Zubaan and the Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts are delighted to announce the launch of a graphic/illustrated narrative writing fellowship under the project Once Upon a Time: Retelling Women’s Histories (held by Zubaan and supported by Tata Trusts through their Parag initiative).

This project focuses on building on existing work on writing and publishing for young adults in India, through graphic and illustrated storytelling. A series of non-fiction books focusing on the untold stories of women’s contributions to the making of modern India will be generated and published in English and two Indian languages over a three-year period. These books will add a valuable dimension – hitherto missing – to the writing of history and, in doing so, will raise the important question of what constitutes history.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS FROM WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS 

To this end, we invite proposals in English from writers, illustrators and graphic artists for gender sensitive stories on themes of women’s histories for a fellowship of eight months.

> A total of ten fellowships of Rs 100,000 each (less taxes) will be awarded.

> The fellowship is open to women, queer, trans and nonbinary writers and illustrators with an interest in creating illustrated stories for young adults.

> The fellowship encourages writers and illustrators to submit collaborative proposals. Please be aware that if you do not have a collaborator, you will be paired with one by Zubaan.

> The selected fellows will be expected to attend a 5-day residential workshop in June 2026 and work in close consultation with mentors. They will be guided to follow the process to pace their work to reach desired milestones and produce material within a stipulated timeframe.

> The output of the fellowship will be a 20–25-page graphic narrative/comic focusing on women’s histories in English. Selected stories will be offered for translation in at least two Indian languages.

> The duration of the fellowship is eight months from the time of selection.

> The grant carries an amount of Rs 100,000, less applicable taxes.