May 22, 2025
Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies, Prayagraj, India

The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies successfully launched its inaugural Regional Fellowship Program this May, aimed at nurturing the next generation of scholars across South Asia. The program, designed to support research on pressing social, economic, and political issues, welcomed twelve fellows from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

During the opening ceremony, Institute Director Dr. Kavita Menon emphasized the importance of fostering academic collaboration across borders in an era marked by both unprecedented connectivity and deepening geopolitical tensions. She noted that the fellowship would provide not only financial support but also mentorship and access to the Institute’s extensive research network.

The first week of the program included orientation sessions, research methodology workshops, and discussions on ethical considerations in fieldwork. Fellows also participated in a policy roundtable with representatives from regional think tanks, NGOs, and government bodies, exploring how academic research can directly inform policy decisions.

By the end of the month, several fellows had already begun preliminary field visits in their respective countries, with topics ranging from climate adaptation strategies in coastal Bangladesh to the role of faith-based organizations in urban poverty alleviation in India. The program will culminate in a public symposium scheduled for March 2026, where fellows will present their research findings.