DIMAPUR — A total of 14 students with disability from Nagaland were awarded the Indus Towers’ scholarship during a programme held at Hotel Acacia in Dimapur on November 12.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) and supported by the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Nagaland.
Indus Towers has been supporting students with disabilities across the Northeast since the programme's launch in 2016. The aim of the Indus Towers' scholarship program was to recognise the efforts of the students and mark a key milestone in their journey toward economic independence.
An update from the organisation stated that the Indus Towers Scholarship programme under its CSR initiative ‘Saksham’ has been a critical enabler for over 700 students with disabilities in the region and beyond since its inception.
The programme focuses on fostering inclusion by providing scholarships for academic, professional, vocational and skill-based education in recognised 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 programme aims to create pathways for persons with disabilities to integrate into mainstream inclusive education and employment, it stated.
Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Nagaland, who was the chief guest at the event, remarked, "The students honoured today are a testament to the resilience and potential of youth with disabilities in Nagaland. Programmes 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. We commend 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."
Rajender Gurung, circle CEO of Assam and NESA, Indus Towers Limited, said, "The Indus Towers Scholarship Programme is a cornerstone of our 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."
Ashe H Kiba, general secretary of Nagaland State Disability Forum, said, "The Indus Towers Scholarship Programme has been a transformative initiative in the lives of students with disabilities in Nagaland. 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."
Ketaki Bardalai, executive director of 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. Programmes like these, especially in regions like Northeast India, are vital for ensuring equal access to opportunities for persons with disabilities."
The event featured an inspiring ‘Stories of Change’ session where former scholarship recipients namely Itwapungbe Meru and P Daihe Kape shared their remarkable journey in the pursuit of education, showcasing how the programme has been instrumental in supporting ambitious dreams and academic excellence leading to financial independence.
It mentioned that this year, the programme is 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.