Sikkim Manipal University launches 'Vidyadeep' - a nationwide scholarship initiative

Bangalore, Dec 18 (ANI/Business Wire India): Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DDE) today announced the launch of Vidyadeep, a nationwide scholarship program for 1500 meritorious and deserving students of SMU-DE programs across India.

Out of these 1500 scholarships, 500 scholarships will be offered to students from the North East alone. This scholarship is a 'first of its kind pioneering initiative' in the field of distance education in the country!

At the second National Learning Centre Convention at Mysore on 14th December 2009, in the presence of representatives from more than 400 learning centres of SMU-DDE in India, Brand Ambassador for Manipal Education, Anil Kumble, and Brig. (Retd.) Dr. S.S. Pabla, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University, launched 'Vidyadeep'. Appreciating Manipal Group's dedication and commitment towards education and healthcare, Anil Kumble applauded the efforts of SMU-DDE in making quality higher education accessible to students and aspirants from the hinterland of India.

He said, "Vidyadeep is a laudable initiative to help deserving students realize their educational dreams. I am sure this is a milestone in itself. SMU-DDE is revolutionizing distance education in India providing access and equity to all its students."

The scholarship programme is in the form of upto 100 per cent tuition fee waiver for students currently in the 1st to 5th semester for the streams of IT, Management, Journalism and Mass Communication, Fashion, Hospitality and Tourism, Allied Health, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.

Dr. S.S. Pabla said "Commemorating our commitment to higher education for all, we are proud to launch this scholarship programme for our students. We encourage students to apply and avail this opportunity to realize their dreams".

Sikkim Manipal University - Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DDE) is amongst the largest distance education providers in India and offers Post Graduate, Degree and Diploma programs across 10 disciplines.

The SMU DDE was established in 2001 by the Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences as part of its efforts to bring education to the masses to fulfill the growing demand for professionals and individuals who do not have the luxury of time to join regular, full-time courses. The programs offered by SMU are recognized by the Distance Education Council of the Government of India. (ANI)