The Azim Premji Foundation on Thursday announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for up to 2.5 lakh girl students from government schools across 18 States for pursuing higher education.
A scholarship of ₹30,000 will be given annually to girl students who have passed their 10th and 12th examinations in government schools and have received admission in a bona fide higher education institution (HEI). These bona fide HEIs will include all government HEIs and selective private HEIs as well. The ₹30,000 scholarship will continue for the duration of the girl’s college/university programme, so long as the girl successfully continues in the programme.
“There is no additional criteria or eligibility for the candidates. We are not conducting any exams or checking the financial backgrounds of the students,” said Anurag Behar, the Chief Executive Officer of the Azim Premji Foundation.
He stated the reason for such a type of screening was that more than 90% of government school children come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship aims to ease some of the financial burdens of girl students pursuing a higher education, rather than focus on too many checklists or screening processes.
He also noted that while primary school admissions for girls were almost equal to those of boys, higher education admission numbers showed a lesser percentage of girls. “Tuition fees are often waived off or given at a discount for girls from disadvantaged financial backgrounds. But additional expenses like commute, clothes, books etc discourage them from pursuing their higher education,” he explained.
A pilot test of the ‘Azim Premji Scholarship’ was launched in 2024-25 across certain districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, where over 25,000 girls were selected for the scholarship. For the academic year of 2025-26, the scholarship has officially been launched across 18 States, some of which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Tripura, Odisha, and Mizoram.
The application process for 2025-26 will start in September 2025. Students can apply online. The scholarship program is a ₹2,250 crore commitment across three years by the foundation, and is likely to be expanded to cover the entire country in coming years.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / May 16th, 2025
Syed Mazharuddin Hussaini, Director, SEED Foundation, USA, encouraged students to work hard for a brighter future.
In a rare initiative to nurture academic excellence and support deserving talent, scholarships amounting to ₹1 crore were awarded to 1,000 meritorious students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). The scholarships, distributed under the merit-cum-means Scholarship 2025, aim to ease the financial burden of students and encourage them to pursue their educational aspirations without constraints, said the university.
The scholarship distribution ceremony was organised by the Dean of Students’ Welfare, MANUU, and generously sponsored by SEED, USA, in collaboration with The Quran Foundation. The event not only recognised the hard work of the selected students but also underscored the university’s commitment to fostering inclusive education and creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Delivering the presidential address, Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor appreciated the efforts of SEED Foundation and The Quran Foundation, while congratulating the students. He instructed the beneficiaries to use the scholarship amount wisely, and strongly encouraged them to study hard, remain disciplined, and not indulge in any unlawful activities. He also urged students to make the best use of this opportunity to contribute towards the progress of society through education.
Syed Mazharuddin Hussaini, Director, SEED Foundation, USA, encouraged students to work hard for a brighter future. He emphasized that SEED has been associated with MANUU for the past three years and assured that the support will continue to grow in the coming years. He also expressed his intent to extend scholarships to students of the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) from the next year.
Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar remarked that scholarships are not just financial assistance but recognition of students’ hard work and an encouragement to reach greater heights. He urged the students to pursue their education with sincerity, discipline, and a vision for nation-building.
Prof. Syed Alim Ashraf Jaisi, Dean Students’ Welfare delivered welcome address. He assured that MANUU is committed to ensuring that no deserving student is deprived of education due to financial constraints, and highlighted that such scholarships serve as a powerful tool to uplift students academically and socially.
The cheques were distributed to selected students on the occasion.
Mahpara Ali, Chief General Manager (Retd.), SBI, and other dignitaries were also present there. Assistant Deans, Students’ Welfare – Dr. Jarrar Ahmad, Assistant Dean, Students’ Welfare, presented a vote of thanks and Ismat Fathima hosted the event.
In another development, the MANUU, Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Hyderabad is inviting application forms for third phase admission counseling into vacant seats in ITI Trades at Hyderabad. The Last date for submission of filled in application form at MANUU ITI Hyderabad is August 28, 2025.
According to the Principal, Dr. Arshia Azam applications form can be obtained from MANUU – ITI Hyderabad or can be downloaded from University website www.manuu.edu.in. The counseling will be held on August 29 from 9.30 am onwards at ITI, MANUU Campus, Gachibowli.
For details candidates can contact the ITI office in person or by telephone: 040-23008428 & 9440692452, said the university in a latest statement to the media.
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-Edu / by The Okhla Times / August 08th, 2025
Jameel Akhtar, an NTPC manager in Bihar, combines his professional career with a passion for education, founding a free school for underprivileged children, narrates Ramashankar
Bihar :
Education is the best tool to change society and transform the lives of the poor.” So believes Jameel Akhtar, a deputy general manager at NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Nabinagar, in Bihar’s Aurangabad district.
For him, life is more than just about having a cushy job. An engineering graduate from Kanpur’s Harcourt Butler Technical University, Jameel landed a job in NTPC in 2001 and got his first posting in New Delhi. But his life took a turn after he was transferred to Nabinagar in 2014. “It was close to my maternal uncle’s house at Dehri-on-Sone, a place I used to visit as a child. So, I was familiar with the town,” he smiles.
Not long after settling down there, he decided to open a school for students belonging to underprivileged families in 2015. Without wasting any time, he rented and appointed teachers to that end nursery to class VII. And the school was filled with the hustle and bustle of children not long after it opened as word spread about free education.
“The number of students grew sharply as we did not charge a tuition fee. In fact, at Noble Public School, we even provided the pupils with books and the necessary educational material free of charge.” Today, the school has a strength of more than 550 students.
“We have a co-education set. Both girls and boys study here,” he shares, adding, “I bear all the expenses. We have 14 teachers. I pay their salaries. I also take care of all other costs involved in running the school. For me, it is an opportunity to serve humanity.”
Ask him if he faces any financial problems because of the initiative, and he shrugs with a smile, saying, “I don’t have any monetary constraints. I am a bachelor. And all members of my family are well-settled.” However, he does take some steps to minimise the expenses. The school authorities have been asked to contact book publishing houses directly to supply the educational material for the students.
It makes the cost of books much cheaper as they don’t have to pay commission to agents or local suppliers.
“The money we save is spent on the students’ welfare,” he reveals. Despite having a full-time job, he has a very hands-on approach towards the school. “Though we have quality teachers and experts at the school, I take personal care of the students,” he shares.
Remarkably, students from Hindu, Muslim and Christian families alike study there. “The school has set an example of communal harmony in the small town of Dehri-on-Sone,” Jameel grins. At his school, education is not merely limited to the academics. His educators lay special focus on the personality development of the students.
Jameel says he wants to make sure that his students don’t lag behind others in any field. For the purpose, personal monitoring is required, he said. Since the quality of education imparted at government schools across the country remains under a cloud, schools like the one set up by Jameel is a perfect proposition for parents who can’t afford the high fees of a public school.
“It’s a boon for children belonging to economically backward sections of the society as education is imparted here free of charge,” notes Girija Devi, former councillor of Ward No. 36 (Dehri-on-Sone). Teachers at the school, such as Aarti Kumari and Tabassum, exude hope that students of the school have a bright future.
Quality teaching and proper guidance will shape the career of students studying here, they firmly believe.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Ramashankar / May 25th, 2025
The Bearys Shiksha Suraksha Foundation (BSSF) Scholarship Distribution Program was held on January 11, 2025, at the Seminar Hall of Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT). The event aimed to support the education of the children of BIT’s staff members and contribute to community development.
The program commenced with a prayer song, followed by a welcome address from Principal Dr. S.I. Manjur Basha, who emphasized the importance of the BSSF initiative in fostering educational growth. A total of Rs. 4,79,000 was awarded in scholarships, reflecting the institution’s commitment to empowering future generations through education.
Chairman Syed Mohamed Beary delivered a motivational speech, highlighting the transformative impact of collective efforts in advancing community welfare through education. Distinguished guests also commended the Bearys team for their consistent dedication to education and social initiatives.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Heena Kausar P A, who expressed gratitude to the management, staff, and attendees for their support.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 13th, 2025
Many students dream of clearing the civil services examinations but those with small means, a majority of whom are from the Muslim community, can’t afford coaching and guidance from experts for it.
To address this, the Maharashtra State Minority Officers and Employees Association (MRAAKA) has announced its residential coaching classes for students from minority communities who are preparing for competitive examinations for jobs of admissions in higher learning institutes.
For several years, MRAAKA which is registred as Maharashtra Rajya Alpaksankhyak Adhikari – Karmachari Association. has been undertaking social work and spreading awareness among minorities. In its latest initiative, the organization said its classes will be held in Pune for the academic year 2024–25.
MRAAKA President Haji Jatkar said on the initiative, “The organization was founded by a group of Muslim government employees to contribute to the welfare of the minority community. Initially, we collaborated with Anjuman Islam to organize coaching classes. Since 2021, we have partnered with the Haj Committee for this purpose. Our organization is the first government-recognized institution in the country dedicated to working for the upliftment of the minority community.”
He further added, “Students from minority communities, particularly Muslims, face challenges in pursuing higher education. We provide them with hostel facilities, study centers, and financial assistance through scholarships.”
Highlighting the purpose of the initiative, Haji Jatkar said, “While other communities have access to competitive exam academies, there isn’t a single academy of this kind for minority communities in the state. If students from minority communities are given access to quality institutions and proper guidance, they can significantly contribute to the development of society and the nation. It is fulfilling to see our organization providing a platform for minority students to claim their rightful opportunities.”
Asir Sheikh, Assistant State Tax Commissioner and a member of MRAAKA, said, “The challenges faced by minority communities are often discussed, but concrete actions to address them are rare. Bringing minority students into administrative roles is essential for the community’s growth. That’s why our organization has launched this residential coaching program to guide students and help them enter the administrative system,” he said.
He noted, “So far, we have completed two batches of residential coaching classes. Only a limited number of students are selected through a rigorous admission process. Of these, 13 students have successfully cleared competitive exams and secured postings.”
At present applications for the 2024–25 residential coaching classes in Pune are being accepted by MRAAKA. The last date for submission is January 9, 2025. Applicants’ records related to state service exams will be reviewed. Following the scrutiny, 100 students will be shortlisted for interviews, and 25 will be selected.
Preference will be given to candidates who have cleared the preliminary or main state service exams in the past. Additionally, applicants will need to provide caste verification certificates as per government reservation policies.
Any graduate from a minority community who has appeared for the state service preliminary exam and demonstrates potential to succeed can apply. The program is open to motivated students from all branches of study.
The organization works for the welfare of minority employees and aims to increase the literacy rate and overall development of minority communities. It also plans to establish separate libraries for Hindi and Marathi to promote the development of these languages.
Additionally, with the support of central and state governments, MRAAKA encourages sports by providing scholarships and other incentives to athletes from minority communities.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Fazal Pathan / January 05th, 2025
Since its founding in 2019, the Women Education and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) has empowered 8,257 women and now aims to reach 50,000 more in the next three years. TWEET also announced plans to host a National Women NGOs Conclave in April 2025 to foster capacity building, collaboration, and effective resource utilisation.
At a press conference held here Sunday, TWEET’s Chairperson, Rahamathunnissa A. shared the organisation’s vision to promote social and economic empowerment of women, enabling them to lead dignified lives with equal participation in society. She emphasised TWEET’s mission to support women in need, tackle the root causes of women’s issues, and offer comprehensive support through multifaceted initiatives.
A five-year progress report was also presented, with highlights of the programmes and areas where women have benefited under TWEET’s initiatives.
Educational Empowerment:
TWEET believes that education is the foundation of empowerment. The organisation offers merit-based scholarships for girls to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions domestically and abroad. The one-year campaign “Freedom from Illiteracy” from August 2022 to July 2023 mobilised educated women to teach non-literate women nationwide, extending literacy to underserved communities.
Economic Empowerment:
To promote economic independence, TWEET supports small business ventures such as boutiques, tiffin services, and cosmetic shops, as well as home-based businesses like detergent units.
TWEET’s support has empowered many women to become self-sufficient, enabling them to start sustainable businesses. Moreover, training sessions equip women with skills to establish their own start-ups, creating additional income for their families.
Emotional and Financial Support to Widows:
Recognising the challenges faced by women who have lost their spouses, TWEET provides counselling and financial support, ensuring they can live dignified lives.
Mahila Help Desk
This initiative empowers women by raising awareness about various government welfare schemes and guiding them to access these benefits. This programme helps women achieve financial stability by utilising government support for their livelihoods, paving the way toward a dignified and self-sufficient life.
Life Skills and Safety Programmes:
Collaborating with Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Delhi Police, TWEET conducted self-defence training programmes for girls and women. Through sensitisation initiatives, TWEET raises awareness about women’s rights and social issues, including domestic violence, empowering women to advocate for themselves and their communities.
TWEET provides internship opportunities for female students from diverse disciplines and has also established a hostel to support both students and working women.
The press meet was also addressed by TWEET General Secretary Shaista Rafat, and Treasurer Dr. Sharnas Muthu.
TWEET also announced the unanimous election of the following trustees as office-bearers for the next three-year term.
Chairperson: Rahamathunnissa A, an educationist, writer, and trainer Vice Chairperson: Zeba Zaferali Baig, a social worker and counselling expert General Secretary: Shaista Rafat, an expert in grassroots development Secretary: Rajeena Beegum, an educationist and social worker Treasurer: Dr. Sharnas Muthu, specializing in psycho-social and legal support
The extended team includes Khalida Parveen, a social worker; Dr. Jueria Reemi, a healthcare specialist, and Fakhira Atheeqe, a social entrepreneur working with women and children with special needs.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 27th, 2024
In an initiative to uplift and empower orphans, Human Welfare Foundation (HWF) awarded scholarships to 85 orphan students – 25 of which were for undergraduate and postgraduate studies – along with the Siddique Hasan Award to one exceptional student. The event took place at The Scholar School here Wednesday.
Vice Chairman of HWF, T. Arif Ali, presided over the event, emphasising the foundation’s VISION 26 programme, which addresses 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In his remarks, he urged students to give back to society once they achieve their dreams and praised the mothers in attendance for their role in nurturing and empowering their children in the absence of fathers.
Chief Guest Professor Sara Begum, Dean of Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia, encouraged students to pursue positive, innovative, and inquisitive learning. She highlighted the importance of service-mindedness and learning to live together in harmony and tolerance.
Dr. Nisha Nupur, Medical Officer at the Directorate of Health Services, Delhi, motivated students to engage in social service in addition to their career pursuits, encouraging them to become self-reliant and independent.
Charan Singh, Superintendent of the Social Welfare Department, GNCT Delhi, reminded the audience that true wealth lies in service, saying, “If a person or organisation is affluent but does not serve others, their wealth is meaningless.”
Zahoor Ahmed, Head of HWF’s Orphan Care and Community Development, outlined the Foundation’s initiatives to support orphaned students, including the establishment of nine hostels across various states to provide safe and nurturing environments.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 30th, 2024
Association of Muslims Professionals (AMP) will be conducting their 5th Annual National Talent Search Exam (AMP-NTS 2024), for School & College students on Saturday, 7th December 2024.
The National Talent Search Exam is organized with the intention of increasing and rewarding the students’ general awareness and competitive spirit and identifying the best and brightest students to support and nurture for the forthcoming national competitive exams.
The specially designed poster of AMP-NTS 2024 was launched at a grand function in the auditorium, Arcade Business College auditorium in Patna on October 19, where more than 200 influential people like social and community leaders, professionals, policy makers, retired bureaucrats, and others were present.
Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP National Coordination Team, welcomed the dignitaries, guests and students. He said that the purpose of AMP NTS is to create achievers from smaller cities and informed the audience that in NTS 2023, 90% of top rankers were from tier 2 and 3 cities. He further informed that this year, the AMP NTS 2024 intends to reach out to 1000 Blocks in all the minority-concentrated districts of India and is bound to achieve many milestones.
Dr. Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmad Munemi, Sr. Professor & HOD Arabic Department, Oriental College, Patna, was the guest of honour at the event. He said, “The Association of Muslim Professionals has brought about a revolution in the country in the field of education. Their commitment and focus are exemplary. They have touched innumerable underprivileged lives through their many activities and I wish them well for the 5th edition of their National Talent Search 2024 competition.”
Mohammad Ashfaq Sir, Director-Gravity Classes & Lead partner – AMP NTS, said “When AMP approached us to support them for their National Talent Search exam, we wholeheartedly agreed as we believed in their vision. We all need to create awareness regarding this talent search all over the country especially in smaller cities and towns so they can benefit, as their students’ IQ level is the same as in bigger cities, and those who start the training from 9th Standard onwards have a higher ratio of success.”
Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Director & Founder – Shaheen Education Foundation said, “AMP is known all over India for its excellent work in education and we decided to collaborate with them for the National Talent Search. This year we will be selecting students for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as well, which is for 450 Universities, through AMP NTS 2024.”
Mohammad Reyaz Alam, AMP State Head, Bihar and the driving force for this programme hosted the event very successfully and explained to the audience the purpose of the event, which was to launch the promotion and students’ registration of AMP NTS – 2024.
The AMP NTS 2024 exam will be held for 3-Categories of students:
* Senior/Degree Colleges (Undergraduates)
* Junior Colleges (11th & 12th Std)
* Schools (8th, 9th & 10th Std)
This year 2.5 lakh-plus students from over 8,000 schools and 2,000-plus colleges from 600-plus districts across India are expected to participate. This year, this competition will be held offline in a physical mode in 1000 exam centres of over 400 districts across the country. There will also be an online version available on the AMP World mobile app for those who are unable to appear in person.
The top 500 students will be given IIT-JEE/NEET coaching scholarships worth Rs. 10 Crores ranging from 50% to 100% by AMP’s top 20 training partners. Also to encourage the students to participate in the NTS 2024, AMP is giving out cash rewards worth ₹ 5 lakhs+. Other than these, academic scholarships worth over ₹ 20 lakhs will also be given to deserving underprivileged students through IndiaZakat.com, their Zakat-based crowd-funding platform, plus a whole lot of additional support for the students.
The uniqueness of this competition is, that along with school, college, NIOS, ITI, and Diploma students; even Madrasa students between the ages of 13 to 15 years can also participate in the National Talent Search.
This examination will be conducted simultaneously across the country on December 7, 2024 from 11 am onwards. The last date for registration in this competition is November 26, 2024.
More details about the NTS 2024 exam are available at: www.ampindia.org/National_talent_search
The AMP NTS 2024 promotion launch event ended on a positive note with all present affirming that they will try to reach the maximum number of institutions and students to become exam centres and register for the exam. The local AMP Bihar team and the respective chapter executive team members all worked relentlessly for the success of the launch event.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin India Tomorrow.net / October 21st, 2024
In a landmark effort to uplift the educational aspirations of Muslim minority students across India, the Kalam Learning Centre has announced the launch of a substantial Rs.50 crore scholarship fund.
This ambitious initiative, which stands as one of the largest scholarships programs specifically targeting Muslim minority students, aims to provide essential financial support to deserving students, helping them achieve their academic dreams without the burden of economic constraints.
The scholarship program is open to students from Class 5 to Class 12, as well as recent 12th-grade graduates who are preparing for their next academic steps. The initiative covers a wide spectrum of students, making it accessible to a large segment of the Muslim minority population. To qualify, students will need to participate in a scholarship examination conducted by the centre, ensuring that the scholarships are awarded based on merit and need.
By offering these scholarships, the Kalam Learning Centre aims to empower young students with access to quality education, removing financial hurdles that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing higher studies. The centre’s vision aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the educational landscape for minorities in India, especially at a time when educational inequalities persist across different sections of society.
The `50 crore scholarships fund represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education. It is set to play a pivotal role in the academic journeys of thousands of students, allowing them to focus on their studies, reach their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative will not only benefit the students but also strengthen the foundation of India’s future workforce by nurturing young minds through education.
In addition to this, the scholarships program resonates with the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned advocate for education. Several scholarships across India bear his name, each dedicated to advancing his dream of a fully literate nation. These scholarships, offered by various state governments, educational institutions, and organizations, aim to provide deserving and financially struggling students with the necessary resources to complete their education. Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire efforts like the Kalam Learning Center’s initiative, which seeks to build a more inclusive and educated India, one student at a time.
Through this scholarship, the Kalam Learning Centre is not only supporting individual students but also contributing to the broader mission of promoting literacy, equality, and opportunity for the underrepresented and marginalized sections of society. This initiative sets a precedent for other organizations to follow, encouraging more efforts to bridge the educational gap for minorities in India.
For more information or registration, you may click here, or download Kalam Learning Centre App, or call KLC helpline number +91-9335004071.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / October 15th, 2024
Two students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.
Hyderabad :
Two students of Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) have secured a Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) under Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) of the Department of Science & Technology of the Government of India.
According to Aisha Masarath Khanam, Secretary TGMREIS, students of TGMREIS are continuing their excellence in academics.
Two of our students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.
Asma Sultana and D. Saniya from Vikarabad Girls’ Junior College have made TGMREIS proud.
INSPIRE is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to Science.
SHE component of the INSPIRE aims to encourage meritorious students to study basic and natural sciences at undergraduate level through attractive scholarship and mentorship opportunities. SHE offers 12,000 scholarships every year to meritorious students in the age group 17-22 years.
Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, Vice-Chairman and President, TGMREIS, Shahanawaz Qasim, Secretary to Chief Minister, Tafseer Iqbal, Special Secretary to Government, Minorities Welfare Department and Aisha Masarath Khanam have congratulated the students and teachers on their achievement.
TGMREIS, earlier called TMREIS, was launched in 2017 with the aim of providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to the minority communities in the state.
The society was formed under the Telangana State Public Societies Registration Act with a vision to bridge the educational gap and promote social inclusion among minority communities. TMREIS aims to create an environment where students from minority backgrounds can access quality education, develop their talents, and build a strong foundation for their future.
TMREIS runs 204 minority residential schools and junior colleges across the state, where about one lakh students are getting education.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / August 23rd, 2024
