Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship

Empowering Grassroots Voices: Applications Open for the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship 2026

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has officially announced the call for applications for the 5th Edition of the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship (2026). This prestigious program invites journalists from across India to delve deep into rural narratives, specifically focusing on the intersection of gender, agriculture, and sustainable development.

This year’s fellowship carries special significance as it aligns with the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). It serves as a tribute to the late Mina Swaminathan, a lifelong advocate for gender equality and child development, by providing a platform for stories that often remain on the periphery of mainstream news.

Why This Fellowship Matters

In the current media landscape, grassroots issues—particularly those involving women in agriculture—frequently lack the in-depth coverage they deserve. The Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship aims to bridge this gap by supporting journalists who are committed to high-impact, empathetic storytelling.

By focusing on women farmers, the fellowship highlights their indispensable role in ensuring global food security and managing natural resources, often in the face of climate adversity and systemic gender bias.

Key Details for Applicants

If you are a journalist passionate about social justice and rural development, here is everything you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria

• Experience: Open to journalists with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience.

• Medium: Welcomes professionals from print, television, and online media.

• Employment Status: Both full-time staffers and freelance journalists are encouraged to apply.

• Languages: Applications are invited from journalists reporting in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Odia, and Marathi.

Fellowship Scope & Support

The program is designed to be more than just a grant; it is a comprehensive professional development journey.

• Duration: Mid-March to early August 2026.

• Support System: Fellows will receive an orientation, dedicated mentorship from industry veterans, and logistical support for fieldwork.

• Financial Award: A stipend of ₹60,000 is provided, along with additional travel support for field visits and official events.

• Deliverables: Selected fellows are expected to produce three in-depth stories for their respective media outlets.

How to Apply

Aspiring fellows must submit their applications by the deadline to be considered for this cohort.

• Application Deadline: 18th January 2026

• Application Link: Apply via MSSRF Portal

• Official Website: www.mssrf.org

"This fellowship is an opportunity to bring the invisible toil and incredible resilience of women farmers into the spotlight, honoring a legacy of advocacy through action."

Summary Table: Fellowship at a Glance

Feature Details
Focus Area Gender, Grassroots Issues, Women Farmers
Target Languages Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi
Stipend ₹60,000 + Travel Support
Application DeadlineJanuary 18, 2026
OrganizerM.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)

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