The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation (SDF), under the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, formally launched the Vidyadhan-Rajasthan scholarship programme recently in Jaipur, marking the first expansion of its acclaimed initiative into the state.
This merit-based scholarship targets students from economically weaker sections (annual family income ≤ ₹2 lakh) who have successfully completed Class 10 and are presently enrolled in Class 11. The flagship programme aims to support students through graduation in their chosen field.
At the launch event, Pankaj Tripathi, principal consultant, stated that at least 100 students from Rajasthan will be awarded scholarships in its debut year, with plans to expand in coming years
The initiative joins a broader Vidyadhan project already active in 20 states and Union Territories including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Ladakh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Goa. By 2030, the foundation aims to scale its outreach to 100,000 scholarships nationwide
To date, the Vidyadhan programme has granted over 63,000 scholarships, with approximately 13,000 students currently receiving support
Programme Overview
- Selection Criteria: Academic excellence post-Class 10, validated socio-economic status, and performance in written assessments and interviews.
- Scholarship Value: Class 11–12 students receive up to ₹10,000 yearly; for undergraduate studies, the aid ranges between ₹10,000 and ₹75,000 annually based on state, course, and student profile
- Each One, Teach One Model: Launched in 2016, this digital platform connects sponsors directly with students, ensuring transparency. Alumni increasingly contribute by sponsoring current students, fostering an ecosystem of sustained mentorship and giving back
- Impact: An IIM-Kozhikode assessment highlights that students join the workforce earning nearly three times their annual scholarship within their first employment year, with many families rising above the poverty line within two years. Vidyadhan alumni are now working in leading firms, serving as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, agricultural scientists, government professionals, and armed forces members
Rajasthan Specifics
The scholarship is initially open to at least 100 Class 11 students from Rajasthan; future years may extend to 100–150 recipients depending on application volume. The effort will focus particularly on reaching remote areas and government school students across the state
Applications for the following program are open now-
- Rajasthan 11th standard program
- Rajasthan – Neemuch & Mandsaur Degree program
Students can apply by going to: www.vidyadhan.org or by downloading the SDF vidya App.
For further help, please feel free to reach out on vidyadhan.rajasthan@sdfoundationindia.com or on 8068333500