In the present era, education is the significant key to success. But prevailing competition to succeed often couples with educational inflation. Then how do people from economically backward communities get access to quality education? The only key to moving forward is getting scholarships and fellowships. Scholarships are nothing but the financial assistance provided by the government or organisations for deserving students. It is to ensure that the students concentrate on their studies without having to worry about their financial needs. Not just that, scholarships also play a crucial role in promoting diversity and fostering meritocracy. In this article, let’s look at the lives of individuals profoundly impacted by scholarships.
People for whom scholarships were life changing
- BR Ambedkar
Fighting against untouchability and caste oppression, BR Ambedkar managed to obtain a degree in economics and political science from Bombay University in 1912. He was struggling to pursue his higher education because he had family to take care of. But, in 1913, he received a Baroda state scholarship that was established by Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The scholarship provided 11.50 sterling per month for three years. The assistance has enabled him to pursue postgraduate education at Columbia University in New York. He cleared his MA, majoring in economics, sociology, history, philosophy and anthropology. In 1916, he enrolled at the London School of Economics to pursue his PhD. Even though his scholarship ended in 1917 and he had to return to India, he finished his doctoral thesis and submitted it at the earliest.
The scholarship has allowed him to study at prestigious institutions. It in turn exposed him to diverse perspectives on social justice, economics and political theory, which influenced his thoughts on caste, inequality and human rights. Armed with his education and insights, Ambedkar became a leading advocate for the rights of the Dalits and other marginalised groups, fighting against the caste system and social discrimination. Not just that, his academic background and understanding of law and governance played a crucial role in his position as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, where he embedded principles of equality and justice. Ambedkar’s journey from a marginalised background to becoming a key figure in Indian history serves as an inspiration for countless individuals striving for social justice and equality.
- MS Swaminathan
Following the demise of his father when he was just 11, MS Swaminathan was raised by his paternal uncle. Since his parents wanted him to be a doctor, he pursued zoology in his undergraduate. But the Bengal famine changed his mind and he decided to pursue agriculture. In the late 1940s, when he was selected for Indian Police Service, he received a UNESCO fellowship to pursue genetics at the Wageningen Agricultural University’s Institute of Genetics in the Netherlands and he willingly chose genetics. During his tenure, he worked on adapting genes to provide resilience against parasites and cold weather. His research succeeded. Exposure to advanced research techniques and agricultural practices, particularly in genetics and plant breeding, was critical for his role in India’s green revolution.
During the revolution, he developed high-yielding varieties of crops that significantly increased food production and alleviated hunger in India. Not just that, Swaminathan became a key advisor to the Indian government on agricultural policies, leveraging his education to advocate for sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
- APJ Abdul Kalam
Born at Rameswaram on Pamban Island, the renowned scientist and former president’s childhood life was difficult. His father was a boat owner, and his mother was a housewife. By the time Kalam was born, the family was poverty-stricken. He had to sell newspapers to add to the family’s income. Despite the struggles, Kalam studied hard both at school and colleges. After completing his school studies, he pursued his higher education at St. Joseph’s College in Trichy and graduated in physics. In 1955, he got into Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering through a union government-sponsored scholarship at the college.
At the college, he gained invaluable knowledge and skills that significantly impacted his future work in India’s space and missile programs. His experience there also fuelled his passion for advancing India’s technological capabilities. While speaking at the second convocation of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology in 2010, Kalam disclosed that he worked non-stop for three days to save his scholarship. He also shared how he used to pledge his books to get money to travel home during vacations.
- NR Narayana Murthy
Born into a middle-class family in Karnataka, NR Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the National Institute of Engineering. He, then, bagged a union government scholarship that enabled him to pursue his engineering degree at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This scholarship was part of a broader initiative to support talented students in pursuing higher education in engineering and technology. The assistance enabled him to focus on his studies without having to worry about the college fees. This in turn led to having a solid academic foundation that ultimately contributed to his success as a co-founder of Infosys and a prominent figure in the Indian IT industry. Murthy’s journey exemplifies how such scholarships can change lives and create opportunities for aspiring professionals.
- Raghuram Ranjan
Renowned economist and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Ranjan, received a union government scholarship to pursue a postgraduate diploma in management at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad. Years later, Rajan also secured a prestigious fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for his doctoral studies in finance, where he focused on economic issues. These opportunities were instrumental in shaping his academic and professional career. This in turn has enabled him to become a prominent economist and an important person in global finance.
- Vikram Sarabhai
Of the numerous scholarships, one of the notable scholarships that Vikram Sarabhai received was to study at the University of Cambridge. At the varsity, he pursued a degree in natural sciences. This assistance has allowed him to gain exposure to advanced scientific concepts and research methodologies. This in turn has broadened his perspective and inspired his vision for India’s space program. His time at Cambridge has also allowed him to connect with influential scientists and researchers. Thus, fostering relationships that would prove valuable in his future endeavours. Shortly, Sarabhai returned to India with a commitment to apply his knowledge for the country’s advancement. He played a significant role in establishing various institutions, including the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad. His contributions to space science and technology have laid the groundwork for the country’s significant advancements in these fields.
- Arunima Sinha
Born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh, Arunima Sinha aspired to join paramilitary forces. When she was all set to attend a CISF interview in New Delhi, she met with an accident. She suffered serious leg and pelvic injuries. Doctors have to amputate her leg to save her. However, the accident did not stop her from pursuing her dreams of being a mountaineer. Tata Steel Adventure Foundation sponsored her expedition and provided her with all required training. The foundation’s Bachendri Pal provided the mentorship and training required for the challenging journey. As a result of the continuous efforts, Sinha became the country’s first and the world’s second woman with prosthetic legs to climb Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak. By achieving her dream, Sinha became a symbol of resilience and strength. Her journey inspired countless individuals facing their own challenges, showing that determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Smile’s scholarship work
At Smile Foundation, we believe that education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives. Through our scholarship programs, we aim to bridge the gap between dreams and opportunities for students from underserved communities. These scholarships provide financial support that allows deserving students to focus on their studies, pursue higher education, and reach their full potential—without the burden of financial constraints.
Beyond just funding education, our scholarships also empower students to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society. For many, this support has been close to life-changing, opening doors to careers that seemed out of reach. At Smile Foundation, we see every scholarship as an investment in a brighter future– for the individual and the entire community. By fostering a culture of merit and inclusion, we are helping to create a generation of leaders who will drive positive change for years to come.
Scholarships have always been a game changer in the lives of the students even though they have not made any global innovations. Numerous scholarships provided by the government, private and development organisations have been uplifting the lives of lakhs of students on a regular basis. This assistance in turn has been helping the society to strive for equal growth without any discrimination.