Srinagar, June 30, KDC: The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), a Bengaluru-based philanthropic organisation, has launched its flagship Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme in Jammu and Kashmir, extending long-term financial assistance, mentorship and career guidance to meritorious students from economically weaker families.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Tuesday, SFPI Principal Consultant Pankaj Tripathi said the programme, which has been running since 1999, is being introduced in Jammu and Kashmir this year as part of its expansion to new regions. Besides J&K, the initiative is also being rolled out in Nagaland and is proposed to be launched in Chhattisgarh.
Tripathi said students who have secured at least 75 per cent marks in the Class 10 examination and belong to families with an annual income of less than ₹2 lakh are eligible to apply. The selection process will include a written test and an interview.
He said the scholarship provides support from Class 11 until graduation, covering a period of five to seven years depending on the course of study. In addition to financial assistance, the programme offers mentorship, career guidance and internship opportunities to help students plan their academic and professional careers.
According to Tripathi, the scholarship programme was launched in Jammu and Kashmir in May, and around 45 students from the Union Territory have already applied. Applications will remain open until the end of July, and the online application process is free of cost.
He encouraged eligible students, particularly those from remote areas and government schools, to apply, adding that a dedicated helpline has been established to assist applicants facing difficulties during the online application process.
Founded in 1999 by Infosys co-founder S.D. Shibulal and his wife through the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, the Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme currently operates in 27 states and Union Territories. It is supported by several corporate partners, including UST, Flex India, FANUC India and Intrepid Finance.
Tripathi said SFPI has selected 50 students from Jammu and Kashmir for the first batch and plans to induct 50 to 60 students from the Union Territory every year, enabling continued support for deserving students pursuing higher education. (KDC)
