Swagrama Fellowship

Empowering Rural Change-Makers

My Village, My Pride

"Building an indigenous approach to rural development
Based on the cultural context and uniqueness of the village"

Description

On the 75th year of India's independence for which “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” is being celebrated, we are at the crossroads of our journey into the future. On the one hand, these celebrations remind us that the “freedoms” that we have was made possible by generations of freedom fighters; some known, many unknown. They made great sacrifices. On the other hand, there is a question, what is the place of the values that our ancestors fought for, how do we march into the new world order without sacrificing our existing roots. Can we continue to exist as ourselves and yet march in this journey of progress?

Indians as a culture and a country suffered great injustices and tyranny under foreign rule. What distinguishes India, however, is that the character of our resistance movements, and the one which finally culminated in independence led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the values that were upheld by an ancient civilization that continues to live even today. This movement, a movement to “recover the self” provided us with an invaluable blueprint to not only liberate the nation from colonial regimes but also to rebuild it. Gandhiji's struggle was for a return to the Indian “self”. It is this quest for the self which marks centuries of history of Indian resistance.

India’s independence was a result of this struggle in search of self, the recovery and loss were expected to be the focus of our past 75 years. If Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is part of this legacy of recovery, then we must engage in the process of taking stock of where we stand today and what is the direction that defines our future journey. To engage precisely in the question of the search for self, KSRDPU in association with Youth for Seva, Chanakya University, and Abdul Nazeer sab Chair, Kuvempu University has launched a three-year initiative titled “Swagrama Fellowship – My Village, My Pride”.

Department Contact

Shri Lingaraja Niduvani

Coordinator – Swagrama Fellowship

phone : 8050501377

Shri Abhishek H E

Coordinator – Swagrama Fellowship

phone : 9206808889

Email support :

swagramafellowship@gmail.com

BACKDROP:

As India celebrates 75 years of independence through “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” we reflect on our journey and envision the future. The freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won by generations of freedom fighters, both known and unknown, whose sacrifices paved the way for our nation. Today, we face the challenge of progressing in a rapidly evolving world while preserving the values our ancestors fought for. Can we advance while remaining true to our roots?

India’s resistance to foreign rule, especially under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, was unique, rooted in the values of an ancient civilization. This struggle was not only for political freedom but also for the rediscovery of Indian identity—a movement to “recover the self.” Gandhiji’s vision emphasized a return to our cultural core, providing a foundation for both liberation and national reconstruction.

In the spirit of this legacy, KSRDPU, in collaboration with Youth for Seva, Chanakya University, the Abdul Nazeer Sab Chair at Kuvempu University, and Prajna Pravaha, Karnataka, has initiated a three-year project titled “Gram Swarajya – Reflections and Commitments.” This program aims to evaluate our current standing and set a direction for India’s future, grounded in our shared values and history.

The Swagram Fellowship is a key part of this initiative, fostering holistic rural development through a unique, part-time fellowship for village-based teams. This fellowship is designed to ensure a lasting impact on communities, continuing to drive change even beyond the fellowship period.

BACKDROP:

OBJECTIVES

Identify motivated individuals in villages or those with village roots, equipping them with essential knowledge and
tools for comprehensive rural development.
Promote a holistic development vision for villages, going beyond government programs to address community
and individual growth.
Establish rural development models rooted in the unique character or “svabhava” of each villag
Build self-reliant villages founded on interdependence and cooperation.
Scale this model of rural development nationally with adaptable frameworks.

UNIQUENESS

IVillage-Centered Model: Focuses on rural development that aligns with the unique character or “self” of each
village
Team-Based Fellowship: Awarded to teams of two village residents and one village-rooted individual living
elsewhere, enabling continuity alongside regular work. Each village-based fellow receives Rs. 5,000 per month
for three years.
Collaborative Approach: Encourages teams to collaboratively reflect on and implement development
initiatives.
Expert Mentorship: Teams receive guidance from experienced mentors, enhancing effectiveness.
Skill Development for Hometowns: Provides skills and knowledge for those passionate about developing their native villages.
Community-Driven Programs: Fellows work closely with villagers, building initiatives informed by local
experiences.
Catalysts, Not Educators: Fellows are catalysts, supporting villagers to shape their own development goals.
Volunteer-Based Participation: Designed as a serious volunteer role that integrates with fellows’ existing
professions.
Empowering Villagers: Fosters a participatory approach, empowering villagers to identify and pursue their
development needs

SWAGRAM FELLOWSHIP APPROACH

Application Process: Applications open in November 2022.
Selection: 100 teams are shortlisted through application reviews and interviews.
Boot Camp (Prerana Shibira) : A 9-day residential training at KSRDPRU, Gadag, Karnataka.
Final Team Selection: 75 teams are chosen based on camp participation.
Village Documentation: Tools will be created to record village characteristics and development impacts.
Ongoing Training: Quarterly refresher sessions and review camps will support fellows.
Expert Mentorship: Fellows receive guidance from rural development practitioners.
Sustainability Goal: Maintain engagement with at least 75 villages over the 3-year fellowship.

SWAGRAMA FELLOWSHIP VILLAGES

Hosadadaguru, Chitradurga
Hirearakere, Davanagere
Doddamadhure, Tumakuru
FNandur B, Kalaburagi
Hannikera, Kalaburagi
Sarvagnapura, Raichur
Kallur, Koppal

Hanumanahalli, Koppa
Bammigatti, Dharwad
Jeerigevada, Dharwad
Teertha, Dharwad
Naregal, Gadag
Hangaragi, Bagalkote

ACTIVITIES

Awareness Programmes: To educate and raise awareness on critical social, health, and environmental issues
Training Programmes: Equip individuals with skills for better livelihoods.(tailoring)
School Development Initiatives: Support and improve educational infrastructure.Infrastructure improvement
(desks, blackboards), Provision of educational materials, Bag & Books Distribution
Home Tutorials: Provide personalized learning support.
Cultural Conservation: Preserve and promote local traditions and culture. (Folklore storytelling and
traditional music sessions, Bhajans)
Festivals Celebration: Foster unity and communal spirit.
Shramadhan: Encourage a spirit of service and collaboration
Temple Construction Projects: Support spiritual and cultural practices
Health Checkup Camps: Ensure the well-being of the community through preventive care.(Blood Donation
Drives)
Sustainable Agriculture: Promote eco-friendly farming practices for long-term productivity.(Beekeeping
Initiatives)

The Swagram Fellowship has successfully fostered community empowerment through comprehensive programs in health, education, culture, and sustainability. By integrating traditional values with modern approaches, we have built a foundation for long-term resilience and growth. We invite everyone to join us in continuing this journey towards positive change and community well-being.