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About the LAMP Fellowship
The Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship is a unique and an exciting opportunity for young Indians to learn law-making and public policy. LAMP Fellows are mentored by a Member of Parliament (MP) and work full-time with the assigned MP during a given year, starting from the Monsoon session of Parliament till the end of the Budget session. The primary role of a LAMP Fellow is to provide extensive research support to her/his MP for their parliamentary work. This includes drafting parliamentary questions for the MP, preparing the MP's speeches for zero hour debates, raising matters of public importance, drafting private members' bills etc.
When Parliament is not in session, LAMP Fellows engage with policy makers, experts from various think-tanks, academicians from several leading universities, and leaders from diverse public policy institutions through participation in workshops on important policy and development issues. LAMP Fellows also participate in field visits during the inter-session period for a practical exposure to governance at the ground level.
Life at LAMP
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Meet our Fellows
Aayush Mallik
My engagement with law was motivated by an interest in policy and governance, and an inclination towards public law. While my law courses enabled me in understanding the nuances of legal interpretation and criticize what is problematic about the form and substance of the law, I joined LAMP to closely observe the process of law-making – the information collection and usage, stakeholder inputs, relevant considerations, balancing conflicting interests, ensuring inclusive development– and to actively be a part of it. Thus far, LAMP has given me a microscopic view of the legislative process. It is heartening to see that my research has gone a further step in shaping the political discourse, through my MP’s speeches in the Parliament and in the media. Law and policy in India are strongly shaped by the system of vertical and horizontal distribution of powers – and over the course of the Fellowship, I have understood the nuances of these mechanisms like never before. Workshops, seminars, and interactions with other fellows in the cohort have given me a perspective on why people think the way they do – this has been a very critical determinant of my output. And above all, I have seen the interplay of law and politics in its most fundamental form, giving me a real-life standpoint on issues around us.
Akshay Badola
One of the valuable lessons I learnt early on was to find what you enjoy doing the most and you will automatically make a difference with your work. Due to my interest in Research and Legislative process, LAMP Fellowship was an opportunity to enter that phase of ‘enjoying what you do’. And it is all the more satisfying to know that your work goes into improving the quality of discourse in Parliament. Apart from research and learning opportunity by assisting the Member of Parliament, the LAMP Fellowship provides enough challenges to inspire you in contributing to the growth of your country actively. The Fellowship comprises of an academically diverse and extremely talented peer group from whom one learns every day.
Aman Kapur
Even with varied interests, my passion has always been towards public policy and economics. After my Bachelors degree, I was uncertain as to where and how I should use this enthusiasm. In order to acquire further skills and proceed toward a career, I decided to venture into policy space and hence applied for the LAMP Fellowship. Although one can never be sure as to how any new step for career or education might turn out, joining this Fellowship has been one of the most rewarding and smart decisions that I have made.
The programme has provided me with unparalleled access to the policy making process of the country. The various opportunities that have been presented to me as a LAMP, have helped me step out of my comfort zone and explore the vast and multidisciplinary field of public policy. It has not only helped me learn a lot, but it has also taught me to look at things more objectively and develop a more well-rounded perspective towards policy. I have also got the chance to network with a very diverse cohort of fellows. This Fellowship has undoubtedly given me a great starting point for my career.
Anant Kapoor
The LAMP Fellowship for me was always a year meant for reflection. I came into this Fellowship seeking greater clarity on what I wanted to do in the future and how I could achieve that. The Fellowship gave me exactly that - a tonne of perspective that will help me in making informed career choices in the future. As clichéd as this may sound, but the Fellowship is really what you make of it. There will be peaks and troughs in the amount of work that Fellows get, but it is really up to us to make the best use of our MP’s office and the one year that we have invested in this Fellowship.
Ankita Dinkar
As a citizen and as a lawyer I was highly motivated to witness the application of policy for deriving social change. In the west, it is common for people to work with political representatives of the highest level. In India, the LAMP Fellowship is probably the best way to be at the nerve center of politics. Be it the anticipation of getting selected for the Fellowship or the feeling of content when your MP incorporates your research to contribute to the framing of a policy, applying for LAMP was the best decision I made.
The takeaways from the Fellowship compound as you begin to realize all the factors which affect policy and learn to take them into account. From keeping in mind political realities, budget constraints as well as the future benefits of the policy in addition to other factors, fellows begin to develop a deep understanding of all the machinations which go into the working of the Indian democracy. As a fellow, you get to interact with the luminaries of the political arena up-close, which grants invaluable insights into India’s policy mechanisms. I believe the LAMP Fellowship has endowed me with an analytical bent of mind along with other resources which shall benefit me in all my future endeavors.
Anna Thomas
During my time as a law student, and as a lawyer I had come to realize that our engagement with the law was largely a retrospective endeavor. We look at the law once it has been passed by the legislature, and assess its effect, its flaws, its application and implementation. The entire process of law-making, on the other hand, is often disregarded, or is only considered valuable to the extent of determining the context in which the final law is to be understood. I joined the LAMP Fellowship in the hope that I go would be able to fill up this lacuna in my understanding of law-making, and the processes and inputs that towards drafting of laws. The LAMP Fellowship, and the experience of working with a Member of Parliament has been instrumental in this context. Having worked with an MP who is part of the Opposition has been particularly eye-opening. I have borne witness to the steadfast commitment with which legislations are discussed and debated and criticized, and the healthy marketplace of ideas that the Parliament can be. Most significantly, however I have learnt that the law-maker’s commitment extends well beyond making laws, and their time at Parliament. A law-maker dons many hats by virtue of the position they hold, and the mornings and evenings before and after Parliament sittings are devoted towards their responsibilities towards their constituency, their party and their people. This can make the work in an MP’s office quite diverse in nature, right from drafting questions, and private member bills to drafting press releases and liaising with various ministries for constituency related needs.
Apurva Singh
In my first year in college, a professor mentioned PRS Legislative Research as a resource to understand the finer details in the legislative function of the Parliament. While browsing through the website, I came across the LAMP Fellowship. The Fellowship resonated with my aspirations, so, I made a mental note of applying for it on the eligibility of my candidature for the same. The Fellowship has provided me a chance to closely work with a lawmaker in the policy space which I hope will help me guide my career in the coming years.
Archana Devi A
My keen interest in public policy and my curiosity to witness the policy making process at the policy arena itself inspired me to apply for the Fellowship. My graduate program in Public Policy trained me to think critically of the policy issues. The Fellowship became the right place where I could articulate my thoughts and engage with other peers and policy experts and gain valuable insights. I have had the privilege of being nurtured under the best guidance possible. The Fellowship allows you to contribute to the parliamentary process through your MP. This has helped me gain an insider’s perspective to the whole policy making process and the dynamics of politics, which I value a lot. I have also gained extensive knowledge about the nexus between law and policy from working on a various range of bills, debates, standing committees, etc. It has been an exciting journey throughout and one that has always kept me on my toes. The Fellowship has provided me with both broader and deeper understanding of our system and has definitely equipped me well to face the future.
Ayush Singhal
LAMP Fellowship is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the working of the Indian parliament and understanding the process of policy formulation in the legislative realm. The Fellowship helped me understand the practical challenges in policy formulation and how different stakeholders’ interests are discussed and debated during the same. Each day at the Fellowship is different from the other bringing with it new sets of challenges and experiences. It is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to have a closer look at inner working of public policy in India. The inter-sectional nature of research during the Fellowship provides an unparalleled exposure to varied areas of public policy ranging from consumer protection, rural development, education to medicine, forests and environment. This Fellowship is a journey into the depths of public policy formulation equipping us with the theoretical and practical knowledge that is much required in public policy space.
Balasurya S
Understanding how policies were made at the top level was one important thing that made me apply to LAMP Fellowship. I wanted to get an understanding of how different stakeholders interact in making policies and bills. This was important for me as my undergraduate research experience could not enable me understand how academic research in social sciences impacted policies. The LAMP Fellowship largely helped me understand this. Working with a Member of Parliament enabled me to gain access to the various consultations with different groups that happen before a MP makes an intervention in the parliament. I could also understand the things that motivated my MP to raise certain issues in the Parliament. Through this, I could understand how academic research and public discourse of opinions in newspapers and social media influence policy makers. Politics also plays a big role in influencing MPs in the policy making process. Observing all these from close quarters helped me understand how policies are made. Apart from this, I also got opportunities to meet other like-minded fellows who are interested in public policy. Interacting with them helped me develop newer perspectives on various topics and issues. Finally, I also got an opportunity to read and write about various government documents and reports on various issues. This helped me increase my comfort level in understanding a wide variety of topics and enabled me to connect them with what I have studied before.
Brinti Datta
The IPCC report terrified me when it came out, I wondered if I should study environmental statistics, contribute to the growing body of research asking our elected representatives to do something, anything. However, I realised research, even ground breaking ones hardly ever inform policy. This to me, seemed very strange and I started looking into how public policy works. LAMP was something a friend of mine convinced me to apply for, along with him and I ended up leaving my job at a trading firm. It has been a very insightful experience, criticising policies as citizens, we hardly ever realise the amount of work that goes into every new piece of legislation. The number of people working to bridge the divide between experts and policymakers is heartening, and the amount of information we have received on different sectors of society has been exciting to take in. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m sure it’ll have a lasting impact on the rest of my career.
Chaitra S
I was always interested in understanding how laws are made and its effect on the general populace. Law School further piqued my interest in the policy sphere. To be able to observe the same from close quarters while also contribute to the field was too good an opportunity to miss. Hence, I applied for the Fellowship. The Fellowship has helped me gain a better understanding of the working of Parliament and the importance of the institution to a democracy. It has also helped me shed preconceived and false notions about our politicians and their work. The responsibilities they discharge, the different stakeholders they address and the variety of work they undertake is unparalleled. The Fellowship, replete with workshops and mentoring by a MP, has opened me up to new ideas while continuously challenging my notions on various issues I held strong opinions about. All in all, it has been a truly enriching experience.
Chirag Chinnappa
I'm fascinated by how public policy can make or break an individual's lifestyle, their local economies and the larger communities one imagines themselves to be a part of. Founding a news organization that focuses on development-specific policy analysis, I began to realize how little many of us understand about the workings of our elected governments. We feel and report on the effects of a law, but the mechanics behind such lawmaking goes unnoticed. When noticed, it is easily misunderstood. The Fellowship first piqued my interest because of the promised backroom access to legislators and the legislation process. My professors held the work done by PRS over the years in high regard. Besides this, the Fellowship's low acceptance rates convinced me that it would be a competitive space wherein I could refine and broaden my knowledge during a pivotal phase of our democracy. Two key takeaways thus far: first, that politics and policy are an inseparable duo, so any policy making process has to fit within the rubric of a government's political agenda. Second, that Members of Parliament work incredibly hard and long hours, contrary to most armchair activists' opinions.
Dedipyaman Shukla
The LAMP Fellowship provides me with a rare opportunity to understand impactful law-making. It encompasses a pillar of government which was otherwise elusive to me as a law graduate, the legislature. Being able to directly observe the legislative process has been a fascinating experience. It has allowed me to appreciate the impressive complexity involved in formulating laws. I have been exposed to a spectrum of perspectives and a wide domain of relevant subject matters. A vital component of the LAMP Fellowship for me has been the training which prepares one to be able to function effectively in the office of a Parliamentarian, and also throughout one's professional career. Creative problem solving and adaptability are some of the important skills that the Fellowship inculcates in young professionals. Finally, working under a Member of Parliament has been a unique learning experience through which I have been able to engage with crucial developmental issues concerning the people of India. Contributing towards making a positive national impact is something very few people at my age are able to experience in this manner.
Gautam Kathuria
After completing my undergraduate degree, I was eager to utilise what I had learned to help change society around me for the better. However, while my intentions were good, I lacked a foundational understanding of the scale of the task at hand and how to go about it. The LAMP Fellowship provided me precisely with this opportunity and helped me develop a deeper and more intricate understanding of the problems faced by the citizens of the country, as well as the legislative processes which would be required to bring about real change. Interacting with my Member of Parliament was an enriching experience and I learned invaluable lessons pertaining to various aspects of life. Furthermore, working closely with my MP made me realise the complex nature of policy-making and the large number of variables that have to be taken into consideration during the law-making process. The Fellowship has offered me interdisciplinary exposure into a diverse array of policy issues, helping me hone my research skills and gain clarity regarding the areas of study that interest me. I hope to carry forward this experience, with all the knowledge and perspective that it comes with, and use it productively for all my future endeavours.
Geethu N
I applied for LAMP in order to realize my passion to contribute to the social sector, thereby leading to a desired career path in the development space. I have been sensitized towards a diverse range of issues like poverty, gender inequality, slum development and child education. My MP is extremely open to new ideas and this helps me in proactively contributing to the issues he wants to highlight. In-depth research on different topics such as Healthcare and Sanitation, Population, Environment, etc. has helped me broaden my understanding of an issue. The diversity of subjects the Fellowship allows me to work on is in itself an enthralling experience which no one interested in policy making should miss out. Among other things, I have researched on and written speeches for the innumerous conferences that the MP has attended and provided him with talking points for media appearances as well. I saw my MP reading out questions, speeches, special mentions on which I had spent so much time researching. I felt a thrill every time I saw my MP use my research on the floor of the Parliament.
Ishaan Ajay
I had been considering a domain switch to Public Policy for some time. In that context, I applied to the LAMP Fellowship because it provides an in-depth exposure to the way policy making in India functions. It appeared to be the most rigorous and ground level experience that I could get at this stage and that too with a Member of Parliament. I had also checked up on how past LAMP Fellows had grown post LAMP and needless to say, their stories are really inspirational. Everyday, I just marvel at the amount of information that is available in the Public Domain and yet no one knows about. I believe that the biggest take away is definitely the development of knowledge and understanding of the various government policies and political debates around burning issues. Since the time the Fellowship started, I have been following issues in much more depth and this Fellowship has definitely broadened my horizons in analysing them more objectively. Finally, insights into how policy making occurs, from the point of view of an MP, is definitely an insightful experience.
Kanika Mahajan
Being a student of Political Science, I had developed a keen interest in understanding how law and policy mediate the relationship between the State and its citizens, by empowering and disenfranchising different social identities. However, my knowledge of the same was restricted to theory. The LAMP Fellowship provided me the opportunity to move beyond mere theoretical knowledge of the legislative process, and actively engage in it through various parliamentary interventions. The Fellowship has nuanced my understanding of how policy is formulated, monitored and amended with regard to changing socio-political contexts. It has enabled me to engage with policy makers and experts, accommodate a variety of perspectives and understand the interplay between policy and politics.
Kanika Kochhar

Having been part of an educational community that feels strongly about social justice, I became passionate about social impact during my undergraduate studies, and the power of policy to achieve the same at scale. As I was looking to work at organisations in the policy space that are dynamic and provide a meaningful and hands-on experience, I came across the LAMP Fellowship. The opportunity to observe the policy-making process of our country so closely, and interact with multiple stakeholders in the field was exactly the kind of experience that I wanted to be a part of. The learning curve at LAMP has been steep; from navigating a political set-up to getting familiarised with the back-end of the legislative process, the Fellowship has allowed me to engage with diverse issues in depth. LAMP provides a strong foundation to anyone interested in a career in policymaking. For me, the most exciting and gratifying part has been to see my speeches being read out by my MP in the Parliament and visualise the kind of impact I hope to create.
Kanmani Palanisamy
As a student of law, I observed that laws, new and old, constantly faced or faces a challenge in the courts of law. Looking at this, I wanted to understand what actually goes on before such a law comes into effect. This primarily inspired me to apply to the LAMP Fellowship. I had also wanted to learn about how public policy connects with people. As the Fellowship progressed, my readings took me through a wide range of policy subjects and it definitely is one of the best ways to introduce oneself to an interdisciplinary approach. It is all the more exciting when we are made to work on amendments to a certain bill. This is when we realise that every word of a bill makes a difference. It is an interesting journey and I am delighted that I have been given this opportunity.
Kapil Khatri
During the college projects, I used to discuss with my friends, how the government can implement its policies much more efficiently using Information Technology. The LAMP Fellowship provided me with the perfect platform to translate this interest of mine into opportunity to make a difference. I joined the LAMP Fellowship to learn about policy-making and the legislative process. Through the Fellowship, I learnt that framing policies in the interest of people and keeping all possibilities in consideration is a big responsibility. The Fellowship work helped me in understanding what goes into framing of policies which one day I see myself executing at the ground level. I aspire to join Indian Administrative Service (IAS). So, the Fellowship helped me to see other side of the same coin. LAMP gives us a close look at the Legislative process of the country and how it is simply not what we read in newspapers. It is a moment of immense satisfaction when your work finds a mention in the words of an MP in the Parliament.
Keshav Padmanabhan
I was lucky to stumble upon the LAMP Fellowship through a friend. Before January of 2019, I had no idea of the existence of the Fellowship and the fact that something like this existed. Sending me the flyer, one evening, she decided that it would be a great idea for me to apply for this, and I do not regret having that conversation with her one bit. As a Graduate in European Studies, who had just returned to India, I was still trying to figure out avenues, through which I could work in the sphere of public policy. My experience so far has been positive insofar that the Fellowship has helped give me a great stepping stone in understanding the means by which Legislation is formulated. The Fellowship also gives you access to a large network of individuals, organisations and the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences through which my knowledge of policy issues has only expanded. I have enjoyed immersing myself into the intricacies of policy-making and thankful for the opportunity that is the LAMP Fellowship in making that happen.
Keshav Chhabra
Being a LAMP Fellow has helped me understand the nuances of policy-making, thereby leading to a direct participation in the law-making process of our country. The effective training process through conferences and sessions by experts on varied and relevant topics prepares has been very useful. This comes handy while assisting my Member of Parliament in Parliamentary research work. Both - the training process and the work experience - are very crucial in building a career trajectory in policy.
Khushboo Savita
I applied for this Fellowship because I wanted to be a part of the change which a Parliamentarian brings through different Acts, Questions, Notices and debates. In addition, it also serves as a learning opportunity, working for an MP, and understanding the different dynamics and discourse around Policy and Politics. My key takeaway from this Fellowship would be to understand and acknowledge the hard work put in by a Parliamentarian. The tremendous amount of work an MP does at many levels - constituency, national, policies, seminars, discussions, debates, field work etc - has to be seen first-hand to be truly appreciated. During the Fellowship I had the opportunity to work with an MP on issues of national importance, policy briefs from very different perspectives, which enriched my understanding of Public Policy. It was also exhilarating and humbling at the same time, to be part, however small it may be, of the inner-workings of government and to have that insight, and input into policies that shape the future of our nation.
Neel Mishra
I applied for the LAMP Fellowship hoping to gain some much needed work experience doing things that I am interested in. As someone who had never had a job before this, the Fellowship has been extremely helpful in terms of helping me make my way through the challenges of professional life and teaching me how to navigate the complex world of policy making at the highest level. With the guidance of the extremely helpful people at PRS, I have been able to make the most of the many opportunities that the Fellowship has given me. In just the first few months of the Fellowship I have met some of the most interesting, intelligent and influential peple in the country, and had the rare opportunity to learn from them. My experience till now has been invaluable and I hope to be able to make the most of the rest of my time here.
Nikhil Iyer
From the outside, it seemed like the LAMP Fellowship offered a unique opportunity to work closely with a Member of Parliament and learn about the imperatives that an MP answers to in their Parliamentary work. This, and much more, has proven to be true. While I have been able to assist my MP in parliamentary interventions like Questions, Matters of Urgent Public Importance, drafting Private Member Bills, etc., the Fellowship has crucially helped me better understand some vital public policy issues of our times. Special mention must go to the month long training programme, and the numerous workshops organised throughout the year. PRS undertakes meticulous planning and care to ensure that the Fellowship is a rigorous and challenging learning experience for all Fellows. Such care is also seen in the quality of speakers invited for the workshops, and the wide and nuanced range of topics covered. The structure of the Fellowship also allows each Fellow flexibility to personalize their experience - such as in the ability to develop individual rapport with their respective MP, constituency visit to Maharashtra in my case, etc.The uniqueness of the Fellowship is complemented by the multi-disciplinary academic backgrounds and professional aspirations of the Fellows. It has allowed me to build fruitful networks, and learn from others' varied experiences.
Noel Therattil
As a law student who was interested in policy I wanted to effect a tangible change. The LAMP Fellowship was the perfect avenue to test the waters and get a taste of the complexities to effect this change. Before joing the LAMP Fellowship, as an outside observer the dynamics of Parliament and government seemed opaque. However after interacting with parlimentarians and various officials, these rather opaque dynamics became clear. The long hours and hustle is compensated by the unique experience and quirky colleagues. If you are the quintessential idealist you will surely leave as the quintessential realist.
Nona Uppal
LAMP was an idea, a work opportunity too good to be true when I first heard about it. Talking to an excited senior who had just gotten accepted, I already knew what my primary shot was going to be for the next year. I was preparing before the application was even out, because I could not miss an opportunity to work for a Member of Parliament. The policy space was extremely interesting to me and the framework of LAMP felt like the perfect out of college step I needed to take. I spent long hours reading other's experiences, looking up people who had been LAMP Fellows to try and connect with them, and found myself more and more intruiged by the opportunities this space claimed to offer. Fortunately, I got through, and a couple months in, I'm still amazed at how my work is as exciting as it is challenging. LAMP, in a short 3 months, has delivered to every single expectation I had. Working directly with Parliamentarians of the largest democracy in this world is a rigorous and never-ending job. However, the sense of fulfillment I feel after completing a task is unparalleled. It is hard to imagine any other workspace- one wherein my life is not consumed by what's happening in Lok Sabha, what Bills have been passed, and what's next in the Brown paper bag delivered everyday. The Fellowship is tailor-made for people looking to enter the system of change, to play their part in impacting legislations catering to citizens across the country. But mostly, the Fellowship is exactly what you want it to be- it requires a sense of initiative, drive, and constant dedication that is unlike any other workplace. And although I am fresh out of the Delhi University world, the student life feels so far away- simply because of how utterly consuming yet wonderfully challenging my work has been.
Oishik Bandyopadhyay
Centuries ago, Aristotle had very wisely said," The more you know, the more you know you don't know". I believe that my journey as a LAMP fellow can be quite adequately summarised by this single statement. As a student of Economics, every time someone would ask me about my decision to join the LAMP Fellowship prior to joining, my standard response would be that my knack for public policy had driven me to apply for it. As little as two weeks into the program, that belief was completely eradicated as I realised that the field of politics and policy was more intricate than I could have ever imagined. Through the course of the Fellowship, I started appreciating the tremendous effort taken by parliamentarians across party lines to deliver a single speech in Parliament. Each day as a LAMP fellow has been about developing fresh perspectives on a host of issues ranging from civil rights to science and technology, only to have them replaced by new ones the following morning. Being an active part of one of the most interesting monsoon sessions in recent history was also an eye-opener for me. The LAMP cohort itself is a melting pot of various cultural and academic backgrounds and simply interacting with the fellows has been a wonderful experience. Workshops organised by PRS and other civil society organisations on a wide spectrum of topics also contributed to broadening my intellectual horizon considerably. LAMP has challenged me to evaluate and improve myself at every step and that, in my opinion, is the greatest reward.
Ratnam Shah
LAMP is an opportunity for me to discover and understand the policy space. With my background in engineering and interest in policy, the Fellowship shall act as a perfect bridge for me. The learning and exposure at the Fellowship is unparalleled. I feel fortunate to have got the chance to understand the nuances of legislative processes and policy formulation at the apex level. During the Fellowship I have researched varied subjects like infrastructure, energy, women and child development, aspirational districts etc. I also look forward to visiting my MP’s constituency which shall bring its own set of learning experiences. LAMP is a wonderful opportunity which exposed me to a blend of pragmatic decision making, political challenges and theoretical underpinnings of policy making.
Reshu Natani
I have always been a strong believer of local, bottom-up and on-ground action as a means to tackle social problems. This led me to run my own not-for-profit enterprise from 2014 to 2016 and, dealing with the obstacles that come along, made me realise that noble intentions alone cannot lead to comprehensive and sustainable progress. It dawned on me that while institutions and rules exist for aiding the productive capacities of citizens and ensuring their safety, their very design can sometimes hamper this. I wanted to work incrementally towards solving this loophole and the first step was to work with an MP to probe further the nuances of lawmaking. I’ve had to work on a wide array of subjects which have challenged my preconceived notions and broadened my horizons as a researcher. Being paired with a young and passionate MP has been a blessing as my ideas are given more than due attention and incorporated into parliamentary interventions as and when possible.
Ridhima Saxena
As a law student, I was always motivated to learn about procedures that are involved in
formulation, deliberations and implementation of legislations for nation’s varying problems.
The unique LAMP Fellowship provided me with the coveted opportunity to assist
one of the nation's most renowned elected representatives and to observe policy-making from close
quarters.
A usual day at the mentoring MP’s office is full of activities such as analyzing bills,
identifying and clarifying concerns with full-fledged research inputs, and being available for
the legislative work at all functional times. Then there can be attending events or quick well-
informed consultation meets. This schedule may seem arduous to the most people but in
actuality, it is an exciting learning experience. You remain amazed and
motivated towards your duties as you look at the zeal and dedication with which your MP
executes his parliamentary responsibilities throughout the day and even after long and tiring
hours of work by the end of the day.
The exceptional chance to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of
policy-making under the able guidance of a learned MP is extremely enriching. And so are
the ingenious LAMP training sessions and the diverse perspectives of co-workers. Realizing
an otherwise impossible feat of meeting some of the most prominent individuals from the
realm of policy and polity will remain as one of the best opportunities of my life. On a larger
level, a major take away of this unique podium is to learn to contemplate solutions for the
real- life problems at the highest level and be able to contribute your bit towards the good of
society.
Ritwick Shrivastav
Having practiced as a criminal lawyer for 2 years, I worked on cases ranging from economic offences to heinous crimes. This stint made me realise how poorly worded legislations leave immense scope for manipulation and exploitation. I could not help but wonder how such glaring inconsistencies existed in our legislations. With this thirst to understand the legislative process more deeply, I decided to do the LAMP Fellowship. This Fellowship provided me with an unparalleled exposure to work directly with an MP. While assisting him I understood the thought process that goes behind formulating a legislation. I further understood how our legislators perceive legal and social issues and how they manage parliamentary and constituency work together. Working as a LAMP has been an enriching experience and is highly recommended for those planning to work in the policy space.
Rohan Garg
The LAMP Fellowship is an opportunity like no other which provides young individuals a chance to work directly with Members of Parliament in close quarters. Also, the fact that I would be able to work on issues of substantial importance and contribute to the national debate made me apply to the Fellowship.
The Fellowship has equipped me with tools to be able to be more perceptive of government and governance, and provided an opportunity for me to exercise my research and analytical skills. The diverse range of topics which demand the attention of an MP has allowed me to delve deep into niche subjects and gain an understanding of several nuanced policies and processes. The highly informative workshops organised by PRS and conducted by experts have only further enriched my experience. Personally, another key aspect of the Fellowship for me has been the strength of the peer group which is extremely diverse in terms of educational qualifications and work experience.
My experience as a LAMP fellow has been intellectually stimulating and unparalleled in terms of professional growth.
Saanchita Chandrakumar
My time in law school taught me the theoretical aspect of law making but my wish to better understand the procedure of law making from a policy makers' perspective lead me to apply for the LAMP Fellowship. I hoped that the Fellowship would broaden my horizon by providing a deep insight into our country’s regulatory framework and the system. Being a part of this programme has given me the chance to closely interact with a Member of Parliament and avail an insight into the inner workings of the legislature. The unique and inter-disciplinary approach of this programme has allowed me to interact with policy experts, stake holders, and non-state actors regularly. Working in a Parliamentarian's office has taught me to take initiative, be result-oriented and deliver quality research at short notice. My Fellowship experience has also left me with a much deeper understanding of ground realities of policy making and the need for making the Indian legislative process more participatory so as to devise solutions that are aligned with the needs of the country.
Saloni Chaudhry
Having developed an interest in public policy through my coursework, the LAMP Fellowship proved to be the natural next step. The Fellowship is designed in a manner that allowed me to engage with policy right at its core. Not only did it provide an exposure to a diverse array of policy areas, it also gave me an opportunity to participate in the parliamentary procedures and, in the process, drive impact. The experience has equipped me with vital tools involved in formulating and critically analysing policies. The key takeaway from the Fellowship lies in the fact that it enabled me to delve further into the areas that pique my interest and, in doing so, make meaningful interventions in them.
Shashwat Agrawal
Having worked at the Office of Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, I had prior interest in policy space that drove me towards the LAMP Fellowship. This Fellowship provided me a unique opportunity to work with policy makers, and contribute from my part in the legislative process. From making Private Member's Bills to drafting my Member of Parliament's speeches, it gave me a blissful experience of observing and knowing the nuances of policy making from very close quarters. The rigorous training program and the inter-session expert workshops gave me a holistic overview of diverse policy domains. Researching on my MP's constituency related issues and raising them through various motions of Parliament made me understand how policy making is incomplete without considering the policy implementation process on ground. Thus, moving away from books and theories of political science to observing the real world of overlapping politics and policy was my biggest takeaway from this Fellowship.
Shivangi Sinha
As a public policy enthusiast, I have always been very curious to know about the whole process of law making by our legislators. LAMP Fellowship seemed to be the perfect gateway to understand the working of the Parliament. No other career opportunity would give me the platform to interact so closely with a Member of Parliament and see their work beyond the politics that is covered by the mainstream media. I couldn't be happier to say that the Fellowship has been enriching far beyond my expectations. It is deeply satisfying to see my efforts being translated into meaningful contributions at the country's highest law-making institution. So far the Fellowship has been a learning experience- far beyond measure. It has improved my time management skills, research methodologies and critical thinking abilities. I have learnt to analyse a situation through multiple perspectives. It has instilled me with a greater sense of clarity regarding the policy issues that I am passionate about. The Fellowship, on a personal level has made me more appreciative towards our Member of Parliaments and our entire Parliamentary system which works tirelessly in the background. I can say for sure that the experience is moulding me into the self-aware, responsible citizen that I always aspired to be. I am quite confident that as I progress further, LAMP Fellowship will prove to be the perfect stepping stone into the field of public policy.
Shloka Kumar
I have always wanted to bring positive change in the world, and if you're reading this, you probably do too. LAMP is an opportunity to work at one of the highest levels of government - to get a close up view of how Parliament functions (and contribute to its functioning!) After studying the law for five years, and interning at think tanks rather than law firms, LAMP seemed like a natural next step for me. I wanted to be exposed to different sectors, the issues that our country faces today, see how laws are drafted and passed, and get a first hand account of the practical problems that plague our system.
I'm happy to report that the learning curve has been steep. Honestly, just being in Delhi and in this environment has given me access to so much information in the nature of my work, attending lectures, networking and interacting with experts in various fields. You cannot change anything without knowing the reality first, and LAMP is one of the doors into seeing that reality, and attempting to change it.
Shruti Katiyar
I have been a student of Law and Political Science, both of which have pushed me to explore the realm of Policymaking. This Fellowship has helped me go further and understand the behind-the-scenes of the lawmaking, the discussions, debate, the idea that finally evolves into a bill and then a law. Moreover, it has offered me a chance to finally see the genus of law. It is a great opportunity to work under a Member of Parliament and have resources at your disposal that I can otherwise only dream of. Moreover, it provides me with a possibility to observe from close quarters the administrative and legislative machinery of the Union of India and do research on a wide range of topics that otherwise might elude me.
Shubham Kumar
I am currently aspiring on either building a career in the field of academics or in policy making. The Fellowship has allowed me an opportunity to research and contribute on diverse issues of farmers to manual scavengers, at the level of policy formulation, which is something that I have always wanted to do. The nature of work given to LAMP fellows is diverse and involves multitasking. During the course of Fellowship I have worked on various major legislations passed by the Parliament, prepared discussion notes, researched on matters related to various Committees, among others. I have also had the opportunity of interacting with people from the constituency (State) of my MP and address their issues. All these work has given me a different outlook regarding the power and privileges of a LAMP Fellow.
Sonali M
Three years of sociological research and participation in various grass root level initiatives, together consolidated my interest in the field of public policy. The knowledge I held of this field was however partial. While my experiences had given me an insight into the bottom-up perspective of the issues in our country, I lacked a top-down outlook. LAMP seemed like an unmatched opportunity to understand the socio-political reality of India holistically.
Given that a MP holds a diverse set of responsibilities, I have had the chance to work around a diverse range of policy areas. This has helped me discover and develop my interest in a varied set of subjects. Further, having had the privilege to work for a MP whose constituency is culturally distinct from my background, I have been able to better learn the skill of contextualization. This has helped me develop both as a researcher and as a Sociologist. While the work within the parliamentarian’s office has contributed significantly to the experience, what has further added to it is my engagement with fellow LAMPs. Meeting people from such different academic and social backgrounds has been a rewarding experience in itself and has helped me learn things beyond my work profile.
Sourav Das
Having worked extensively on the grassroots level of policy implementation and practice during my college life, it was an intuitive decision for me to take the next step in learning about how policy making works. I was well aware about the LAMP Fellowship and it made sense for me to apply for it. I was excited to dedicate one year after college to working with a Member of Parliament, and understand the intricacies and nuances of policy making in India. My experience has lived up to my expectations. A few things that struck me about the nature of this field were the pace of information diffusion, and the depth and variety of opinions one comes across. I had to really be on my toes when it came to being well-versed with the workings of the policy process. Right from following the latest events happening around the world to updating my knowledge and understanding of relevant issues, it has been a revelation, to say the least. I have had to let go of many notions I had about politics and policy, substituting them with much more practical ideas about how change happens in a complex administrative system like the modern State. I’m confident about the importance my experience will have in shaping my perception about the future and I hope I continue to relive this experience in different ways along my career.
Srijani Roy

During the years of my graduation and post-graduation, I had the opportunity to work with a number of
grassroot level organisations. One of the primary motivations for me to apply for the Fellowship was to
understand the other side of the policy making sphere, the side which formulated and deliberated policies before it impacted all our lives.
The experience by far has been so diverse and intriguing. While during the Parliament session, my work mostly revolved around legislative research and drafting parliamentary interventions; the inter-session period has helped me gain a better understanding of people and policy as I not only get to interact with policy experts from different domains through workshops conducted by PRS and various civil society organisations, I also get the chance of understanding the issues and requests of individuals who visit my MP’s office. Working closely with an MP has also provided me a first-hand experience of how much work goes behind the functioning of the world’s largest democracy.
All-in-all the Fellowship is an immense learning opportunity. It provides us the platform not only to be mentored by a Member of Parliament, but also to interact with different think-tanks, academicians and policy makers to get a thorough understanding of policy formulation and implementation.
Sruthee S
The interaction of the state and the public sphere is a complex phenomenon. Our everyday lives depend on this interaction greatly and yet working towards its improvement remains underrated. Even studying it appeared a road less travelled, which piqued my interest. I did my Master’s degree in Development and it made me a firm believer of change by grassroots work. However, for informed advocacy of actions, it is necessary to comprehend the big picture, i.e. policy-making. For a graduate fresh out of college, LAMP Fellowship seemed to be the ideal opportunity to explore this in detail. This experience has provided me, an aspiring development practitioner, with an unparalleled learning curve. In addition to several key takeaways, I have essentially learnt the importance and necessity of aware policymakers in our country.
Tanika Chandna
My early interest in civics and sociology led me to a course in law and while I was at it, I developed a peculiar interest in the subject of comparative politics and administration which in my opinion, serves as a basic foundation in gaining wide range understanding of public policy. As someone who was brought up in an urban area and then lived in a village for nearly five years, I took me a while to understand the practical aspects of policy implementation and therefore I wanted to learn more about it. Further, my work experience as a researcher piqued my interest in the sphere of public policy, hence, this Fellowship was a natural choice. As it suggests, the Fellowship provides a platform to understand the fine intricacies of overall policy formulation and assisting a Member of Parliament gives you an insight into what all goes behind the implementation. No two days are the same and the fact that one gets to work on different topics everyday is what excites me. Besides this, assisting your MP on issues of social relevance which have a large scale bearing, is itself quite inspiring and motivating.
Torsha Dasgupta
Through the LAMP Fellowship, I hoped to gain valuable multi-dimensional perspectives in the field of policy-making and governance. The Fellowship offered an excellent opportunity to explore the policymaking process and other functions undertaken by our elected national representatives, whilst being mentored by one. My background in law has helped me appreciate the intricacies of the legislative process and widened my skill set when it comes to tackling complex challenges in this domain. As a Fellow, my work has entailed assisting in parliamentary interventions and working on interesting policy briefs to drafting speeches for debates in the House. I am extremely grateful that I received requisite training through sessions and workshops, which will be useful even after the Fellowship.
Umang Shah

When I was 15 years old, I was fascinated to watch the swearing-in ceremony of the first female Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, on TV in the summer of 2009. As a parliamentary enthusiast, I had been closely following the live proceedings of the Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha sessions over the last decade. I acquired the technical knowledge about the laws after completing my education and also gained an understanding of the on-ground problems faced during implementation of the statutes related to accounting, auditing & taxation in my professional work. The LAMP Fellowship provided a unique opportunity to complete the 360° view of the legal spectrum with an exposure to the legislative aspect of policymaking & governance. Working directly with a Member of Parliament also taught me invaluable lessons in the intricacies of the democratic process and a new-found appreciation for the hard work that goes into resolving the issues of the constituency. The inflow of Innovative ideas and pragmatic solutions in the MP's office has led to a deeper understanding of the journey of a law from its inception. It was especially heartening to contribute in a small way in improving the quality of legislations through proposing parliamentary interventions, writing speeches, drafting questions & researching on private member bills. I hope to make the most of this enriching experience.
Venkatraman C
I did my Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad. I had the opportunity to get exposed to the different aspects of society and their impact on people. My Bachelor’s degree gave me the opportunity to understand the nuances and the limitations that come with public- policy making vis-à-vis its implementation. I applied for the LAMP Fellowship with the objective of being able to develop a structural and systematic understanding of the legislative branch and its functioning. Working with a Member of Parliament, gave me the access to better understand the responsibilities that come with being a parliamentarian in India, in addition to their parliamentary responsibilities. The arena of public- policy making had appealed to me, being a LAMP fellow aided in developing this interest by giving me a court-side view of the Indian policy making institution.
Vipin Juneja
As a student of political science, I have always found myself interested in the field of policy making and politics. Therefore, the opportunity that the LAMP Fellowship provides - to work with a Member of Parliament and to assist him/her with parliament related work - is something that attracted me towards this Fellowship.
Till now, the experience has been both exciting and enlightening, with every day posing a new puzzle waiting to be solved. Also, through a variety of Internal and External workshops and sessions - I have been able to develop a far nuanced understanding of issues concerning our society and nation as a whole. LAMP Fellowship has helped in transformation of my attitude, from one that of merely finding problems to that of also looking at alternatives & finding solutions for the same.
Yagya Srivastava
Public Policy as a domain always intrigued me, and so did the people working in it. They were for me the most enlightened people for the fact that they knew something about everything and had a work with the perfect balance between career growth and social responsibility. A year after law school when I decided to pursue public policy, the LAMP Fellowship had to be my first step towards it. In how many Fellowships does one get to work with policy makers of the highest order and get to learn from the very best in the field? My Fellowship till now has been a learning curve, simplest way put, that it has taught me to be a diplomat. A diplomat who forwards the interests of his country, the subtler the better, and works in the background without being in the spotlight, but has read the most on the subject.
Yash Agarwal
Having briefly interned with a Member of Parliament earlier, I have known it for long now that LAMP is a Fellowship I’d seriously like to consider. It blends the practical aspects of working in a public representatives office, with the mentorship aspects of interacting with and gaining valuable insights from a Member of Parliament over the course of a year, with the educational aspect of the immense amount of learning we receive from the numerous workshops which are held for us from time to time. Till now, just a couple of months into the Fellowship, my biggest takeaways have been the range of inputs, ideas and perspectives I’ve picked up from a range of actors - civil society, elected representatives and domain experts.