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Research Activities

Vastav Darshan Research Fellowship 2009-10

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG SOCIAL WORKERS, DEVELOPMENT ACTIVISTS AND JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW

With an objective to inculcate an attitude of research among budding journalists and students, along with an understanding of social, economic and national issues, RMP commenced its Vastav Darshan Fellowship Programme in 1996-97. The selected candidates under this programme are given a certain sum as fellowship. The candidates are expected to present their dissertations to RMP in the given time frame. The objective is to encourage more and more knowledgeable students and activists in the field of research. These projects include topics like the role of multi-national financial institutions in the capital markets, the problems of bar girls in Mumbai, malnutrition in Melghat, realistic movies, Maharashtra Universities Act: on the verge of a makeover, a review of water management under “Pani Panchayat” and IMDT Act etc. Most students and activists are seen working on a particular area of concern in the social or economic sphere. They also have a lot of knowledge in those subjects. But it is not always true that their study is scientifically correct and fruitful. Moreover, government, journalists, corporates and political parties also require factually correct information and unbiased research on many such topics. It has been observed that in such cases the research reports that were published under Vastav Darshan have proved to be very useful. Many such reports are often quoted at the government/non-government level. All the topics studied under this fellowship till now, have gained credibility as insightful reference material.

Groups and Eligibility

Vastav Darshan Fellowship Programme 2009-10 has been announced for two groups, viz. Students Group and General Group.

Students Group

Students of any journalism/mass media courses like BMM, students of social studies or any other graduate/post-graduate students from any stream can apply for this fellowship.

General Group

Under this group, any non-students, working in media or the social sector below 40 years of age can participate.

Application details

It is necessary to apply through the prescribed application forms. The forms are available in RMP offices at the address mentioned below, from 1 November to 20 November 2009 between 10 am to 6 pm . Application fees is Rs 25 for Student Group and Rs. 50 for General Group.

Application deadline

The filled-up prescribed forms should reach RMP office latest by 25 November 2009. Along with the form, applicants should attach a small write-up on the topic selected by them, from among those offered by RMP.

Forms will be available and should be submitted at

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, 17, Chanchal Smruti, G D Ambekar Marg, Opp. Shriram Industrial Estate, Wadala, Mumbai -400031 # Telephone: 022-2413 6966, 022-24185502

Forms are also available at : www.rmponweb.org

Selection Procedure

  • After scrutinising all the applications the short-listed candidates will be called for an interview.
  • The date of the interview is 5 December 2009.
  • Interview procedure will be completed by a panel of senior journalists and experts.
  • If required a written exam will also be conducted. Candidates will be selected solely on the recommendations of this expert panel. Names of all the selected candidates will be declared on 10 December 2009.

Topics for research

All selected candidates are required to study and research on any one of the topics mentioned in this brochure. It is necessary to give a broad outline of the chosen research topic at the time of the interview. Research on the chosen topic should be commenced only after the selection panel approves the same. A total of four fellowships will be awarded including both the groups. Below is a list of the topics for research

Students Group

  1. Reality Shows on Television and Their Impact on Youth
  2. Ways and Means of Improving the Stature of Marathi Medium schools
  3. Local Area Development Fund of Mumbai Corporator - Uses and Abuses
  4. Using eco-sanitation technology for institutional sanitation in Kulgaon Badlapur -A Case Study

General Group

1. Bangladeshi settlements in Mumbai
Apart from the above topics, the selection panel has the option to consider any spontaneous topic pertaining to an important issue, if suggested by any candidate.

Rules and regulations

  • After the topic has been chosen and approved, the candidate has to give a written promise on stamp paper, about completing the project work and presenting the dissertation. (Marathi/English)
  • All selected candidates should work under the guidance of the project guide that will be assigned byRMP. It is necessary to submit a detailed schedule of the selected project in the beginning, in consultation with the project guide.
  • Selected candidates have to submit their completed dissertations to their project guides as per the duration applicable to them.
  • Candidates should make the necessary changes and additions in their dissertation, if the project guide finds it incomplete, till it satisfies the expected criteria. After the guide gives his approval and the certificate of acceptance, the candidates have to submit three copies of their dissertation (computer print-outs in spiral binding) to the management committee of RMP.

    • Project duration

  • Student Group - 3 months
  • General Group - 6 months

    • Fellowship amount

  • The fellowship amount for Group-1 is Rs 10,000. while that for the Group-2 is Rs 60,000.
  • It is necessary to complete the project work within the stipulated time period and get the written approval of the project guide for the same.
  • The amount of the fellowship will be given only after the completed copies of the dissertation are submitted to the management committee of RMP, in triplicate.

Ownership rights

RMP will have complete ownership rights over the dissertation and all the related documents and photographs submitted by the candidate. RMP will have the rights to publish these dissertations, or otherwise. The selected candidates cannot publish their dissertations or any part of it, without the prior permission of RMP. Those dissertations or part thereof that will be published after getting the permission from RMP, will have to bear a clear reference to Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini’s Vastav Darshan Fellowship Programme.

For details- contact

Milind Arolkar
Executive Officer - Research and Documentation
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, 17, Chanchal Smruti, G D Ambekar Marg, Opp. Shriram Industrial Estate, Wadala, Mumbai – 400031
Telephone: 022-2413 6966, Fax: 022-2415 6725
E-mail: milinda@rmponweb.org

Download Forms

  • Vastav Darshan0910 Application For General Group
  • Vastav Darshan0910 Application For Students Group


    • CENTRE FOR REFERENCE INFORMATION & DOCUMENTATION