OPPORTIUNITIES

There are currently no open positions at RAMBLE. Please check back for future updates.

Internships 
& Volunteering

The Banni grassland offers a unique opportunity to study a rich bio-cultural landscape. We welcome volunteers, interns, artists, and others to spend time in residence. Please contact us for more information on when we might be able to accommodate you.

Jaikrishna Indraji Thaker Research Opportunity

Jaikrishna Indraji was a senior botanist who produced the first ecologically informed monographs on the fora and fauna of the Banni landscape in the late nineteenth century. The Jaikrishna Indraji Thaker Research Opportunity, supports researchers who wish to work in the Banni landscape. The socio-ecological system of Banni offers numerous possibilities of conducting research on subjects ranging over a broad spectrum including grassland ecology, environmental science, economics, history and social-anthropology. In addition, the research centre in Hodka provides logistic support that includes accommodation, basic equipment, travel and field assistance. 
In our 5th year, we are inviting applications from researchers from diverse disciplines – such as botany, environmental education, conservation, zoology, economics, development studies, social work, cultural studies, and related backgrounds - can apply for field-based research on the following questions:
For the Surendranagar landscape,
1. People’s perception of reptiles in the Surendrangar landscape- comprised of Savannah grasslands and tropical thorn-forest ecosystem. A well-documented checklist of reptiles present in the landscape as well as their interaction with humans- such as religious use, pet trade, pet-keeping, sale, harm, etc. The objective is to develop a conservation framework for reptiles in the Surendranagar landscape.

2. Surendranagar grasslands support a number of ethnic pastoral communities like Motabhai Bharwad, Nanabhai Bharwad, Sorathiya Rabaris, Charan Gadhvi, etc. who herd livestock and follow a sedentary as well as a migratory lifestyle. Sahjeevan has formed a collective of pastoralists known as the Sheep Goat Breeders Association. A bio-cultural protocol (BCP) for the Association is to be made following the key themes of a BCP- to outline their core ecological, cultural, and spiritual values and customary laws relating to their Traditional Knowledge and resources, based on which they provide clear terms and conditions to regulate access to their knowledge and resources.


For Banni grasslands,
1. Documenting the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) from the existing Bhagiyas of the Banni grasslands while also focussing on the status of the TEK holders and the current shift in the passing of such knowledge to coming generations. An in-depth inquiry into the disappearing Bhagiyas and with them- the knowledge- is required.

2. The economy of Vada Kolis in the current market structure, the socio-economic and socio-ecological histories of Vada Koli community in the Banni grasslands, the shift in the economy and their skills, and what kind of economic interventions can help them organize and access better options for sustainable livelihoods.


Funding &
Applications

The fellowship is supported by Sahjeevan. These funds are meant to support field research that uses facilities at the RAMBLE field station or logistical support in the identified landscape. The budget should not exceed 2,00,000, including costs that are charged for the use of the Banni field station (please visit the field station facilities tab for more details). There is a scope of negotiations on budget as per the research design and timeline.
The RAMBLE research committee is the final authority to decide on all fellowship applications and considers applications around the year.
 
Applicants can include those working on a masters or PhD thesis, as well as others not part of a degree programme. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, names of 2 referees and a one-page note on the applicant’s proposed work. Prior work in the Banni is NOT a prerequisite.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by the 30th of November, 2023 EOD.
To apply, send mail to: ramble.banni@gmail.com with the specific subject line “Application for Jaikrishna Indraji Thaker Research Opportunity”. 

One supervisor will be assigned by the host organization. The candidate’s suggestion for an external supervisor will also be considered.

Visit the Projects section to learn more about past and current projects undertaken at RAMBLE.

Salim Mama 
Fellowship (Upcoming)

Select pastoral youth who have passed through the Salim Mama course on Pastoral Ecosystems will be encouraged to apply for the Salim Mama Fellowship. This will provide financial support and mentorship for students to undertake independent research in the Banni. More details on this opportunity will follow.

support us

Over the last few years, we have received financial and institutional support from a number of local and international organizations. If you are interested in supporting us, please contact us at:
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contact us

Field station located at:
Banni Research Centre,
Hodko village, Bhuj,
Gujarat 370510
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