ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.

UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT SURBHI SINGH, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras | Chennai, India | Advancing SDG 10 & UNAI 1

" The Millennium Fellowship offers a way for me to discuss and deliberate the most pressing issues of our times with like-minded people who can give solutions and understand the depth of discussions. I believe the cohort understands the myriad of entrenched discrimination the Iruga tribe has been through, and it is my opinion that the fellowship, along with imparting innovation, learning, teamwork and creativity, works out to bring real change for hitherto marginalised people. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Tribe Thrive Project
The Tribe Thrive Initiative is a grassroots project focused on supporting the Irula tribe, one of Tamil Nadu’s most marginalized communities, by addressing systemic challenges in accessing government welfare. The initiative aims to empower the Irula people by bridging the gap between policy frameworks and their on-ground implementation. This includes providing tailored policy education to the community, helping them understand their rights and entitlements, and advocating for the effective delivery of benefits such as housing, healthcare, education, and livelihood support.
A significant aspect of the initiative is assisting the Irula tribe with navigating complex administrative processes, particularly those related to land ownership and resource access. Land rights remain a critical issue for the tribe, impacting their traditional livelihoods and overall well-being. By streamlining the process and providing consistent support, the project seeks to secure the tribe’s rightful access to land and resources.
The Tribe Thrive Initiative also fosters collaboration with local stakeholders, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that government programs are inclusive and sensitive to the unique needs of tribal communities. Ultimately, the project envisions creating sustainable pathways for the Irula tribe to thrive socioeconomically, preserving their cultural heritage while promoting dignity, equity, and self-reliance.
About the Millennium Fellow
Surbhi Singh is a passionate, goal-driven, bright liberal arts student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, India. Born and raised in a peri-urban area around Delhi, she has personally seen violations in social justice, women’s rights, and environmental maintenance. The fellowship translated as the next big step for her to shape her bitter experiences into a positive change for the community. It wouldn't be wrong to argue her drive for social change is fueled by the environment she has grown in, and hence, her school and college years were marked by various drives, philanthropic projects and equality movements, which she strives to continue in the future. Her aspiration remains in the on-ground execution of SDGs in particularly vulnerable areas through the support of the community, as well as professionally advocating for an environment which doesn't force the posterity to look for Earth 2.0.





