Scholars from economically disadvantaged families across Mumbai were recognised under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes.
RIZE 2025 brought together students, educators, and mentors in Mumbai as Kotak Education Foundation marked a significant moment in its long-running scholarship work. The annual gathering recognised over 1,400 students from economically disadvantaged families who have been selected under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes to pursue higher education across diverse academic streams.
Organised by Kotak Education Foundation, the education-focused CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, the event reflected the scale the scholarship programmes have reached over the years. The newly inducted scholars come from schools and colleges across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and represent a wide range of academic aspirations, from science and engineering to commerce, law, and professional certification courses.
The ceremony was attended by students who will be entering higher secondary education, undergraduate programmes, and professional courses. For many of them, the scholarship represents not only financial assistance but access to structured academic support, mentoring, and long-term guidance through critical years of study. The foundation has consistently positioned education continuity as central to social mobility, particularly for students whose families face financial constraints.
A key moment at the event was the presence of Rinku Hooda, Indian para-athlete and World Champion in javelin, who interacted with the scholars and shared his personal journey. His address focused on perseverance, discipline, and the importance of sustained effort in the face of barriers. Students responded with visible enthusiasm, engaging with his experiences and drawing parallels with their own academic journeys.
The event also featured an address by alumnus Vishal Nevge, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax with the GST Department, Government of Maharashtra. As a former beneficiary of the Kotak Junior Scholarship Programme, he spoke about the role structured support played in his career progression. His remarks resonated strongly with students and parents, offering a tangible example of how early educational backing can translate into professional outcomes.
Senior leadership from Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation addressed the gathering, reflecting on the growth of the scholarship programmes over time. Devang Gheewalla, Group Chief Financial Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, spoke about the importance of sustained investment in education as a long-term commitment rather than a one-time intervention. He highlighted how the scale of the programme has expanded while retaining focus on individual student outcomes.
Paul Parambi, Trustee at Kotak Education Foundation, encouraged scholars to approach their academic paths with consistency and resilience. He emphasised that the scholarship is designed to support students beyond tuition costs, with an ecosystem that includes mentoring, skill development, and exposure to real-world opportunities.
Arati Kaulgud, Director of Scholarship Programmes at Kotak Education Foundation, said the newly inducted scholars reflect the transformative potential of education when combined with access and guidance. She noted that the foundation’s approach is centred on enabling students to explore opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach due to economic circumstances.
The ceremony also included cultural and creative performances by scholars, offering a glimpse into talents that extend beyond academics. Each student received a scholarship certificate, marking the beginning of a structured engagement with the foundation that will continue through their years of study.
RIZE 2025 brought together students, parents, educators, and Kotak Education Foundation’s leadership, creating a shared space to reflect on progress and possibility. As the scholarship cohort grows, the foundation continues to build on its long-term focus of supporting education pathways that lead to stable livelihoods and professional independence.
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