64 students bag Dhirubhai Ambani merit reward

Ahmedabad, Oct 29 (UNI) Sixty-four meritorious students of SSC and HSC from seven districts of Gujarat were facilitated by the Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation (DAF) at the Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association (ATIRA) auditorium here today.

First three meriotious students and one under the physically challenged category from each of the seven districts of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Patan and Surendranagar received the Dhirubhai Ambani SSC Merit Reward or the undergraduate scholarship. This was the 12th function of DAF.

The SSC merit reward consists of a Rs 3,000 cheque, a good quality bicycle, while for physically challenged a Rs 6,000 cheque and a certificate from the trustees of the Foundation.

The undergraduate scholarships for HSC ranges, depending on the course chosen, from Rs 9,750 to R 31,500 per annum for the entire duration of study leading to degree/diploma, subject to maintaining consistent academic performance.

Paru Jaikrishna, president of Gujarat Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), was the chief guest on the occasion.

Addressing the students, Ms Jaikrishna said with a vision and determination, one can become another Mahatma Gandhi or Indira Gandhi or A P J Kalam. She said the most important thing in life is education. One can achieve everything with education.

She cited Dhirubhai Ambani's famous quote 'Don't give up. Courage is my conviction.' Ms Jaikrishna said ''In life we have to support others and those children who are less fortunate to received education. Our efforts are needed so that they could also study. She hoped that more students would be getting the DAF awards in the future.'' Star speaker on the occasion was Dr Bhushan Punanai, executive directior of Blind People's Association, Ahmedabad. In his audio-visual presentation, he showed many physically challenged students who had achieved the unthinkable.

In his theme talk, ''Students Participation in Social Service,'' Dr Punanai asked whether in today's world social service is possible. He said emphatically it is possible and students too can play a role. A helping hand needs to be given to our less fortunate brethren, he said. The award being given today is one way of motivating the students to their social responsibilities, he said.

Anand Parekh, president (textile division) of Reliance Industries, welcomed the guests while Arun Bhenda, foundation trustee proposed a vote of thanks.

UNI