PUNE: Fifty-two city-based students, who are aspiring to pursue higher education in foreign countries, have received interest-free loan scholarships from Sakal India Foundation (SIF) on Saturday. The students received an amount of Rs 75,000 each.
Chairman of Sakal Media Group Pratap Pawar and Director Mrunal Pawar, executive members of foundation Bhausaheb Jadhav and Ramesh Bodke, Secretary AS Kalgaonkar were present to hand over the scholarship amounts to the students.
Pratap Pawar said that the Foundation is planning to increase the scholarship amount to Rs one lakh next year. “With new courses and technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, etc, coming up, students have a lot of opportunities in these new fields. It will also boost the innovation and entrepreneurship sector. However, while students move out of the country to gain better education, I would like to advice that they should also return to India to serve the country. There are several opportunities available for youth in India too,” he said.
“Money is an important factor when we think of seeking education abroad. With this scholarship, SIF has supported us. I believe receiving this scholarship is more prestigious than the amount. This has boosted my confidence and also the aim to gain better merit in foreign institute,” said Maulik Kamdar, a beneficiary of the scholarship.
Pooja Kulkarni, a parent of a student, said, “This scholarship has reduced our burden and has helped us send our children abroad. This gesture will remain in my heart as it makes me feel that a near one has come to our rescue during hard time.”
