Blogbharti received a message from Shilpa Shah, of Indicorps, announcing Fellowships for ‘aspiring young leaders’ to work on public service projects. Here’s the gist:
Indicorps, a non-profit organization that offers opportunities for aspiring young leaders of Indian-origin to engage in intense grassroots development projects through one or two-year public service fellowships. We are currently recruiting soon-to-be college graduates and professionals of Indian origin for our August 2008-2009 Fellowship.
Who can apply?
You! Indicorps seeks to engage the most talented young Indians from around the world on the frontlines of India’s most pressing challenges; in the process, we aim to nurture a new brand of socially conscious leaders with the character, knowledge, commitment, and vision to transform India and the world.
Read more about Indicorps and the Fellowship program here. Or write to Shilpa Shah ( outreach@indicorps.org ).
And, you might find this interesting, here’s a post written by an Indicorps volunteer (that Blogbharti had linked to a few months ago) that talks about his experiences
Linked by kuffir. Join Blogbharti facebook group.
Personally, the Indicorps Fellowship has been a truly life-altering experience that has helped bridge my talk about change to the action needed to bring about tangible change in myself and in my homeland.
Empowering local girls via daily internet sessions, breaking down barriers dancing with kids from outcast families and understanding my roots has been a personally fulfilling journey. Additionally, developing new business ventures, a food processing unit and an all-women run rural BPO, has reaffirmed my belief in the power of markets and entrepreneurship to inspire significant social change.
I would encourage anyone interested in a truly trans-formative experience to apply for the Indicorps Fellowship.
Feel free to contact me for additional information.
In service,
Gagan Singh Rana
Indicorps Fellow (January 2007)
ranagsr at gmail dot com
91 98 28 38 61 55
http://www.sourceforchange.in
So the middle class kids become “socially conscious leaders” and the “local girls” and “outcast families” become the “socially conscious led”?
It is a good thing the grief of the poor at least provides growth opportunities for the rich develop their socially conscious leadership skills.
Pavalan’s concern is well taken, but I believe they are not familiar with Indicorps’ operational philosophy. What differentiates Indicorps from other volunteer driven organizations is that it fully believes in conducting its work while recognizing and upholding the dignity of communities it works with.
And the key word in the last sentence is “with.” Not “for.” Indicorps fellows work hand in hand with communities all over India. The projects fulfill needs identified by a local partner NGO, and fellows live IN the community. Projects are not magically implemented in a vacuum; the community members play an active role.
Being fully aware of the sensitivity of having outsiders come in for a year or two, the organization prepares fellows during orientation to “look, listen, and learn” in the initial months of the project. Fully immersing in the community, living simply, and incorporating local customs and beliefs is the usual behavior of Indicorps.
Are the poor that Pavalan speaks of “socially conscious led”? I believe that my community during the fellowship did not need any leading from me. They were very experienced and my NGO partner was probably capable of implementing my project on their own. But something incredible happens when you bring together new/different perspectives or experiences. Mutual efforts toward progress in these situations make change more positive in both its objectives and outcomes.
Moreover, I did not go to India to become a socially conscious leader. I went to India because I already was one. Indicorps was the catalyst that allowed me to put my time and skills toward putting my potential into productive action. But yes, I can say with pride, that I believe my leadership skills were further enhanced.
I encourage Pavalan and any others who are interested to thoroughly view the website or talk to alumni to gain a fuller understanding. I will leave you with the quote that best summarizes the Indicorps philosophy:
“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” -Lila Watson
The aim of your project as stated in DIRECT QUOTATION is the nurturing of socially conscious aspiring leaders. Of course the community is involved, where else would the extras come from.
Pavalan, I can see you passionate about your opinion and I respect that. Instead of responding back-and-forth here, feel free to email me at shital05@indicorps.net. I would like to listen and learn from you to understand the context of your comments better.
In Solidarity,
Shital
I respond here because there is the chance that someone who has a grasp on the context of my remarks might be reading them. Your correspondence can’t offer me that, on your own admission. I have no interest in your socially conscious leadership, I’m afraid.