About the Fellowship

The Naropa Fellowship is a one-year, fully-residential, post-graduate, academic programme focused on creating and nurturing agents of change who will work towards fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and growth while preserving the cultural heritage of the Himalayas.

Duration

  • The Naropa Fellowship is a one-year, full-time, residential post-graduate programme. It is a lifetime of commitment towards improving the lives of indigenous Himalayan communities.

Course Structure

The curriculum consists of 8 terms of 6 weeks each, spanning 12 months. Each term is structured to accommodate 5-8 courses, with a hands-on Live-Action Project. This runs in parallel throughout the year, where the Fellows design sustainable entrepreneurial solutions that respond to the immediate socio-economic and environmental needs of the Himalayan region. The Naropa Fellowship has a four-track curriculum, which focuses on the themes of Entrepreneurship, Society and Culture, Communication Skills and Personal Growth.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

  • Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills 
  • Leverage technology for innovation 
  • Foster growth of relevant industry verticals 
  • Develop sustainable infrastructure and environmental solutions 
  • Incubate local projects 

SOCIETY & CULTURE 

  • Learn Liberal Arts Disciplines 
  • Understand the nuances of Indian Economics 
  • Study Ladakhi Art, Culture and Heritage 
  • Analyse global trends in politics and current affairs

COMMUNICATION 

  • Precise written and oral communication 
  • Strategic communication in an entrepreneurial context 
  • Effective public speaking 
  • Mastering the skills of negotiation and decision-making

PERSONAL GROWTH 

  • Explore self-development 
  • Learn group dynamics and team-building 
  • Develop leadership skills 
  • Build interpersonal and soft skills

LIVE ACTION PROJECT 

  • The academic curriculum at the Naropa Fellowship is tied together through a year-long, hands-on Live-Action project (LAP) which encourages the Fellows to design sustainable entrepreneurial solutions for the local community in Ladakh and the larger Himalayan region.
  • Each LAP is nurtured through the ideation and product development stages, right up to formal incubation, such that it outlasts the Fellowship and evolves as a self-sustaining and regionally relevant start-up.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A recognised undergraduate or post-graduate degree in any discipline.
  • A strong academic record and extra-curricular engagement.
  • A demonstrable sense of purpose, and commitment towards working for Ladakh and the Himalayan region.

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Selection Process

The Fellowship is open to students and working professionals from all fields, with a preference for those from Ladakh and the Himalayan communities across India, Nepal and Bhutan. Students and working professionals from elsewhere who exhibit a strong interest in ecological issues, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and tourism are also eligible.

  • The Naropa Fellowship has a rolling admissions process, which is split into rounds.
  • The applications go through a series of evaluation processes.
  • Candidates are required to submit the completed application form either online or via post, which is followed by the interview process, if shortlisted.
  • Applicants are evaluated on their sense of purpose and commitment towards working for the development of Ladakh and other such remote Himalayan regions.
  • They are assessed on their verbal, written and analytical skills, along with their attitude and aptitude to benefit from the unique learning experience at the Naropa Fellowship.

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Benefits

  • The Naropa Fellows experience an enriching year, forming life-long relationships and professional networks, and are awarded a Post-Graduate Certificate of Completion in Entrepreneurial Leadership.
  • The Naropa Fellowship equips its Fellows with the skills and tools needed to successfully promote business and enterprise, and to improve the lives of the communities they belong to. The Fellows are prepared to start their own new ventures or to play crucial roles in existing companies and not-for-profits.
  • The Fellowship’s Career Development Office offers holistic career support to the Fellows and assists them in identifying opportunities in their area of interest.

How to Apply

There are two ways through which you can apply to the Fellowship: 

ONLINE (through the website) 

  • Register on the website
  • Sign in and complete the application form
  • If shortlisted, appear for an interview with Team Naropa 

OFFLINE (via Post)

  • Download and print the PDF version of the application form 
  • Fill out the application form manually and mail it to the address provided at the end 
  • If shortlisted, appear for an interview with the Team Naropa

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

For any queries

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