IWP Fellowship 2026–27: Telling India’s Water Stories

Water is the lifeblood of India: binding communities, shaping landscapes, and influencing everything from politics to culture. But its story is more than just a tale of scarcity or infrastructure. Equally important are the stories in between - of communities adapting to change, local innovations solving complex problems, traditional knowledge sustaining ecosystems.

The IWP Fellowship is an opportunity for storytellers, journalists and content creators to explore these dimensions and bring fresh perspectives to India’s water conversations.
Following a successful first cohort, we are pleased to invite applications for the IWP Fellowship 2026–27. We are looking for storytellers from across India to document and share compelling narratives on water through both written and visual formats. The fellowship seeks to support diverse voices and fresh perspectives that can enrich India's water discourse.

About India Water Portal

Since 2007, India Water Portal (IWP) has been documenting India’s water realities and serving as a knowledge platform for water practitioners, researchers, journalists, policymakers, and citizens. Over the years, IWP has published articles, research papers, interviews, multimedia stories, and field reports contributed by more than 12,500 contributors in English and Hindi.

Through this fellowship, IWP seeks to support independent storytellers in uncovering important water stories from across the country, particularly from regions and communities that are often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.

Fellowship Tracks

Applicants may apply to one of the following tracks.

1. Written Storytelling Fellowship

For journalists, writers, researchers, and content creators interested in reporting and storytelling through written formats.

Openings

• 3 Fellows – English

• 3 Fellows – Hindi

Expected Outputs

• 14-16 pieces over six months

• A mix of articles, photo essays and interviews.

• Some stories may be developed as part of a thematic series

2. Visual Storytelling Fellowship

For video journalists, filmmakers, and visual storytellers interested in documenting water stories through video and photographs.

Openings

4 fellows

Language

• We welcome stories from across India and encourage fellows to work in the language that best reflects the communities and contexts they are documenting.

• Final outputs may be translated, subtitled, or adapted into additional languages in collaboration with the IWP team.

• Selected fellows will be expected to provide English subtitles for all final video outputs.

Expected Outputs

• 12-15 video stories/reports over six months

• A mix of field reports, community stories, interviews, and digital-first video content, including 5-minute-long video reports and shorts

Fellowship Details

Duration: August 2026 – January 2027

Stipend: ₹25,000 per month ( and up to ₹10,000 travel allowance)

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

What Fellows Receive

• Mentorship from experts in water and allied sectors 

• Editorial guidance in developing strong story ideas and narratives 

• Publication and amplification through India Water Portal’s platforms

• Opportunities to reach a wider audience through IWP’s networks and partnerships

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from storytellers, journalists, filmmakers, content creators, researchers, and communication professionals with a strong interest in water, environment, rural development, climate, livelihoods, or related themes.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Have strong connections to the regions they wish to cover

• Bring local perspectives and insights

• Are interested in reporting from underrepresented geographies and communities

• Demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful and impactful storytelling

Prior experience in journalism, video reporting, or content creation is desirable but not mandatory.

How to Apply

Applicants may apply to either the Written Storytelling Fellowship or the Visual Storytelling Fellowship.

As part of the application process, you will have to share:

• Your background and experience

• Career goals and how the fellowship fits into your aspirations

• A personal statement on why you would like to be an IWP Fellow

• Story ideas that you would like to pursue during the fellowship

• Relevant work samples or portfolio links

Apply Now

Written Storytelling Fellowship

• Apply in English

• Apply in Hindi

Visual Storytelling Fellowship

• Apply Here

Ready to Apply?

If you are passionate about uncovering stories that deepen our understanding of water and its role in society, we encourage you to apply.

Applications close on 30 June 2026.