Job Description

Amplifying narratives on gender and its intersections through powerful storytelling

The Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship was constituted in 2020 to highlight gender intersections through powerful storytelling. Established in recognition of the late Mina Swaminathan‘s commitment to spotlighting gender as part of the institution’s core values, this fellowship also serves as a tribute to our pro-woman, pro-poor, and pro-nature approach.

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) adopted her gendered approach to research and development several years ago. She was nationally recognised for her contributions toward developing a holistic perspective on gender equality and child development, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which addresses the multiple needs and roles of women in childcare.

Inviting Applications for 2026

The 5th edition of the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship (2026) is designed to empower journalists to produce impactful stories on gender and grassroots issues, with a special focus on the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). The fellowship is open to full-time and freelance journalists from print, television, and online media in five languages; Tamil, Malayalam, Odia, Hindi, and Marathi. The four-month fellowship offers a grant of ₹60,000, mentorship from MSSRF experts and field researchers, and direct engagement with rural communities. Fellows will receive support in translating their work into English for wider dissemination and will have opportunities to connect with policymakers, enhancing both visibility and influence of their stories.

Fellowship Amount: ₹60,000 INR for the four-month fellowship period.

Direct Grassroots Engagement: Fellows will have first-hand access to rural communities, enabling authentic and impactful storytelling.

Mentorship & Guidance: Dedicated mentorship from MSSRF experts and field researchers, including bilingual support.

Policy-Level Exposure: MSSRF will facilitate a meeting with relevant government officials, giving fellows a chance to understand governance and policy perspectives.

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Eligibility

1. Minimum of three years in journalism.
2. Open to full-time and freelance journalists from print, television, or online media.
3. We encourage candidates who are interested in reporting on gender, grassroots issues, and community-driven themes to apply