Azadi Fellowship Cohort (I)

The Azadi Fellowship Cohort I, conducted in May 2023, was an intensive one-week program aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of religious freedom, democracy, and civic engagement. The fellowship included exposure visits to key institutions such as the Institute of Regional Studies, Federal Shariah Court, National Assembly, Council of Islamic Ideology, Faisal Masjid, and Dawah Academy. This initiative sought to deepen learners’ knowledge of Islam and democracy, counter extremist narratives, and promote research-based literature. The fellowship featured 25 participants from diverse backgrounds and different faiths, providing them the opportunity to learn from 25 national and international speakers who shared their expertise and insights. The program encouraged dynamic debates and action-oriented outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of various narratives. A key component of the fellowship was the introduction of “seed projects,” which aimed to engage participants—comprising authors, scholars, and community practitioners—in implementing initiatives that promote democracy and religious freedom. The success of the program was measured by participants’ increased knowledge, enthusiasm, and post-fellowship activism, including the execution of community projects. The program was marked by meticulous planning, including logistics, session development, and resource preparation, ensuring a productive and impactful fellowship experience that built a network of young democrats committed to positive social change.