Pune: In a significant step toward transforming the education landscape, Pune-based non-profit Leadership for Equity (LFE), in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence in Teacher Education, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), has launched the Sadhana Fellowship 2025-26. This six-month, practice-based learning programme aims to train and empower aspiring educators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, informed by Siddhesh Sharma, Co-Founder of LFE, in the press conference. Kajal Pawar, Project Manager & Sharduli Joshi, Academic Lead at LFE, were present at the conference.
Set to begin in September, the Sadhana Fellowship is a blended programme combining rigorous academic input with real-world school experience. It is designed for two main groups: unemployed teaching graduates seeking to refine their skills and individuals from non-teaching fields looking to transition to a meaningful career in education. Selected fellows will receive over 400 hours of school-based teaching practice and immersion in schools, four days a week, supplemented by expert-led training in general and subject-based pedagogy, English proficiency, digital tools, and other essential soft skills.
The program’s core strength lies in its practice-based approach. This hands-on model ensures that participants don’t just learn about teaching—they actively do it, under the guidance of experienced mentors. Fellows will be mentored by skilled professionals and receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded a joint certificate from TISS and LFE, and gain access to employment opportunities through LFE’s network of partner institutions.
“The Sadhana Fellowship is our commitment to nurturing a new generation of educators who are not only professionally competent but deeply confident in their classroom leadership,” said Siddhesh Sharma. “We’re focused on developing teachers who can transform learning environments and uplift entire communities.”
Kajal Pawar added, “This fellowship is not just about employment—it’s about empowerment. Whether you’re a graduate teacher or a passionate career-changer, Sadhana is your launchpad for a fulfilling journey in education.”
Backed by Bajaj FinServ, the programme prioritizes both equity and excellence in education by addressing the urgent need for skilled, confident teachers in India’s school ecosystem. Applications are open until September 30, 2025, and aspirants can gain further information by visiting www.LeadershipForEquity.org.
The official press briefing was held in Pune, where Siddesh Sarma and his team addressed media representatives and stakeholders.
