Workshop on Overseas Higher Education Scholarship and Schemes for SC/ST Students at VNIT on April 12, 2025
A one-day workshop on Overseas Higher Education Scholarships and Schemes for SC/ST Students was organized by Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, in collaboration with the Social Studies Foundation, Pune, and the Sankalp Student Social Welfare Foundation on April 12, 2025. The workshop aimed to guide Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students regarding overseas education scholarships and related schemes.
Prof. K. M. Bhurchandi, Dean (International Affairs), VNIT, presided over the inaugural function. Shri Hari Sowani, Director of Social Studies Foundation, was the Chief Guest, while Shri Akash Sewatkar, Director of Sankalp Student Social Welfare Foundation, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
The workshop featured a series of insightful sessions:
- The first session, conducted by Dr. Aditi Paswan (Assistant Professor, Sociology, Laxmibai College, University of Delhi), focused on essential life skills including communication, time management, and digital literacy.
- Mr. Deviprasad Kulkarni, Director of Mindkraft, along with his colleague Ms. Sonia, conducted a unique social assessment test designed to help students assess their readiness to thrive in diverse global environments, highlighting both their strengths and areas for growth.
- Dr. Shashi Bala from Delhi University, a recipient of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), led a session on the Central Government’s NOS scheme for SC and ST students. She elaborated on the application process, eligibility criteria, benefits of the scheme, and shared insights from her personal experience as a beneficiary.
- In the next session, Shri Vijendra Sonawane, Chief Executive Officer of Social Studies Foundation, introduced the Maharashtra State Government’s overseas scholarship scheme. He encouraged students to pursue their global academic dreams and emphasized how state-sponsored support can make these aspirations attainable.
- The final session, conducted by Dr. Anoop Tiwari from the Central University of Haryana, urged students to explore a broader range of scholarship opportunities beyond government schemes. He discussed several private, NGO-sponsored, industry-sponsored, and international university-based funding options available to aspiring scholars.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rahul Biswas (Assistant Professor, Applied Mechanics, VNIT). Dr. Diwakar Z. Shende (Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, VNIT), the workshop coordinator, extended his gratitude to all the resource persons, partner organizations, and Mr. Amit Bure for his tireless efforts in managing logistics and the registration process for the large number of student participants. Many thanks to the Honorable Director, Prof. P. L. Patel, for his constant encouragement and support in making the event a success. Special thanks to Prof. K. M. Bhurchandi (Professor, ECE & Dean, International Affairs, VNIT) for presiding over the event and motivating the student participants to pursue higher education and overseas scholarships.