The Government of India has introduced a new fellowship programme called Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) to facilitate collaboration between the Indian diaspora in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) and Indian academic and research institutions.
- VAIBHAV Summit was also organised as an event dedicated to connecting the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions.
What is the VAIBHAV Fellowship Scheme?
- About:
- The VAIBHAV Fellowship aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational and Scientific Institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world through the mobility of faculty/researchers from overseas institutions to India.
- It is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Key Features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme:
- Knowledge Verticals: The programme will focus on 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences, among others.
- Eligibility: The fellowship is open to outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin (Non-resident Indians (NRI)/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who are actively engaged in research activities in their respective countries.
- Collaboration Duration: Selected fellows will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), universities, and public-funded scientific institutions.
- They may spend up to two months per year, for a maximum of three years, at an Indian institution of their choice.
- Fellowship Grant: VAIBHAV fellows will receive a monthly fellowship grant of INR 4,00,000, which will support their research activities during the collaboration period.
- Travel, Accommodation, and Contingencies: The fellowship will cover international and domestic travel expenses, accommodation, and contingencies, ensuring a conducive research environment for the fellows.
What are the Other Government Initiatives involving Overseas Indians?
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India.
- Know India Program (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for diaspora engagement which familiarises Indian-origin youth (18-30 years) with their Indian roots and contemporary India.
- VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty Scheme of the Department of S&T enables NRIs and overseas scientific communities to participate and contribute to research and development in India.
