As part of the Indicorps project development team, Pradyumna Gupta traveled 4,260 kilometers (2,647 miles) in two weeks.  Pradyumna’s journey led from Ahmedabad, Gujarat to Angol, Andhra Pradesh, onward to 3 locations in Orissa, and back to home-base in Ahmedabad in less  than two weeks. Pradyumna met dozens of people and created 3 projects for the August 2010 fellowship cycle.

Project Development is an essential part of Indicorps fellowship process. Travelling to different corners of India and meeting with a diverse range of individuals and groups contributing to the development of India is a powerful experience. What makes this journey even more powerful is the opportunity to spread inspiration and share stories and experiences with everyone, from prospective applicants to staff members in Ahmedabad.

The process starts with a search for organizations focused on grassroots development in India. A key trait for a prospective partner organization is the organization’s philosophy of service. With each prospective partner organization, we spend two to three days in the field, understanding their activities and approach, and attempt to assess their openness to inculcating a culture of service in today’s youth. Projects range from public health to education to micro-enterprise.

For the August 2010-11 Fellowship cycle, we have more than 40 Fellowship projects spread across the length and breadth of the country, from Uttrakhand to Jharkhand, Orissa to Karnataka.  For more information on this year’s projects, please visit apply.indicorps.org.

Prerna Seth, Indicorps Fellow 2008, Staff 2009-2010