New Delhi : The Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF) has announced the launch of the Impact Fellowship, an initiative designed to elevate India’s leadership in global social innovation. This prestigious annual fellowship will offer exceptional opportunities for outstanding Indian social leaders to showcase their impactful work, connect with global networks, and enhance their capacity for driving meaningful change.
As part of the inaugural fellowship, fourteen non-profit impact leaders from India will travel to New York City this month, representing the country at global forums in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly.
Asha Jadeja, President of the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, stated, “The Impact Fellowship symbolizes India’s immense potential and its growing role in global social innovation. By empowering change-makers, we amplify their voices and nurture transformational impact that will resonate throughout India and beyond. Set against the backdrop of the UN General Assembly, this fellowship provides a platform for fellows to engage with global leaders and showcase India’s aspirations for inclusive growth and innovation. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen connections between India and the world.”
Despite a significant social sector spending of ₹23 lakh crore (approximately USD 280 billion) in FY 2023—growing at 13 percent annually—India’s representation in global social impact forums is limited compared to peers like the US. For example, India sends around 50-60 delegates to the World Economic Forum, while the US sends over 200, revealing a gap in global visibility. The Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship, in partnership with Dasra, aims to bridge this gap by elevating Indian leaders on the international stage.
The fellowship will provide selected leaders from sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability with an immersive week-long experience in New York City during the UNGA and the Dasra Philanthropy Forum. This initiative will allow participants to engage with global stakeholders, access valuable resources, and highlight their work on an international platform.
Deval Sanghavi, Co-Founder of Dasra, remarked, “The Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to elevate India’s voice on the global stage, showcasing the significant contributions of Indian organizations in tackling pressing global challenges. By connecting our social innovators with international networks, this initiative amplifies their impact and ensures diverse voices and solutions are represented globally. Witnessing this vision come to life has been truly inspiring, and I look forward to the enduring partnerships and transformative collaborations that will emerge from this fellowship.”
Fellows will present their initiatives at various side events during UNGA week, including the Dasra Philanthropy Forum, CGI 2024 Annual Meeting, and Skoll Foundation Reception. This exposure will facilitate collaborations, attract global resources, and drive meaningful, scalable change.
- Chosen Fellows
