The University of Sydney has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships under a scheme that aims to discover India's future leaders.
The University of Sydney has awarded 30 scholarships worth a total of $510,000 under the annual Sydney Scholars India Scholarship program.
The scheme, established in 2019 with the aim of discovering India's future leaders, is one of Australia's most generous scholarship programs for Indian international students.
This year the University offered more India Scholarships than ever before, reflecting its ongoing commitment to international students and its relationship with India.
Undergraduate students, Ayesha Shaikh from Mumbai and Noe Chacko Jacob from Thiruvalla, were awarded the most generous scholarships, each valued at $40,000 a year for the duration of their degrees. In August, Ayesha commenced her Bachelor of Science and Noe began studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Software).
The University also awarded 15 first-year scholarships, each worth $20,000, and a further 13 first-year scholarships worth $10,000.
"We are delighted to offer a record number of scholarships under this prestigious scheme," said Vice-Principal (External Relations), Tania Rhodes-Taylor. "The quality of applications was incredibly impressive. We're thrilled to have these future leaders as part of our community."
As part of the application process, students submitted an idea designed to bring change to India.
India Scholars, 2021
Ayesha Shaikh
Ayesha Shaikh, Bachelor of Science
Ayesha, 17, is a passionate environmental activist. She plans to study environmental science and chemistry, with the goal of one day developing a sustainable, compostable alternative to plastic. "Solving the crisis of plastic pollution will also help alleviate India's problems with unsafe water and waste management, improving public health," she said.
Ayesha has volunteered with Indian environmental groups working to tackle climate change. She was drawn to the University of Sydney for its sustainability strategy and commitment to research that helps safeguard the environment.
Noe Chacko Jacob
Noe Chacko Jacob, Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Software)
Noe, 19, aspires to combine his interests in healthcare and technology. As a child, he often accompanied his mother to the special neonatal care unit of the paediatric hospital where she was head nurse. He was fascinated by the hospital's automated medical devices.
His idea to shape India's future is to develop a multilingual app that will connect patients with doctors, allowing India's diverse population - particularly those in remote areas - to conveniently connect with healthcare workers in their own language. "Through technology, we can make the work of healthcare professionals easier and the system safer and more efficient," he said. "I hope to contribute to the community through innovation so that it has an impact not only in India but, eventually, around the world."
