The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, July 4, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a distinguished ceremony on Thursday, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), the philanthropic wing of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA), celebrated the remarkable achievements of the recipients of the prestigious ‘Professor Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship for Higher Education’ (PGDS) for the academic year 2023-2024.
The PGDS, now in its 19th edition, recognized six outstanding students from Odisha, enabling them to pursue higher education in fields spanning engineering, medicine, and liberal arts across premier institutions in India. This year’s recipients include KVM Prassana Kumar, Priyanshu Panda, Himanshu Sekhar Patra, Priyanka Dalai, Prayas Rout, and Abhipsa Chowdhury, who have secured scholarships to institutions such as IIIT Dharwad, IIT Madras, IGIT Sarang, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, and AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The felicitation ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & Founder CEO of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and societal leadership.
The PGDS initiative not only covers up to 90 per cent of academic fees and expenses but also offers comprehensive mentorship through ‘Utsah,’ a program designed to empower scholars with guidance from IMFA executives, fostering holistic development and career readiness.
Reflecting on the Foundation’s vision, Shaifalika Panda remarked, “Education has the power to transform. The PGDS was instituted with the aim to contribute to a progressive-inclusive-equitable society where ‘no one is left behind’. This opportunity allows our recipients to unleash themselves from the shackles of their socio-economic barriers onto their journey of professional success.”
Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas added, “While academic excellence is crucial, it is your societal contributions that will determine your lasting achievements. Balance your academic pursuits with nurturing humanity and actively serve the community to make a meaningful impact.”
Established in 2005 in honour of the esteemed historian Late Prof. Ghanashyam Dash, the scholarship continues to uphold its mission of fostering equal educational opportunities and advancing knowledge. The application process for PGDS 2024 will commence in August 2024 through the BIPF website, inviting future trailblazers to join the legacy of excellence and service.
