About Ahimsa Fellowship
The Ahimsa Fellowship is a beacon of transformative leadership in animal protection, cultivating individuals to drive change across India. Over eight months, Fellows receive rigorous training to tackle critical animal protection issues effectively. They delve into diverse animal protection issues, developing tools to navigate complex advocacy landscapes; and are intensively trained to facilitate their leadership in advocacy efforts towards securing and implementing favourable animal protection policies.
The Ahimsa Fellowship emphasises on continual evolution, expanding with the Indian animal protection movement. It offers a unique learning opportunity for advocates, activists and persons inclined towards making a positive impact in the lives of animals to learn how to protect them through law enforcement and advocacy.
Forty-six committed Ahimsa Fellows have passed out from the previous three cohorts and are already making a difference, working with leading animal protection organisations in the country or launching their own initiatives. So far, Fellows have initiated various projects in law enforcement, education policy reform, and public policy reform.
The Fellowship curriculum, curated with inputs from leading experts in the fields of animal protection. and the social and corporate sectors, emphasises principles of experiential and peer learning, leadership training, systems-building, and movement-building. Fellows undergo comprehensive capacity building in legal knowledge concerning animal laws, government procedures, law enforcement protocols, advocacy tools, and institutional structures. Additionally, they receive training in other pertinent advocacy modalities such as public outreach, field work and documentation, corporate engagement, media outreach and fundraising.
They invite applications from committed individuals who are motivated about contributing to the animal protection movement in India. Those from legal backgrounds are encouraged to apply and gain hands-on experience and knowledge on litigation, legal research, public policy formation, and working through the legal systems to ensure animal protection.
The Ahimsa Fellowship is powered by People For Animals Public Policy Foundation and People For Animals Uttarakhand. It is supported by Ahimsa Trust, Humane World for Animals India , Mercy For Animals – India, Fish Welfare Initiative India, India Animal Fund, Kaivalya Education Foundation, Miranda House College (University of Delhi) and NALSAR University of Law.
Eligibility
- Graduation degree in any discipline
- Good communication skills [English and a regional language (desirable)]
- Between 21 and 39 years old
- Be available full time to attend the entire 8-month duration of the programme from their districts
Fellowship Offerings
- Mentorship: Guidance from leading experts in the field of animal protection and other allied fields.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial support for assignments.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on experience in various advocacy modalities.
- Peer-learning Opportunities: Exclusive sessions to learn from your peers at every stage of the Fellowship.
- National Network: Access to a vast network of animal protection organisations and Ahimsa Fellows from the previous cohorts. This network fosters collaboration opportunities, professional development, and a strong support system.
- Placement Opportunities: Fellows graduate equipped to launch successful careers as full-time animal advocates and receive support for placement within animal protection and advocacy organisations.
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Online Application Form
- Stage 2: Personal Interview (Virtual)
- Stage 3: Online Assessment
- Stage 4: Panel Interview (Virtual)
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply for the Fellowship through the link given at the end of this post.
Application Deadline
29th June, 2025.
Stipend
The stipend amount is meant to cover cost of executing assignments. Travel and accommodation for the residential contact classes will be covered by Team Ahimsa Fellowship and is NOT to be borne my the candidate. Any rare out of pocket expenses not included in the stipend are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
For the first 2 months out of the 8 months, fellows will be credited a stipend of Rs. 10,000 per month. Post that, they will received a stipend of Rs. 20,000 per month.
Click here to apply.
Click here for the official notification.
