Vidyadhan, a Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative (SFPI), hosted the “Partnering for Social Impact” event today at the Yashada Auditorium in Pune, bringing together corporate leaders, education partners, policymakers, students, and community stakeholders to explore collaborative models for expanding access to higher education for meritorious students from low-income families.
The event marked a significant milestone in Vidyadhan’s 25-year journey, during which the program has supported more than 17,000 students, awarded over 63,000 scholarships, and built a strong alumni community of 4,900 graduates across 22 States and Union Territories. This year, Vidyadhan received one lakh applications for just 3,000 scholarship slots, reinforcing the critical need for collective efforts to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. The program aims to reach one lakh scholarships by 2030.
The event was graced by Dr. Jayaram, Director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of scientific thinking, equity in education, and long-term mentoring support for nurturing India’s future talent.
Event Highlights
The event saw participation from nearly 250 students, alumni, parents, corporates, and education partners, creating a meaningful platform for shared learning and collaborative planning.
● Round-Table Discussion: The event featured a round-table discussion ‘Collaborating to make higher education equitable’ with Vidyadhan trustees and corporate representatives on strengthening Access, Awareness, and Affordability in higher education. Panelists discussed how corporates, NGOs, and academic institutions can create scalable and sustainable pathways to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
● Celebrating 25 Years of Impact – Success stories: The audience heard inspiring journeys of Vidyadhan students and alumni from Maharashtra, highlighting the program’s transformational impact over the past 25 years.
● Panel Discussion on higher education and employability: Panelists discussed how corporates, NGOs, and academic institutions can create scalable and sustainable pathways to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
● Scholarship Distribution: Newly selected students for the academic year received their scholarship.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder & Chairperson of SFPI, said, “Education has the power to transform lives and communities. Our mission is to ensure that talented students are not held back by financial constraints. Partnerships like those initiated today are essential for expanding opportunities for deserving students across India.”
Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-Founder of SFPI and Co-Founder & Former CEO of Infosys,said, “Access to higher education continues to be the single greatest factor determining upward mobility in India. Through Vidyadhan, we aim to remove financial barriers early in a student’s journey and equip them with the support they need to excel. Our goal to reach one lakh scholarships by 2030 is rooted in this belief.”
Ms. Meera Rajeevan, Chief Operating Officer, Vidyadhan, added, “Vidyadhan has always been driven by the belief that financial challenges should never come in the way of a young person’s dreams. Over the last 25 years, our work has been shaped by strong partnerships. The engagement we witnessed today strengthens our resolve to continue building a collaborative ecosystem that supports students through education, mentoring, and employment pathways.”
Vidyadhan’s systematic selection process, including tests, interviews, and home visits – ensures that scholarships and support reach the most deserving students. As the program completes 25 years of impact, it continues to expand its partnerships with corporates, educational institutions, and community organisations to build sustainable and scalable models that empower meritorious students across India. The Pune event brought together all the stakeholders, reflecting the strong community engagement that has shaped Vidyadhan’s journey.