Short Description
Mahesh Samdani, a US-based alumnus of BITS Pilani, donates $1 million to establish a scholarship endowment for female students, enhancing educational opportunities.
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3 minutes
Main Article
BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier engineering institutions, recently received a significant philanthropic boost from alumnus Mahesh Samdani, who, along with his wife Purva Ladha, has donated $1 million to create the Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment. This endowment will support female students demonstrating both academic excellence and financial need, reflecting the commitment of Samdani to empower future generations through education. The scholarships will commence in the 2026-27 academic year, ensuring that the funds are directed toward those who will benefit most from financial assistance.
Mahesh Samdani graduated in 1986 with a degree in computer science and currently holds the position of Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York. Over the years, he has maintained a strong connection with BITS Pilani, contributing to various activities including student placements and academic interactions. By establishing this scholarship in memory of his mother, Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani, Samdani emphasizes his family’s dedication to education as a transformative tool, seeking to alleviate financial burdens for deserving female students.
This initiative is part of BITS Pilani’s broader strategy to expand its endowment fund, which aims to enhance scholarships, faculty development, and research initiatives. Alumni contributions, such as Samdani’s, play a crucial role in this funding mechanism, highlighting the importance of community support in advancing educational quality. The first scholarships financed by the Samdani endowment will be awarded in alignment with the institute’s criteria, ensuring that the selected students are those who exhibit remarkable potential alongside a genuine need for financial assistance.
Short Summary
Mahesh Samdani’s $1 million donation to BITS Pilani establishes a scholarship endowment aimed at empowering female students. This initiative not only honors his mother’s legacy but also reinforces the significant role of alumni in elevating educational standards for future scholars.
