The Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowship took two decades of development economics into a political organisation. I delivered 101 grassroots trainings for District Congress Committees, built JanVayu, a citizen air quality accountability platform, did data work for the party’s Data Analytics department, and led qualitative fieldwork and analysis for Chhatron Ki Goonj (14 focus groups, 6 interviews, three cities). Researchers who want their evidence used in practice should apply, because the fellowship puts it before decision-makers.

The Manmohan Singh Fellowship was a truly enriching experience. During my fellowship, I worked with the war room during the 2025 Bihar Assembly election, gaining real, hands-on experience of how political campaigns work. The pace, pressure and teamwork taught me a lot. It was challenging, exciting and deeply rewarding. I highly recommend this fellowship to young professionals who want to contribute to and build a career in politics.

My journey echoes Dr. Singh’s - academia first, politics by accident. From lab to legislation, it’s been fascinating: great mentors, earnest friends, sincere work rewarded. With no godmothers in politics, AIPC and INC welcomed me warmly, proving this space can be truly secular. “From Professional Excellence to Political Impact” rings true. Through the Together for Tech Lives campaign, I hope my work truly moves from labs to legislation.

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows’ Program is helping me transition from the professional world—as an IITian, Citibanker and Fintech founder—to a life of public service.

For me, it is the ideal platform to practise the politics I believe in: from money power to moral power; from the politics of power to politics of goodwill; and from ‘What’s in it for me?’ to ‘Selfless Service to Society.’

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowship is a practical launchpad for grassroots impact. As a proud Indian citizen and a woman from the Scheduled Caste, I value deep representation. I have been an economics educator for 13 years in Southern Haryana, a region battling with severe economic neglect. My association with Dr. MMSF gave me access to key senior leaders, while the Sangam program deeply sharpened my political perspective. Progressing to a trainer proves this journey truly empowers grassroots voices.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, a principal architect of India’s economic liberalisation, believed deeply in a model of development where economic progress could go hand in hand with sustainability and equity. As someone who works professionally at the intersection of climate, sustainability and economic development, this was a natural point of connection for me. The Fellowship, however, gave me the opportunity to take that thinking beyond my professional discipline and engage with public life.

This became particularly tangible through my work on Air Quality, which I worked on with Fellows from very different professional backgrounds. Clean air, after all, is not only an environmental question: it is also a question of health, dignity, opportunity and fairness. The Fellowship taught me to listen across perspectives, and that change can be built through empathy, participation and collaboration.

The MMS Fellowship opened the door to politics for me, giving me the opportunity to explore Congress’s politics, values from within. The MMS and AIPC network connects you with Congress workers across the spectrum, from grassroots organisers to state and campaign teams, and offers a window into the wider INC ecosystem. As a fellow, I primarily worked in research, but I’ve since taken that work further, working with a few women in Congress independently.

Being the first-batch Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellow is an honour I will always cherish. I admire Dr. Singh for his simple belief that development must touch people’s lives. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, especially, moved me deeply “how can a child focus on learning on an empty stomach?”

Meeting 50 inspiring fellows who share a commitment to society made the journey even richer. For young professionals, this fellowship is a reminder that public life is a meaningful way to serve the nation.

The Fellowship is a tribute to Dr. MMS - one of the greatest Indians, who saved India from a financial embarrassment and unboxed the potential of common Indian. The fact that he was doing so when I was reading Economics, made it necessary for me to apply in 2025. The Fellowship was an exhilarating and deeply learning journey – made great friends, got to work on projects with some highly creative and focused people, consolidated many political ideas, learnt the value of simplicity and humility from brilliant teachers. I thank AIPC for giving me this opportunity.

The Fellowship has helped me bring my entrepreneurial experience into public service and finally filled the need that I felt to do something for my country. Meeting fantastic mentors and learning alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds has broadened my understanding of politics. Through Together for Tech Lives (TFTL), leading the Startup Domain and building campaigns, I’ve been able to turn those learnings into action. The fellowship has strengthened my confidence that professionals can make a meaningful contribution to India’s future.