Agencies, Hyderabad Fair & Lovely Foundation since inception in 2003 has played an integral role in changing the lives of more than 1300 girls; given them wings to achieve their dreams by empowering them through education and career development.
Continuing their passion and determination in the 10th year, Fair & Lovely Foundation commenced the country-wide scholarship programme shortlisting starting with Hyderabad today. These interviews will be held in four other locations across the country. Through this scholarship initiative, the Fair and Lovely Foundation strives to empower the women and give them the opportunity to pursue higher education. Fair & Lovely Scholarships are awarded to women with aptitude, drive and the ambition who wish to carve a place of pride for themselves in the society, but do not have the financial strength to realize their dreams. Scholarships of up to Rs. 1 Lakh is awarded to these deserving young girls from across the country, to pursue any graduate, post-graduate and doctorate courses within India.
Talking about the Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship program Mr. Arun Srinivas, Vice President – Skincare & Make-up, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. says, “As we enter the 10th year of Fair & Lovely Foundation, we promise to encourage every Indian girl to make her dreams come true. Fair & Lovely Scholarship programme aims to reach out to girls who have the zeal and determination to make it big, but are hindered due to lack of financial support. In the past years, we have enriched lives of over 1300 girls and we hope to continue with our endeavour with vigour in empowering the young girls of India”. The shortlisting interviews of the Fair & Lovely Scholarships programme witnessed an encouraging participation of girls from across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Chattisgarh. The esteemed panel consisting of Hon.
Ms. Bhavani (Ex. Deputy Secretary to Govt. of AP), Ms. Lakshmi Rao (Academic Director, JNTU), Mr. Krishna Mohan Rao (Nodal Officer, SSA), Ms. Mangala Gouri (Prof. JNTU), Ms. Sujatha (TV Anchor) and Prof. Rao, Mrs. Reddy and Mrs.
Mogulamma from Osmania University amongst others were moved by some of the heart wrenching stories of these ambitious girls, who are determined to make their mark. While for some it was hope against hope, as their parents who had the will to educate their child, were not economically powerful to afford the fee. For others, it was not the fee that mattered but the cost of reaching their college or buying the required books for study that proved a daunting threat to their goals of empowerment through education.
Commenting on the initiative, Hon. Mrs. Bhavani said, “It is a humbling experience to meet these girls, who have the grit and determination to make an indelible mark in their own way. The Fair & Lovely Foundation is giving a unique platform, which is indeed very encouraging for these young girls who come from small towns.” With the first of these interviews commencing in Hyderabad, Fair & Lovely Foundation will conduct the intensive process of short listing, with similar interviews scheduled across India in Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
