77 scholars with disabilities from five Northeastern states felicitated in Guwahati for 2026–27 academic session
Indus Towers Limited has marked a decade of its scholarship programme for students with disabilities, felicitating 77 beneficiaries from five Northeastern states at a ceremony held in Guwahati for the 2026–27 academic session.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Shishu Sarothi under Indus Towers’ flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Saksham, is aimed at improving access to higher education and professional opportunities for students with disabilities.
Of the 77 scholarship recipients this year, 47 are from Assam, 11 from Nagaland, eight from Mizoram, six from Meghalaya and five from Tripura. The scholarships support students pursuing certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Assam, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
The initiative seeks to address disparities in higher education, where students with disabilities account for only 0.2% of national enrolment, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, while fewer than 5% attain graduate-level qualifications. By addressing financial and structural barriers, the programme seeks to help students access quality education and build independent futures.
Since its launch in 2016, the Indus Towers Scholarship Programme, implemented by Shishu Sarothi, has supported more than 900 students with disabilities across Northeast India. At the national level, the programme is supporting 200 students during the current academic session.
Delivering the welcome address, Shishu Sarothi Executive Director, Ketaki Bardalai highlighted the achievements of programme alumni in fields such as engineering, medicine, law and government services. She said sustained educational assistance could transform lives and appreciated Indus Towers for its decade-long commitment to inclusive education.
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Addressing the gathering, Sarkar commended the determination and resilience of the scholarship recipients. He highlighted the Assam government’s continued focus on rehabilitation, skill development, vocational training and expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also appreciated the partnership between Shishu Sarothi and Indus Towers in promoting social inclusion.
Indus Towers Limited Circle CEO–NESA Rajender Gurung congratulated the scholars and reiterated the company’s commitment to inclusive community development.
“As we enable connectivity for millions in India, the responsibility to uplift communities becomes both a privilege and a purpose. Indus Towers’ flagship CSR program – Saksham, empowers individuals and their families through education, skills and opportunity. Our ten-year partnership with Shishu Sarothi in the Northeast is a proud example of this commitment, helping students prepare for academic and professional success with confidence and dignity,” he said.
The event was also attended by Assam State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Sushama Hazarika and Director of Social Justice and Empowerment Suswapna Kakati, who encouraged the students and highlighted relevant State and Central government schemes.
They urged students and parents to make use of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal to access government welfare measures and scholarship opportunities.
Following the felicitation ceremony, newly inducted scholars attended an orientation session on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, to familiarise themselves with their legal rights and entitlements. They were also briefed on the use of the digital scholarship portal.
