Symbiosis International University Launches Prestigious Rotary Peace Centre in Pune
Mid-career professionals specializing in conflict resolution, public policy, humanitarian action, and social change now have access to an exceptional opportunity through the newly inaugurated Rotary Peace Centre at Symbiosis International University (SIU) in Pune. This groundbreaking initiative offers a fully funded, one-year postgraduate diploma programme in peace and development studies, specifically designed for experienced practitioners across Asia.
Programme Details and Eligibility
The centre, which was officially inaugurated on January 26, will select up to 40 Rotary Peace Fellows annually through a rigorous global competitive process. The programme targets mid-career professionals aged 35 to 45 who have substantial experience in peace and development sectors within Asian communities or across the broader Asian region.
Vidya Yeravdekar, principal director of Symbiosis and pro-chancellor of SIU, announced the initiative at a news conference on Tuesday. She emphasized the programme's significance for Indian professionals, stating: "For Indian professionals, the centre represents a rare opportunity to gain international exposure, advanced academic training, and a global professional network while remaining rooted in the region they seek to serve."
Comprehensive Financial Support and Curriculum Structure
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition fees, living expenses, field study costs, and travel expenses. This substantial support significantly reduces barriers for experienced practitioners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, enabling them to participate without financial burden.
The programme employs an innovative blended learning model that combines academic coursework with experiential field-based learning. The curriculum begins with a two-week online intensive session, followed by 12 specialized modules. The educational journey culminates in both domestic and international field visits, providing participants with hands-on understanding of conflict and development dynamics in real-world settings.
Global Context and Strategic Importance
Holger Knaack, trustee chair of Rotary Foundation, highlighted the programme's global impact, noting that there are currently 1,800 peace fellows working worldwide in United Nations agencies, entrepreneurial ventures, and various leadership positions. While Rotary maintains university partnerships in Africa, East Asia, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, the Symbiosis partnership marks the organization's first Peace Centre in South Asia.
Bharat Pandya, trustee of The Rotary Foundation (2022–26), emphasized India's unique position as an ideal study location. He noted that the country's vast social diversity and complex development challenges make it a perfect "learning laboratory" for peacebuilding initiatives. "This centre will nurture leaders who can approach conflict with empathy, innovation, and practical solutions," Pandya stated.
Application Timeline and Global Fellowship Network
Applications for the 2027 intake are scheduled to open on February 1 and close on May 15, 2026. Globally, Rotary awards up to 170 fully funded peace fellowships annually across eight centres worldwide, making this Pune-based programme part of an extensive international network dedicated to cultivating peace leaders.
The Symbiosis Rotary Peace Centre represents a significant advancement in peace education within South Asia, offering mid-career professionals an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and contribute more effectively to peace and development initiatives across the region and beyond.
