An eminent panel will evaluate candidates based on passion for public service, and their vision for a progressive India.
NEW DELHI: In a unique initiative aimed at attracting working professionals to its ideology, the Indian National Congress on Friday unveiled the ‘Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows Program’.
The program, named in honor of the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh—respected for his professional approach to governance—will select 50 mid-career professionals annually. It aims to cultivate a new generation of political leaders with diverse professional backgrounds.
These individuals, each with approximately ten years of experience in their respective fields, will undergo intensive training and mentorship within the Congress party.
Party leaders described the initiative as part of Rahul Gandhi’s long-term plan to revive the Congress and transform it into a professional organization—not just a political outfit driven solely by traditional politicians.
Notably, many leaders seen as core members of ‘Team Rahul’ are professionals and technocrats with strong academic and industry backgrounds.
Pawan Khera, Chairman of the Media & Publicity Department, highlighted the party’s historical commitment to engaging professionals while announcing the program at a press conference held at the Congress headquarters.
“I don’t believe that any other political party has the tradition of giving a platform to professionals the way Congress has,” he said, mentioning the presence of K. Raju, a former IAS officer and currently the party in-charge of Jharkhand.
Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of the Professionals’ Congress and AICC Data Analytics Department, said the program aims to bridge the gap between professional expertise and political engagement.
Highlighting the need for experienced individuals to shape India’s future—especially amid global and national challenges—Chakravarty cited the current global economic climate, including recent U.S. tariffs, as an example of issues that require informed and capable leadership.
According to party leaders, the selection process will be rigorous. An eminent panel will evaluate candidates based on professional experience, passion for public service, and their vision for a progressive India.
Applicants will be required to submit a video outlining this vision. The program is open to professionals from various sectors including, but not limited to, law, finance, medicine, engineering, media, the NGO sector, and the corporate world.
Dr. K. Raju stated that the program will address a long-standing need within the party.
“Over the last 12 years, many people have approached me saying they want to enter politics, grow within it, and bring
That aspiration will now be fulfilled through the ‘Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows Program’,” he said. Mentorship will be a cornerstone of the initiative, with senior Congress leaders—many from professional backgrounds themselves—guiding the fellows and helping them transition smoothly into political life.
Applications for the program are open online through the website: mmsfellows.profcongress.in.