Call for Applications: IIM Kozhikode – Vrihi Foundation Culinary Lens Fellowship 2026 @Vrihi Foundation Culinary Lens Fellowship 2026

The India-Japan Centre on Climate and Culture at Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with the Vrihi Foundation, announces the inaugural Culinary Lens Fellowship for 2026. This fellowship invites young researchers in India to explore the food history of the Indian subcontinent through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.

The program supports original work across formats, including:

• Written research
• Visual storytelling
• Multimedia documentation
• Experimental and hybrid outputs

The initiative aims to expand critical scholarship on food systems by foregrounding everyday practices such as street food vending and informal food economies.

About the Theme

The 2026 fellowship focuses on small, informal food businesses and street food markets in Delhi and Kozhikode as a lens to examine migration, identity, and livelihood/food security.

Urban governance often prioritizes structured, consumer-driven systems that favor privileged populations. In contrast, street food markets challenge these systems by:

• Expanding access to affordable food
• Supporting informal economies
• Enhancing urban food security for marginalized populations

Street food ecosystems also serve as indicators of:

• Cultural identity and continuity
• Migration histories and patterns
• Social adaptation within urban environments

Research has shown that migration into cities such as New Delhi and Kozhikode has shaped the diversity and segmentation of food markets. These markets reflect not only economic necessity but also evolving cultural identities rooted in regional histories.

The fellowship encourages scholars to examine how:

• Migration influences food practices and vendor networks
• Street food economies support livelihoods and resilience
• Urban spatial dynamics shape informal markets

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship uses street food vending as an entry point to analyze broader socio-economic and cultural processes. Key objectives include:

• Studying socio-spatial segmentation in urban markets
• Understanding migration-driven cultural transformations
• Exploring food as a marker of identity and belonging
• Assessing links between informal economies and food security

The first phase will focus on markets in New Delhi, specifically:

• Chittaranjan Park
• Lajpat Nagar

These areas are historically linked to refugee settlements following the Partition of India. In Kozhikode, selected markets will reflect connections to historical trade and migration routes, particularly maritime exchanges.

Expected Project Deliverables

Selected fellows will produce a comprehensive body of work, including:

• A 5,000-word written research submission
• A photo essay (12–15 images with contextual narratives)
• An audio-visual or mixed-media archive

All final outputs must be submitted in English. Translations or subtitles are required for non-English primary data.

Timeline and Structure

The fellowship spans six months (part-time) and includes structured mentorship and research phases:

• Mid-July 2026: Selection of two fellows
• Late July 2026: Two-day initiation program at IIM Kozhikode
• Four months: Fieldwork and first draft development
• Final phase: Submission and review

Each fellow will be paired with mentors from both partner institutions to guide:

• Research design
• Fieldwork execution
• Analytical development

Funding and Payment Structure

The fellowship offers a grant of INR 300,000 (subject to applicable taxes), disbursed in stages:

• 20% upon contract signing
• 30% after completion of primary surveys
• 30% upon submission of first draft and review participation
• Final installment upon project completion

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in:
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Urban Planning
  • Related social sciences
• Demonstrated skills in qualitative research methods
• Strong interest in food studies, migration, and urban systems
• Proficiency in audio-visual documentation

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with in-depth interviews and field research
• Familiarity with sociological theory
• Interest in food culture and practices
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong communication and analytical skills

Applicants must either reside in or be able to travel to field locations at their own expense. The fellowship is non-transferable.

What the Fellowship Offers

Participants will gain access to a rich interdisciplinary research environment, including:

• Collaboration with sociologists, historians, and archivists
• Mentorship from leading experts
• Exposure to innovative research methodologies

The program is anchored at the India-Japan Centre on Climate and Culture, with research and documentation guidance provided jointly by both partner organizations.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following by 30 June 2026:

• Research proposal (as per specified format)
• Statement of purpose (maximum one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list (if available)
• Reference letters (optional)

Proposal Structure

The proposal should include:

• Title
• Project overview
• Problem statement
• Background and context
• Literature review
• Objectives
• Project design
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Timeline

Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate research gaps, methodological approaches, and the broader significance of their work.

Deadline

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.