, with a background in Geography and Humanities, is a Young India Fellow at Ashoka University. Simran’s journey includes leading roles in prestigious organizations, receiving awards like the DG...
+MoreSimran Kapoor, with a background in Geography and Humanities, is a Young India Fellow
at Ashoka University. Simran’s journey includes leading roles in prestigious organizations,
receiving awards like the DG NCC Commendation Card and the Russian International Rally of
Young Patriots, and performances at esteemed events like the Shanghai Folk Dance Festival
and the Commonwealth Championship for Weight Lifting.
-LessDiksha Pandey
Diksha Pandey is a versatile professional with over five years of experience in the tech industry, currently pursuing a Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University. Her career spans roles at...
+MoreDiksha Pandey is a versatile professional with over five years of experience in the tech industry,
currently pursuing a Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University. Her career spans roles at
EA Games, OPPO & OnePlus, and Deloitte USI, where she excelled in project management
and process optimization.
-Less
The Story of Seasonal Slums: Navigating Flood-Prone Riverbanks in Dehradun.
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Analysing the interrelations of climate change, rapid unplanned urbanisation and informal labour sector in the millennium city.
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The Unsung Heroes: ASHA Workers’ Battle with Barriers within India’s Healthcare Landscape.
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Enhancing Climate Resilience Among Informal Workers in Coastal Odisha: Leveraging World Bank Initiatives.
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