₹15,000
Fellowship Grant
A financial award to support the fellow's journalism journey.
Lokadarshan Journalism Initiative
M.B. Desai Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026
Shaping Future Journalists
An initiative by Lokadarshan, Belagavi, to encourage promising young journalism students and support their journey into meaningful, responsible journalism.
₹15,000 Fellowship Grant
Mentorship
Publication Opportunity
For Journalism Students in Belagavi in partnership with KLE
Application deadline will be announced shortly.
About the Fellowship
Mohan Basavraj Desai Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026
Shaping future journalists
The Mohan Basavraj Desai Memorial Journalism Fellowship has been instituted in honour of Sri M. B. Desai, veteran freedom fighter, journalist and founder of Lokadarshan, whose life reflected courage, perseverance and a deep commitment to public service and responsible journalism.
From his participation in the freedom struggle and the Hyderabad Liberation movement to nearly six decades in journalism, M. B. Desai remained committed to the power of the press and the importance of serving society through truthful and independent journalism.
Carrying forward this legacy, the fellowship aims to encourage young journalism students in Belagavi who demonstrate curiosity, integrity and a genuine passion for journalism.
The selected fellows — one female and one male — will receive a ₹15,000 fellowship grant each, mentorship from experienced journalists, and an opportunity to have their work published through Lokadarshan.
Through this initiative, we hope to support young voices, encourage responsible journalism and inspire the next generation to carry forward the values that shaped M. B. Desai's remarkable life and work.
What the Fellowship Offers
More Than a Fellowship Grant
Selected fellows will receive:
Mentorship
Learn From Working Journalists
Guidance and mentorship from experienced journalists and editors associated with Lokadarshan.
Publication
Get Your Journalism Published
An opportunity to develop original journalism and have selected work considered for publication through Lokadarshan.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to:
- Students currently pursuing Journalism / Mass Communication / related journalism programmes.
- Students studying at KLE College, Belagavi.
- Students with a genuine interest in reporting, writing and journalism.
- Students who demonstrate curiosity about local and community issues.
Detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines will be announced along with the application process.
What Are We Looking For?
We Are Looking for Students Who:
- Ask meaningful questions
- Are curious about what is happening around them
- Care about their community
- Have an interest in reporting and storytelling
- Can identify important issues that deserve attention
- Are willing to learn
- Believe journalism can create meaningful public impact
A student's marks are not the only measure of a good journalist.
Curiosity. Courage. Integrity. Observation.
These matter too.
The Fellowship Journey
From Application to Publication
-
Apply
Submit your application and journalism work or sample.
-
Select
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
-
Mentor
Selected fellows will receive guidance and mentorship from Lokadarshan's journalism team.
-
Report & Publish
Develop original journalism and get an opportunity to have your work published through Lokadarshan.
Your Journalism Journey Could Start Here.
If you are curious about your community, passionate about storytelling and believe journalism can make a difference, we invite you to apply for the Mohan Basavraj Desai Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026.
Application deadline and complete application guidelines will be announced shortly.