Congress unveils Manmohan Singh fellowship to help professionals transition into politics

Rahul Gandhi

The Congress Party has launched the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowship Programme, aimed at helping mid-career professionals transition into politics. Each year, 50 professionals will be selected and mentored by senior party leaders from various professional backgrounds. The initiative seeks to cultivate a modern and progressive India.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition and former Congress president, emphasized the importance of engaging India’s brightest minds in politics. In a post on X, he said, “The Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows program is our call to mid-career professionals—to step into public life, lead with integrity, and contribute to building a progressive and inclusive India.” He also provided a link for applications to the programme.

Its time Indias brightest minds brought their power to politics.The Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows program is our call to mid-career professionalsstep into public life, lead with integrity, and help build a progressive and inclusive India.Apply now: https://t.co/kOxLfCMcdq
Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 4, 2025

During a joint press conference with K Raju, the national coordinator of the SC department, and Pawan Khera, head of AICC media and publicity, Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of the Professionals' Congress and an expert in Data Analytics, elaborated on the fellowship. He explained that the program will select 50 mid-career professionals annually from across the country. These individuals will be in the middle of their careers, having accumulated nearly ten years of experience, and should possess a passion for creating a modern and prosperous India.

Chakravarty indicated that the selection will be conducted by an esteemed panel through a rigorous process. Once selected, the fellows will receive mentorship from senior leaders within the Congress Party, who also have professional backgrounds.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by those transitioning from non-political backgrounds into politics and assured that the program will leverage shared experiences to facilitate a smoother transition. The fellows will undergo extensive training and engage in real-time assignments within the Congress Party, guided by senior leaders.

“This programme requires a full-time commitment to politics, emphasizing a strong conviction for secular and progressive values. It is not an entry-level internship nor a time-bound experience with merely a certificate at the conclusion,” Chakravarty asserted. “This is a serious program for motivated individuals dedicated to public service.”

Chakravarty expressed hope that future leaders of the Congress Party would emerge from the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows, honouring the legacy of the former Prime Minister of India.

He noted that significant events are unfolding both in India and internationally. “In India, we are discussing issues surrounding Hindu-Muslim laws, while the United States, under President Trump, is reshaping the global economic order. President Trump has announced major tariffs on various countries, including India, which could impose severe consequences on countries that depend on trade for economic growth. A failure to respond appropriately could lead to significant job losses and heightened unemployment,” he warned.

Chakravarty stated that at this crucial juncture, the nation is missing a leader like Dr Manmohan Singh, who could guide during this challenging time. He reflected on a conversation he had with Dr Singh during the geopolitical crisis following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “I asked him how India could safeguard its economy amid rising global oil prices. With his characteristic humility, Dr. Singh suggested assembling a group of young professionals to address these challenges and propose solutions,” Chakravarty recalled.

Although Dr. Singh is no longer with us, the Congress leader emphasized the importance of realizing his vision by empowering young professionals to take on leadership roles in the country. The launch of the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowship Programme aims to achieve this goal.

Raju, in his remarks at the press conference, stated that the Manmohan Singh Fellows will collaborate with seasoned professionals within the Congress Party or those associated with Congress leaders who have professional experience to assist them in their transition. “I am pleased to be one of those mentors. We will first assess the strengths of these professionals and understand how they can contribute to the party. From there, we will create an ecosystem that fosters their growth in politics,” he explained.

“Through one year of mentoring, we aim to equip them with the skills needed to navigate the political landscape and manage uncertainties,” Raju concluded.

(with PTI inputs)