PRATIBHA GIRLS SCHOLARSHIP GIVING WINGS TO DREAMS OF BORDER DISTRICT GIRLS

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

In a significant step towards promoting girls’ education and empowerment, Mayank Foundation awarded scholarships to 39 meritorious and economically disadvantaged girls from Ferozepur district under its flagship Pratibha Girls Scholarship Programme. Running successfully for the past seven years, the initiative has helped hundreds of deserving students pursue higher education, with 52 beneficiaries already completing their graduation and moving towards self-reliance.

The scholarships were awarded during a function held at Bajwa Auditorium, DCM International School, Ferozepur. Under the programme, each selected student will receive ₹10,000 annually for three consecutive years to support her undergraduate studies.

Project Coordinator Vinesh Galhotra said the selection process is based on merit, financial need and transparency. Students are initially shortlisted on the basis of their academic performance in Classes X and XII, followed by a written test, assessment of family income and a social survey to identify the most deserving candidates.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr Aradhana Bahri, Principal of RSD College, said that despite being a border district, Ferozepur continues to excel in education, sports and social development. She emphasized that educating girls is one of the most effective ways to build a stronger and more progressive society and lauded the scholarship programme as a meaningful social initiative.

The programme was attended by Major General (Retd.) Veer Kumar Bhatt, Sanjana Mittal, Prachi Mittal, Meenakshi Mittal, Sarika Mittal and Tejinder Khanna as special guests, while Dr Ghazalpreet Arneja, Vice President of Mayank Foundation, presided over the function.

Foundation Secretary Rakesh Kumar highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, road safety and community welfare. The event was anchored by Prof Sapna Badhwar.

The scholarship programme is being supported by Kangaroo Group of Companies and KOHE Industries, Ludhiana. The Foundation expressed gratitude to both organisations for their continued contribution towards promoting higher education among girls.

Established in memory of Mayank Sharma, a promising student and badminton player who lost his life in a road accident in 2017, Mayank Foundation has emerged as a leading voluntary organisation in the region. Through initiatives in education, women empowerment, healthcare, sports, road safety and environmental conservation, the Foundation continues to create a lasting social impact across the border district.