In a significant boost for women's education in STEM fields, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has secured a generous $1 million scholarship endowment. The landmark contribution comes from alumnus Mahesh Samdani, from the 1986 batch, and his wife, Purva Ladha.
A Legacy in Memory of a Mother
The donation will establish the Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment at the prestigious institute. Mahesh Samdani, who currently holds the position of Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase in New York, instituted these merit-cum-need scholarships to honor the memory of his mother, Kaushaliya Devi Samdani. The primary aim is to enable talented young women from diverse economic backgrounds to pursue higher education at BITS Pilani without being hindered by financial constraints.
Samdani has a history of supporting his alma mater, contributing to various initiatives including student placements, the Practice School programme, and management education through regular engagements and talks.
Implementation and Impact
The scholarships will be awarded annually to female students who demonstrate strong academic merit alongside significant financial need. According to the institute's statement, the scholarships will be integrated into BITS Pilani's existing scholarship framework, ensuring a transparent selection process. The scholarships will become available from the academic year 2026–27.
Professor V Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani, welcomed the generous contribution, stating it reflects the enduring bond between the institution and its alumni. "By setting up this scholarship, Mahesh Samdani is creating a legacy that will open doors for countless deserving students to access world-class education at BITS Pilani," he remarked.
Empowering Women and Building a Global Institution
Commenting on his family's motivation, Mahesh Samdani emphasized their belief in the multiplier effect of education. "Educating one student uplifts an entire family. Through these scholarships, we hope to remove financial barriers and help shape opportunities for young women," he said.
Professor Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations, highlighted the broader social impact. He noted that such initiatives are crucial for increasing women's participation in higher education, particularly in technical and scientific domains. "Empowering young women through education contributes directly to gender equality and leadership across sectors," Kumar affirmed.
This new endowment also strengthens BITS Pilani's broader $100 million Endowment Fund. This fund supports the institute's long-term strategic goals of achieving global ranking status by enhancing faculty excellence, expanding research capabilities, offering student scholarships, and increasing global engagement.
The Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment stands as a testament to the power of alumni giving and a committed step towards fostering inclusivity and excellence in Indian higher education.
