Srinagar: Kashmir-based MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center has launched the RISE UP: The Sustainable Kashmir Fellowships 2025–2026, inviting young people across Kashmir to join a transformative journey of purpose, ecological responsibility and community leadership.
This seven-month immersive program, supported by Royal Enfield, is designed to nurture a new generation of changemakers by equipping them with leadership skills, ecological entrepreneurship training, and hands-on experience in sustainable development. Applications are now open, with the deadline set for June 10, 2025.
RISE UP offers a unique combination of residential workshops in Kashmir, field immersion in Himachal Pradesh, and internships with local organizations. Fellows will receive 1:1 coaching from experts and entrepreneurs, be part of a supportive peer network, and earn a monthly performance-based stipend.
“It’s a platform that nurtures growth, encourages exploration, and empowers individuals to create real impact,” said Nusrat Farooq, a 2024–2025 fellow. “MOOL helped me turn my interests into a true passion and gave me an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from across the country.”
The fellowship runs from July 2025 to February 2026 and is open to youth between 18 and 30 years of age from across Jammu & Kashmir. Only 10 fellows will be selected through a rigorous three-stage process, including a written application, phone interview, and final interview.
Organizers emphasize that this is not just a fellowship, but a movement — aimed at restoring ecological balance, regenerating livelihoods, and reimagining Kashmir’s future through youth-led initiatives.