New Delhi: India’s scientific landscape is poised for a significant enrichment as approximately 75 Indian diaspora scientists prepare to return to their homeland over the next three years. This migration marks a pivotal initiative by the government, allocating around Rs 80 crore towards a fellowship scheme designed to harness the expertise of these scientists for various science and technology ventures. Already, the inaugural cohort of 22 fellows has been chosen, with their integration into Indian institutes slated for April this year.
The program, named Vaibhav, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has successfully concluded its initial call for proposals and is now underway with its second phase. Aimed at scientists of Indian origin engaged in active research abroad for a minimum of five years, the scheme encourages collaboration with esteemed Indian institutes, including the prestigious IITs.
Under the fellowship, participants are required to dedicate 1-2 months annually for a maximum of three years, receiving a grant of Rs 4 lakh per annum ($4,800). This support encompasses international travel from their parent institute to India once a year, fully-furnished local accommodation for two months, Rs 1 lakh per year for research expenses within India, and domestic travel to institutes across the country. Dr. Charu Agarwal from DST anticipates the fellows’ imminent induction into their respective institutions post-April.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Dr. Agarwal underscores the invaluable exchange of knowledge facilitated by collaborations between returning scientists and local counterparts. Notably, areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science have emerged as focal points of interest, aligning with the government’s scientific missions, including the National Quantum Mission and National Supercomputing Mission.
The overwhelming response to the fellowship, with 302 proposals received in the initial call, signifies a global eagerness to contribute to India’s scientific endeavors. While applications have poured in from various countries including Sweden, Australia, and Japan, a significant proportion hails from the United States and Canada, reflecting the eagerness of diaspora scientists to engage with Indian institutes.
The rigorous selection process involves scrutiny by an Expert Review Committee comprising members from diverse ministries, followed by shortlisting by an apex committee. Open to Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (POIs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), this fellowship scheme embodies a concerted effort to leverage the expertise of the Indian diaspora for the nation’s scientific progress.
