DRF launches girls Scholarship Scheme ‘Sashakt’

NEW DELHI, MARCH 14: Dr Reddy’s Foundation has launched ‘Sashakt–Women for Science’ - a scholarship to help young girls on the cusp of charting their career to plan for research careers by opting to study B.Sc in pure/natural sciences.

The scholarship, supported by Dr Sashikheran, was launched at Dr Reddy’s Leadership Academy at Bachupally in the presence of several eminent women scientists who are committed to scientific research and study. Dr Tessy Thomas, Eminent Scientist, Director Advanced Systems Laboratory, DRDO who has been a great motivator for this scholarship, feels this is a good start to encourage the study of science and increase the percentage of women scientists from the present 14%. In her message to the students at the launch she said “The Sashakt scholarship with its mentorship program is a great opportunity for all the young girls who want to prove themselves in the field of science.”

The scholarship is meant for bright young girls who have finished their schooling and are at a crucial juncture in their career choices as they are getting ready to enroll for graduation. Given that very few women embark on a career as a scientist, this scholarship provides an opportunity for young girls to dare to dream without being restricted by financial constraints or family’s other priorities. It will cover both the college and residential expenses for the three years of graduate study in any one of the 12 top shortlisted science colleges in this country.

“We are launching this scholarship in line with our Founder, Dr Anji Reddy’s vision to promote scientific temper in our country. While this scholarship will certainly assuage the financial burdens for young girls wanting to study a science course of their choice, the best feature of this scholarship is the provision for each student to connect with renowned women scientist as a mentor. Since most young girls shy away from taking up science due to the lack of mentoring, this hands-on mentorship support, we hope will address this gap says Shamik Trehan, CEO Dr Reddy’s Foundation.

Apart from Dr Tessy Thomas’s support, other women scientists who have stepped up to support the program by mentoring these young girls include leading scientists like Dr Rita John, Head of Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Madras & Dr Sumera N Hasham from Dr Reddy’s.