Call for Applications: IIM Kozhikode – Vrihi Foundation Culinary Lens Fellowship 2026
The India-Japan Centre on Climate and Culture at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with the Vrihi Foundation, is excited to announce the inaugural Culinary Lens Fellowship for 2026. This fellowship invites young researchers in India to delve into the food history of the Indian subcontinent through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Program Overview
The Culinary Lens Fellowship aims to support original work across various formats, including:
- Written research
- Visual storytelling
- Multimedia documentation
- Experimental and hybrid outputs
This initiative seeks to expand critical scholarship on food systems by highlighting everyday practices, particularly street food vending and informal food economies.
Fellowship Theme
The 2026 fellowship will focus on small, informal food businesses and street food markets in Delhi and Kozhikode. This focus serves as a lens to examine critical issues such as migration, identity, and food security.
Urban governance often prioritizes structured, consumer-driven systems that benefit privileged populations. In contrast, street food markets challenge these systems by:
- Expanding access to affordable food
- Supporting informal economies
- Enhancing urban food security for marginalized populations
Street food ecosystems also serve as indicators of:
- Cultural identity and continuity
- Migration histories and patterns
- Social adaptation within urban environments
Research has demonstrated that migration into cities like New Delhi and Kozhikode has significantly influenced the diversity and segmentation of food markets, reflecting both economic necessity and evolving cultural identities rooted in regional histories.
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship uses street food vending as an entry point to analyze broader socio-economic and cultural processes. Key objectives include:
- Studying socio-spatial segmentation in urban markets
- Understanding migration-driven cultural transformations
- Exploring food as a marker of identity and belonging
- Assessing links between informal economies and food security
The first phase will focus on markets in New Delhi, specifically:
- Chittaranjan Park
- Lajpat Nagar
These areas are historically linked to refugee settlements following the Partition of India. In Kozhikode, selected markets will reflect connections to historical trade and migration routes, particularly maritime exchanges.
Expected Project Deliverables
Selected fellows will produce a comprehensive body of work, including:
- A 5,000-word written research submission
- A photo essay consisting of 12–15 images with contextual narratives
- An audio-visual or mixed-media archive
All final outputs must be submitted in English, and translations or subtitles are required for any non-English primary data.
Timeline and Structure
The fellowship spans six months (part-time) and includes structured mentorship and research phases:
- Mid-July 2026: Selection of two fellows
- Late July 2026: Two-day initiation program at IIM Kozhikode
- Four months: Fieldwork and first draft development
- Final phase: Submission and review
Each fellow will be paired with mentors from both partner institutions to guide:
- Research design
- Fieldwork execution
- Analytical development
Funding and Payment Structure
The fellowship offers a grant of INR 300,000 (subject to applicable taxes), disbursed in stages:
- 20% upon contract signing
- 30% after completion of primary surveys
- 30% upon submission of the first draft and review participation
- Final installment upon project completion
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to candidates who meet the following requirements:
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Urban Planning, or related social sciences
- Demonstrated skills in qualitative research methods
- Strong interest in food studies, migration, and urban systems
- Proficiency in audio-visual documentation
Additional preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with in-depth interviews and field research
- Familiarity with sociological theory
- Interest in food culture and practices
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong communication and analytical skills
Applicants must either reside in or be able to travel to field locations at their own expense. The fellowship is non-transferable.
What the Fellowship Offers
Participants will gain access to a rich interdisciplinary research environment, including:
- Collaboration with sociologists, historians, and archivists
- Mentorship from leading experts
- Exposure to innovative research methodologies
The program is anchored at the India-Japan Centre on Climate and Culture, with research and documentation guidance provided jointly by both partner organizations.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following by 30 June 2026:
- Research proposal (as per specified format)
- Statement of purpose (maximum one page)
- Curriculum vitae
- Publication list (if available)
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