1. Experiences of Indian Alumni
IFPIAN
International Fellowship
Program India Alumni Network

2. Re-insertion Experiences of Indian Alumni (Professional)
Introduction
EXPERIENCE: CHALLENGES
Lack of Relevance and Connect between the area of study and course enlisted
Many fellows moved on to US/UK academic World – either pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral studies
Those who did not start search before returning faced difficulty in finding opportunities
Rise in aspirations also resulted in delays in accepting opportunities
EXPERIENCE: OPPORTUNITIES
Fellows who went back to their previous jobs have been able to apply the new learning and add value to the cause they were working for
Some fellows have figured out ways of remaining connected to the grassroots – by starting their own NGOs (Meenu, Soni, Haldar Mahto)
Increased mobility of Alumni – from their home states to other states which is a loss for the grassroots
A better and bigger platform
Have been able to apply our knowledge/learning in our current jobs

3. Re-insertion Experiences of Indian Alumni (Personal)
OPPORTUNITIES
Better confidence levels, self-perception
Better sense of direction
Ability to face challenges
Experience very rich and transformational – exposure has made us think “out of the box”
CHALLENGES
No linkages established back home
One continues to remain socially disadvantaged
No support system to get a foothold back in the community
Family pressures – for better salaries, better jobs
For some women, families become priorities

4. Ideas for IFPIAN
Carrying forward the vision of IFP through alumni activities.
Building a support platform and other support systems for continued learning, capacity building and information exchange that impacts communities in a positive manner.
Implementing the knowledge, expertise and experience of the IFP Fellows for social change

5. Ideas for IFPIAN
Making Network connections for pursuing cross sectoral activities towards achieving social justice
Strengthening linkages with other IFP Alumni Associations and supporting each other
Ensuring active communication and creating & sharing a web of information within the network
Making a self sustainable Actor in the Area of Social Development and Social Justice in India

6. Progress so far …….. IPF Alumni Meet December 2006 IFPIAN Formed
Governing Body Elected for a term of two years (9 Members)
Registration Process On (Under Society Registration Act)
Membership- Life membership (Rs. 1000= $25)
4 Governing Body Meetings held in 2007
3 Regional Meets Held in (Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand) Rajasthan and (Uttaranchal, UP)- issues for action Poverty & Livelihoods, Access to Education, Health, Disability, Human Rights, Gender, Declining Sex Ratio, Conservation of Art and culture

7. Progress so far …….. Support IFP in outreach
Support IFP in Orientation of fellow-elects
IFP India Alumni e-group formed and active
Alumni Directory Prepared and Circulated among all Alumni
Monthly Circular being circulated since Jan 2008
IFPIAN Logo/Emblem
Alumni Publication in Process

8. Challenges: Communication – inability to get responses
Locational and Professional Diversity of Alumni
Professional Commitments and Priorities of Alumni
Communication – inability to get responses

9. Way Forward Form state wide thematic chapters of IFP Alumni
Connect Alumni through social and professional networking sites like Facebook
Website
E-Newsletter
Annual Alumni meet
US and UK Chapters
Formation of Advisory Board
Help IFP with organising GLSJF 2008 in India
Initiate a national campaign on access to education

10. Thanks.