BENGALURU: Manipal Foundation and SLS Trust have signed an MoU to launch “Aspire and Achieve Scholarship Program” for tribal students from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, for professional courses. It will empower tribal students by providing access to BSc courses in Allied Health, BBA and BCA. 20 first-generation learners from lower economic backgrounds will be awarded the scholarship.
Manipal Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Manipal Education and Medical Group. The scholarships reaffirms the group’s mission to uplift disadvantaged students through equitable access to education. The SLS Trust works with schedule caste, scheduled tribe, other backward caste and minority communities in Mayurbhanj and other areas. It would select deserving students through its centres of learning in remote areas catering the under privileged sections of society.
Mr Harinarayan Sharma, CEO Manipal Foundation said, “The Manipal Foundation is committed to empowering our society through holistic and sustained initiatives. Our scholarships are focused on transforming the society by uplifting disadvantaged students through equitable access to quality education. This scholarship would enable students to break the cycle of poverty, and support their families and communities upon graduation.”
Ms Itishree Murmu, Chairman of SLS Trust said, “We believe in empowering students by cultivating curiosity and instilling core values through education. This scholarship resonates with our mission to educate and train the youth from the region through quality higher education so they could contribute to the region’s development.”
Mr Subodh Kumar, Development Coordinator SLS Trust, said “We are full of gratitude for this collaboration with the Manipal Foundation. This will transform lives of not just these 20 students and their families but these students will become role models for the youth in these areas.”
The Allied Health programme includes BSc in clinical psychology, cardiovascular technology, medical imaging technology, renal replacement therapy and dialysis technology and optometry. These courses will be taught at the Manipal TATA Medical College (MTMC), a constituent of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The BBA and BCA programs will be delivered at the Sikkim Manipal University (SMU).
About Manipal Foundation:
Manipal Foundation is the social and philanthropic arm of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Dr. T.M.A Pai, the founder and guiding force behind MEMG, steered his energies to provide education and healthcare, two critical areas of human development, so that they empower people and improve their way of life. This legacy has been carried forward by his son and grandson, Dr Ramdas M. Pai, Chairman Emeritus, MEMG and Dr. Ranjan R Pai, Chairman, MEMG. The Foundation has adopted this ethos of empowering people and focuses its initiatives in the five areas of Education, Healthcare, Women Empowerment, Livelihood & Vocational Skills and Environment and Civic Initiatives.
About SLS Trust
Since 2014, the SLS Trust has striven for the region's socio-economic development, employing a 360-degree approach from healthcare to livelihood. This approach has benefited all societal sections, earning widespread appreciation and recognition. Building upon this, the Trust also prioritizes the welfare of children and senior citizens, collaborating with government programs. Furthering its educational aims, the SLS Memorial Residential School in Pahadpur, Odisha, offers a comprehensive curriculum, integrating academics, arts, yoga, and values. The Trust is also committed to expanding infrastructure and promoting technology to enhance its regional impact.
