New Delhi, May 25, 2026: Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Dasra have announced the opening of applications for the Samvardhan Biodiversity & Conservation Fellowship, a programme aimed at supporting early-career conservation practitioners across India.
The 12-month fellowship has been co-curated by the two organisations and seed-funded by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The initiative seeks to support emerging conservation leaders, particularly those from grassroots communities, underrepresented geographies and non-elite institutions.
According to the organisers, the fellowship is designed to address challenges often faced by young conservation practitioners, including limited access to mentorship, funding opportunities and professional networks. The programme will provide financial support, mentorship and peer learning opportunities to selected fellows working in biodiversity conservation and related fields.
The fellowship is open to researchers and practitioners below the age of 35 who are engaged in public-interest conservation work, including community-based initiatives and research activities. Applicants from diverse educational and social backgrounds are eligible to apply.
As part of the programme, selected fellows will receive a seed grant of ₹3 lakh to support practice-led or exploratory conservation projects. Fellows will also receive mentorship from conservation experts and participate in peer-learning sessions, cohort activities and skill-building workshops during the year-long programme.
Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies said, “Some of the most important conservation work in India is happening quietly, far from visibility and formal recognition. Young practitioners working closely with communities and ecosystems often have deep knowledge and commitment, but very little support. The Samvardhan Fellowship is built on a simple belief: that people doing this work deserve trust, time, and the freedom to ask difficult questions, explore new pathways, and grow within a community of peers. If we want more resilient and inclusive conservation pathways, we must invest not just in projects, but also in young people, relationships, and long-term learning.”
Neera Nundy, Co-founder & Partner, Dasra said, “The future of conservation in India depends on whether our young practitioners are supported to lead through the complexity of systems of change. The Samvardhan Fellowship is part of Dasra’s mission to strengthen and diversify the ecosystem of philanthropic leadership.”
The organisations said the fellowship aims to strengthen India’s biodiversity and conservation ecosystem by encouraging long-term learning, collaboration and leadership development among young practitioners. Applications for the fellowship are currently open through the programme’s official platform.
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