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
Pawan Dabas
It is the only fellowship in our country that aims to help our empowered leaders to make informed decisions. By infusing energy and involving young minds in the process of Public policy making, it enables the legislative process to be enhanced.
Siddharth Goel
The LAMP Fellowship has helped me realize a dream I have had of experiencing policy-making and politics at the highest level. I hope this fellowship will increase my knowledge base and understanding on multifarious subjects. The opportunity to work for an MP at a youth level is something truly unique. I want to learn how policies that affect over a billion individuals with multiple stakeholders are formulated.
Ramya Teeparthi
With my interests in policy studies, LAMP fellowship offered me a unique opportunity to engage and work in the highest seat of policy formulation of India. The fellowship allows many of us to work on myriad of issues and contribute in their own small way to shape the policies in India.
Aashish Suneja
The opportunity to work with a people’s representative as his/her legislative assistant, to understand the parliamentary system of legislation and policy making process, and politics from close quarters; and the challenge of working on customised, and vastly diversified, research needs of an MP, were what provoked me to become a LAMP Fellow.
Sanskriti Jain
As a LAMP fellow I had wanted a insider's peak at the Indian political system and understand what makes it effective in a country as diverse as ours. Importantly, it was giving me the opportunity to interact with the leaders and policy makers at the forefront and make a small contribution of my own.
Hemant Shivakumar
a. The LAMP program meant work.[ 99% perspiration,1% inspiration! ]
b. The LAMP fellowship offered a unique medley of getting to experience both politics and policy making first-hand. I have been eager to pursue a career in politics and the prospect of working with politicians as an LA was deeply motivating.
. Finally, the idea of waking up everyday to a different challenge was the Chemical 'X' behind the decision to become a LAMP fellow.
Manju Sagar
One of the main reason in joining LAMP fellowship for me is to understand how our democracy functions in the hands of Parliamentarians. Being a law graduate i was always curious to know legislative aspects from a grass root level and LAMP is providing the same.
Tahira Kathpalia
The LAMP fellowship is a unique programme, which offers an opportunity to deal with a broad spectrum of issues. The added prospect of being mentored by a Parliamentarian, makes the fellowship most attractive. Devising legislative policy requires research, which MPs may not always have ready access to. The fellowship aims to bridge this gap, the impact of which could be considerable. To be, in some way, a part of this process is an exciting prospect.The experience and exposure to a wide canvass of developmental issues and interaction with policy makers offered by the fellowship, is an opportunity of a lifetime. It is this potential to learn throughout the year that is immense and truly inspiring.
Vineeth Vasudevamurthy
LAMP Fellowship seemed like a great opportunity to understand government policies first hand. In a complex democratic structure, it is helpful to look at the working of the parliament the way an MP does for better understanding of the Indian Government and democratic processes.
Ashwin Panickar
I wanted to learn the intricacies involved in legislative process and also observe the functioning of the Parliament. Besides being a law graduate and aspiring to work in the litigation side, a thorough knowledge of law making would help me in better understanding of law. LAMP Fellowship also gave an opportunity to serve the society by assisting in the functioning of Parliament, the temple of Democracy.
J. Sanjay Kumar
I thought, rather than being a mute spectator why can't we contribute something to the democracy and there cannot be any better platform than LAMP. This made me join LAMP
Abhishek Bhattacharya
I was interested in Indian politics for quite long. While researching for RTE, I stumbled upon the PRS website and was amazed at the information reservoir created by them. Upon browsing further, I came across the LAMP fellows page and it instantly created a connect. To work closely with an MP and experience politics at first-hand was an amazing opportunity and I couldn't let that go!
Tapish Bhatt
After attaining a degree in Management, I worked with a top global consultancy for two years as an Analyst. After having worked with global corporations, I was interested in a macro view of how policies are framed and implemented in my country. I felt a keen desire to be a part of the larger decision making process of the country which led me to become a LAMP Fellow. Working on diverse issues, ranging from constituency issues to issues of national interest provides tremendous cross-functional exposure that cannot be matched by any educational or professional programme.
Gaurav Ghosh
Good orators bring to a speech something more persuasive and moving than the power of the written word. These qualities often prove to be ephemeral, something lost in printed form. There is no greater platform than our Parliament and no greater exponents of this art than our politicians. Learning how to turn numbers and facts into something that leads to public welfare or questions the accountability of leadership was my greatest motivation.
Deeksha Bhalaik
The LAMP program is an ideal opportunity to engage with the political process in the country. It is a program that is one of its kind that facilitates an interest in policy issues and research. I was inspired to become a LAMP fellow because of my keen interest in public policy, environment and development. Furthur, this seemed like an ideal space to engage in public issues as a young individual.
Devaki Singh
The chance to interact and have a hands-on experience with the men and women at the heart of India's democratic setup, for a political buff like me-it just doesn't get better than that. After studying for five years about the way our Democracy does, does-not and should function, what attracted me to this fellowship was the practical experience this programme provides- the chance for me to see for myself why things sometimes work- and sometimes don't.
Yashita Jhurani
In order to dedicatedly work for the community or a cause, it is very necessary to comprehend the dynamics involved. Understanding the political process is one very essential step in that direction. The opportunity presented itself in the form of working with a Parliamentarian and subsequently be closely related to the political process of the country. This programme gives me a chance to convert theory in to practice, which is very essential to understand existing systems, and also helps me envision a role for myself in the system.
Himanshu Rao
As being a management student in my opinion world today needs more of leaders than simply managers who are willing to continuously learn, unlearn and change, who are skillful to recognize opportunity & act; and who are capable of working together with people & for the people. PRS is known for its quality research, value creation & providing real life work exposure to the student that’s why I want to pursue Fellowship with PRS. I studied Micro & macroeconomics, management, Marketing, Statistics etc.This Fellowship helps me to gain in-depth and pragmatic knowledge so that I can implement my education . As the vision of leaders involves in policy making so, working with these people by doing research work & analysis with interpretation on various issue helps me in understanding law & policy making.
Karan Godara
Baldly put,i still remember the moment it hit me-I was in the Araria District, Bihar conducting MGNREGS social audits.I came across individuals with myriad problems,which always seemed miniscule to me as i never had to grapple with them.Since then i have delved deep into certain questions.I found the answer right here.LAMP fellowship gives me that opportunity to strive for a cause greater than myself.Indirectly,it gives me the power to initiate change.
Rohit Sinha
I wanted to be in New Delhi and understand the policy space. How the entire democratic machinery functions in the delivery of efficient policies. I wish to study Public Policy in the future and by choosing to do the LAMP fellowship, I found the best and the most formal way of getting into the aspect of policy making and policy research.
Meghnad Sahasrabhojanee
After working for a newspaper, I saw some loopholes in the system that needed to be dealt with urgently. I thought understanding the policy making process, and then working on the problems would be the best way to go about it. I also want to know what all it takes to become a politician. Working closely with an MP will help me achieve all of this.
Nitesh Singh
The Fellowship would provide me an ideal opportunity to work with a MP at the epicenter of Indian Democracy; to conduct research and analysis on various issues. Exposure and experience is a definite in this one year but I’m eagerly hoping to get sensitized and oriented in the processes, flow, and speed of our democratic system, before being able to assess wherein I could contribute further in the course.
Ana Abbas
The sole idea of being associated so closely with an MP gave me an inspiration and direction to learn. I am just another concerned citizen of a nation, the concept highly appealed to me as I thought I could gain insight about the Parliament, Parliamentarians & the Procedures. I sincerely hope to learn how the many problems of my country are addressed and dealt with in the real picture.
Piyu Talwar
My motivation for joining the program was that I plan to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations in the next year, and working under an MP will I think, give me in intimate understanding of how the political machinery functions in our country. Also, the intensive research involved will imbue me with a set of skills that are sure to be an asset for any future course of employment.
Aman Singh Sethi
Sitting in office during an internship in my final year i came across the LAMP Fellowship link at the PRS website. Coming from a law background i saw this as a wonderful opportunity to experience Parliamentary working. I felt that this insight would offer me better perspective on law and policy making as well as provide firm grounding in my desire to litigate in India.
Vikram Kishore Bhattacharya
Political consciousness is integral to the functioning of a vibrant democracy and the PRS LAMP Fellowship provides us with a new avenue that exposes us to the world of Politics, which is what inspired me, in the first place to become a LAMP. This fellowship will give me a new insight as to how the political process works and help me as I plan to go into academics in the future.
Prashanth Potluri
In order to fulfill my life long dream of becoming a contesting politician, joining the LAMP fellowship in order to understand the proper functioning of a political office seemed to be the most obvious step forward. I hope that working alongside an MP in close proximity and understanding his needs and challenges make me better equipped for my future pursuits.
Ravi Kiran Upadrasta
LAMP provides young students who want to make a difference with a chance to be part of the system and understand a process which is always criticized by common man. Working with a Member of Parliament would enable me to learn how much effort goes into the legislation process. Hopefully, I will be able to break the stereotypes our leaders have among the people of this country.
Jaspreet Singh Chawla
The LAMP Fellowship gives one a chance to explore and develop a perspective on a wide range of issues. Besides, the semi academic nature of the fellowship and the professional rigour it combines greatly appealed to me.
Dheerajendra Patanjali
LAMP will provide me an opportunity to work with the Apex Legislature, to look closely the various policy making process and Above all, a rare exposure towards behind curtain works of parliament.
Aditya Ramesh
Reconstructing and interpreting a process vis-à-vis engagement with a process are closely interrelated. However, rarely are the two correlated in either academia or ground level politics respectively.What inspired me to become a LAMP fellow was the challenge in synthesizing these two strands, both of which I believe, are vital to the functioning of politics.
Ashish Agrawal
I wanted to work in the development sector since my college days. After I finished college, I took up a corporate job but again returned back to the development sector after a few months. LAMP Fellowship is a a nice platform to know and experience what goes on before developmental policies are framed by the government.
Bhumish Khudkhudia
I see the LAMP Fellowship as an opportunity to understand the intricacies of Indian Parliamentary System and to get out of my comfort zone as the Fellowship would be extremely challenging but at the same time a rewarding experience for me. The Fellowship will enable one to fulfill the highest standards of performance and thereby instilling professionalism, industrious work ethic and contribution towards one’s holistic development.
Shruti Jagirdar
Being a LAMP fellow will afford me the priviledge of playing a much more active role in my field of interest(policy making) at a very early stage in my career. As an assistant to a parliamentarian I would be part of a process privy to a few. Watching an idea germinate, being able to research it, contribute to its understanding and ultimately have it being raised in Parliament would be a valuable lesson in nation-building.
Vikas Agarwal
The very idea of working on every subject that affects the functioning of the country made me join the fellowship.
Abir Joshi
The LAMP program offers young adults, a unique opportunity that begins with a conscience decision to work within the system, and assist an MP not only with his legislative work, involving the drafting and debate over bills and polices, but also in his capacity to keep governments accountable through parliamentary mechanisms, knowing that assistance I can provide through my job could potentially improve the lives of over 1.2 billion individuals.
Swaha Katyayini Ramnath
What prompted me to apply for this fellowship was the fact that it seemed to offer a unique blend of research and public policy outside the academic framework for graduates, like me. The opportunity to work in an environment that would aid the national legislative process indirectly, appealed to me instantly. Such an initiative undoubtedly strengthens the value of being a citizen of this country.
Rini Aich
LAMP presents an opportunity to evolve myself into a Renaissance woman as legislative research demands an understanding of a wide range of subjects. My eagerness to learn, spearhead activities and my questioning spirit inspired me to become a LAMP fellow. In our ambition for ‘development’, it is critical to examine the nature of decision making processes in the given political context. LAMP provides just the clarity and experience in this sphere.
Shawn Sebastian
The legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament is a fascinating programme in the way it is framed. Assisting an MP is his legislative work and in that way an opportunity to be part of the legislative process was the biggest incentive I had. A chance to understand the Indian Parliament and thereby understand the socio-economic-political realities of the country is not offered to many youngsters and I had no hesitation in grabbing it.
Ashish Modi
I see Parliament as an epic institution which works for the welfare of the people. LAMP fellowship is an excellent opportunity to engage oneself with the working of the parliament and play a constructive role in policy making. However, this requires one to be constantly vigilant, analytical and structured in his/her thoughts and activities. The challenging and dynamic nature of the fellowship inspired me to be a LAMP fellow.
Padma Karri
LAMP Fellowship is a unique initiative to assist the Members of Parliament trying to make their work easy and simplified. This has the potential to increase the participation of the parliamentarians and thereby leading to formulation of policy in a more effective way. The very idea that LAMP tries to make the system efficient by being a part of the system, inspired me to become a LAMP Fellow.
Shrijeet Basumatary
To work close with MP and understand the policy making of the country with hands on training grabbed my attention. I knew the task would be huge and challenging so picked it up in order to groom myself for my future career. Understanding politics, one of the area of my interest could be given wings as a LAMP fellow.
Jasveen Bindra
I believe that working with a Member of the Indian Parliament would allow me to observe from close quarters political policy formulations, challenges posed by constituency governance and the essential elements that go into the legislative process. This birds-eye view into the political landscape is crucial for my academic study, as well as a potential political career.
Meenal Kukreja
I had been looking out for an opportunity that would enable me to work on diverse social and economic issues. The LAMP fellowship gave me that opportunity and that too right at the center of policy making.
Kush Sharma
I intend to initiate my own social venture. I joined the fellowship so that all the lessons learnt here could be passed on to my future audience and to public at large.
Svetha Venkatram
Education(Graduation) : B.A (Honours) English, Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi
The LAMP Fellowship is a perfect opportunity to explore my interests. I wanted to understand the legislative debates that shape welfare policies in India’s current economic climate. I am keen to conduct my own research in the future and contribute to steering Indian policy on poverty alleviation, livelihood and health.