14 students with disabilities were awarded the Indus Towers Scholarship Program, a collaborative effort of Indus Towers Limited in partnership with Shishu Sarothi, at a ceremony held at Hotel Acacia in Dimapur, Nagaland. The event was organized in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) and was supported by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Nagaland.
A press release from the organizers informed that Indus Towers, India’s largest provider of passive telecom infrastructure, has been supporting students with disabilities across the Northeast since the program’s launch in 2016 with the aim to recognize the efforts of the students and mark a key milestone in their journey toward economic independence.
Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Nagaland, was the Chief Guest at the event. In her address, Nakhro stated that the honored students were testaments to the resilience and potential of youth with disabilities in Nagaland.
The SCPD also commended Indus Towers “for their continuous efforts to uplift these young scholars and empower the community of persons with disabilities to keep pushing beyond societal barriers and prove their abilities.” Programs like the Indus Towers Scholarship not only provide financial aid but also enable the needed guidance and support, which is essential for their economic empowerment, she added.
Rajender Gurung, Circle CEO – Assam & NESA, Indus Towers Limited, remarked that the Scholarship Program is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to social responsibility, especially in the Northeast region. “We believe that empowering youth with disabilities through education and skills is crucial for building an inclusive society. It is inspiring to see the progress of our scholars over the years, and we are proud to continue supporting their growth and success,” Gurung stated.
Ashe H Kiba, General Secretary, Nagaland State Disability Forum, highlighted that the Indus Towers Scholarship Program has been a transformative initiative in the lives of students with disabilities in Nagaland. Kiba said that this partnership has not only provided financial assistance but also opened doors to educational and vocational opportunities that were previously inaccessible. “We are grateful for Indus Towers and Shishu Sarothi’s unwavering support and dedication to empowering the disability community in our state,” Kiba said.
Ketaki Bardalai, Executive Director, Shishu Sarothi, added, “Indus Towers’ continued support is crucial in building sustainable livelihoods for students with disabilities. Through vocational and skill training, these students are equipped to participate meaningfully in the workforce. Programs like these, especially in regions like Northeast India, are vital for ensuring equal access to opportunities for persons with disabilities.”
The organisers informed that the event featured an inspiring “Stories of Change” session where former scholarship recipients, Itwapungbe Meru and P Daihe Kape shared their remarkable journey in the pursuit of education, showcasing how the program has been instrumental in supporting ambitious dreams and academic excellence leading to financial independence.
This year, the program particularly focused on aligning vocational courses with market demands to ensure that students have access to employment and self-employment opportunities that will lead to long-term financial stability.
The Indus Towers Scholarship Program, under the CSR initiative “Saksham,” has been a critical enabler for over 700 students with disabilities in the region and beyond since its inception. The program focuses on fostering inclusion by providing scholarships for academic, professional, vocational, and skill-based education at recognized institutions across India. It has helped students overcome financial barriers and access higher education, vocational training, and skill-building opportunities. With a strong focus on diversity and empowerment, the program aims to create pathways for persons with disabilities to integrate into mainstream inclusive education and employment.
