Ashoka India came into being in 1981. In 1982, we elected the first group of Ashoka Fellows. Since then Ashoka India has grown into a rich fellowship of 300 fellows who are working in diverse fields. Ashoka India’s Venture and Global fellowship programs have been made richer by the ownership and guidance of Fellows who are now 300 in number.

India has also been the launch pad for many global initiatives of Ashoka. In 1993, Ashoka launched Changemakers - the first magazine devoted to the field of social entrepreneurship - from India, which then evolved to become the first portal on social entrepreneurship. The Environmental Innovations Initiative, a global program that involves Ashoka Fellows around the world working in diverse areas of environmental protection was flagged off from India in 1999. In December 2003, the Law for All Initiative was launched from India to work on full citizenship by ensuring access to law for all.

Ashoka India has a vibrant fellowship across 24 states around the country, out of which alomost 50% are involved in various initiatives, as facilitators, co-developers and leaders as well as panelists in the selection process.

We are currently preparing for the launch of two new programs in India – the Full Economic Citizenship and Youth Venture.

Fellows on their way to a Group Meeting