We have selected our first cohort, scroll down to read more!
Meet Our Fellows: The Class of 2027
The first cohort of the Queer India Fellowship brings together an extraordinary array of diverse voices, identities, and disciplines across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. From filmmakers, scientists, and environmentalists to architects, artists, public health practitioners, and policy researchers, each fellow is working at the intersection of their lived experience and professional expertise.
Their projects span a wide range of critical areas, from building queer cultural infrastructure, advancing climate resilience, creating inclusive healthcare and housing systems, strengthening digital safety, shaping policy, and reimagining spaces of belonging. Together, they reflect the potential of queer leadership in India today.
Read more about each fellow and their work through their profiles below. Follow Godrej Foundation and Godrej DEI Lab to stay updated on their journeys.
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Aarav is a researcher, writer, and photographer from Mumbai, currently based in Bengaluru. His work sits at the intersection of AI, technology policy, digital accessibility, and queer rights.
Aarav he/him
AI Researcher
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Akshaya is a researcher at the Centre for Child and the Law, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. She works at the intersection of policy research, evidence building and advocacy for food and nutrition security.
Akshaya she/her
Policy Researcher
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Alka Kumari is a non-binary, neuro-queer person and a scientist in their final year of PhD at IISc Bengaluru. Drawing from both research and lived experience, they are working to create a STEM ecosystem where queer people can find a sense of belonging.
Alka they/them
Scientist
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Balakrishnan is a theatre artist, curator and entrepreneur from Coimbatore. He is working on building performing arts spaces, working with artists, and building a sustainable ecosystem for the performing arts.
Balakrishnan he/him
Theatre Professional
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Kshitij is a climate policy analyst from Lucknow who currently resides in Bhopal. His interests include climate action planning, governance and socio-ecological approaches to environmental conservation.
Kshitij he/him
Climate Analyst
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Mihir is a Mumbai-based professional and entrepreneur whose practice spans arts curation, production, and management. He works closely with emerging visual artists, mentoring their creative growth and advising galleries and institutions.
Mihir he/him
Arts Curator
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Rahul Upadhyay is an alumni engagement strategist by day and the leader of the world's largest Pride organization association by night. They’re friendly, kind-hearted, and an absolute sucker for a good horror movie.
Rahul they/them
Engagement Strategist
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An architect by day and a force of nature by night, Shivani is also a drag artist. Though currently based in Delhi, she was born and raised in Rishikesh, and her soul remains deeply rooted in the Himalayas, where she has spent a major part of her life.
Shivani she/they
Architect
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Shwetangi is a researcher based in Delhi. Her research interests include queer experiences, workplace inclusion, gender equity, and the intersection of policy, identity and social change.
Shwetangi she/her
Data Analyst
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Tanvi is an award-winning champion for the LGBTQIA+ community, public speaker, and trainer with 5+ years of experience in DEIB. She works with individuals, groups, and organisations to strengthen their belonging and inclusion efforts.
Tanvi she/her
Business Manager
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Vinayakan is an economist and policy researcher based in Europe. His work spans innovation, LGBTQ+ economics, entrepreneurship, institution-building, and European political affairs. He is the founder of QueerEcon.org.
Vinayakan he/him
Economist
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Dr. Urvi is an MBBS doctor and public health student from Gujarat, passionate about the intersection of medicine, public health, and LGBTQIA+ health. She hopes to contribute to reimagining healthcare and medical education.
Urvi she/her
Public Health Doctor
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Zena Sagar, 30, is a producer, filmmaker, and artist building a life around turning ideas into reality. She moves between films, mixed-media, advocacy, exploring ways of creating, imagining, and being.
Zena Sagar she/her
Film and Media Producer