Officials along with the beneficiaries pose for a photo during a scholarship programme ceremony held in Guwahati on October 29.
Guwahati, November 6 (MExN): Indus Towers Limited has marked 10 years of its scholarship programme for students with disabilities by felicitating 77 beneficiaries from five Northeastern states for the 2026–27 academic session at a ceremony held in Guwahati in partnership with Shishu Sarothi.
Assam Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ashwini Ray Sarkar attended the event as the chief guest.
The Indus Towers Scholarship Programme, launched in 2016 under the company's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Saksham, supports students with disabilities in pursuing higher education, skill development and professional growth.
The programme addresses barriers to higher education faced by persons with disabilities. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, students with disabilities account for just 0.2 per cent of total enrolment nationally, while fewer than 5 per cent attain a graduate degree.
Of the 77 scholarship recipients for the current academic session, 47 are from Assam, 11 from Nagaland, eight from Mizoram, six from Meghalaya and five from Tripura. The scholarships cover students pursuing certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Since its inception, the programme has supported more than 900 students with disabilities across the Northeast. Nationwide, it is supporting 200 students during the 2026–27 academic session.
Delivering the welcome address, Shishu Sarothi Executive Director Ketaki Bardalai highlighted the achievements of programme alumni in fields such as engineering, medicine, law and government services. She said sustained educational assistance could transform lives and appreciated Indus Towers for its decade-long commitment to inclusive education.
Speaking at the event, Sarkar commended the determination and resilience of the scholarship recipients. He highlighted the Assam government's continued focus on rehabilitation, skill enhancement, vocational training and expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also lauded Shishu Sarothi and Indus Towers for their partnership in promoting social change.
Indus Towers Limited Circle CEO (NESA) Rajender Gurung congratulated the scholars and reiterated the company's commitment to inclusive community empowerment.
“As we enable connectivity for millions in India, the responsibility to uplift communities becomes both a privilege and a purpose. Indus Towers' flagship CSR programme, Saksham, empowers individuals and their families through education, skills and opportunity. Our ten-year partnership with Shishu Sarothi in the Northeast is a proud example of this commitment, helping students prepare for academic and professional success with confidence and dignity,” he said.
The event was also attended by Assam State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Sushama Hazarika and Director of Social Justice and Empowerment Suswapna Kakati.
Following the ceremony, the newly inducted scholars attended an orientation on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, to familiarise themselves with their legal rights and entitlements. They were also briefed on the use of the digital scholarship portal.
