CHENNAI: Carrying hopes of becoming bank managers, chartered accountants, engineers and doctors, 26 students from Rani Lady Meyammai Girls Higher Secondary School at Adyar received free scholarships from Jayanti Foundation.
The school selected girls from Classes 8 to 12 from a list of academically sound students and submitted their names to the Foundation, based on economic need. “The volunteers came to our houses, asked us about our studies, interests and aspirations. They spoke to our parents, after which the Board interviewed us,” said Manjula, a Class 11 student.
“All these students are bright. Two of them are throwball players who have won several medals for the school,” said Principal M Mohana.
The foundation was established in 2011 by Swagatha Dasgupta, who was a school teacher herself. “I would see many parents unable to afford fees but could not do anything back then with my salary. After encouragement from my children and former students, I began the foundation to help deserving children, especially girls,” said Swagatha.
This year `1.16 lakh was given to 26 students from Rani Lady Meyammai, and around 60 students benefited from the Foundation last year. “We are still in the beginning phase, but we hope to make a difference,” said Swagatha.