Grit and Merit

Updated on: Monday, September 05, 2011

Meritorious students, from the economically weaker sections of the society, were awarded scholarships for further studies-a first of its kind-on August 30, at the Science City auditorium. Special guests present at the occasion were Bratya Basu, minister, school and higher education ministry, Ravindra Chambria, chairman, Anant Education Initiative, and Kalyan Kar, managing director, Infinity Knowledge Ventures, Pvt Ltd.

In spite of an increase in investments in the education sector, cash crunches are par for the course. In lieu of this recurring problem, the Infinity group has initiated Anant Launched in March 2011, Anant offers educational scholarships to a large number of deserving students to pursue higher studies, after successfully completing high school education. “Our aim is to empower education and eliminate poverty,” said Kalyan Kar, managing director. A total of 252 scholars (140 girls and 112 boys) were hand-picked by a professional team, from the 1260 applications received. Every student will receive a scholarship amount of Rs 6000 per year, till graduation. The money distributed at Rs 500 per month, will be directly transferred to their bank accounts, also opened by Anant, with Canara Bank. The students will be able to access their accounts through debit/ATM cards and cheque books.

The organisation does not believe in just providing the students with money. Its aim will be to monitor the students’ education, conduct seminars for the students, and provide career counseling. Also, help them with internships and job placements. “This is just a humble start with 252 students. We hope to help many more in the future,” says Chamaria. Anant’s target is 100,000 students in ten years.

The chief guest, Bratya Basu congratulated the Infinity group for this initiative. “As political leaders, we will try to create such a well-equipped educational system in ten years that no student will ever have to depend on a scholarship for their studies,” added Basu, speaking of the future.

The ceremony drew to a close with the students taking a pledge to carry the good cause forward, by supporting at least one student, as and when they are established in life.

Grit and Merit

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