The Dr. Ravi Pillai Academic Excellence Scholarships were distributed on February 11 at a grand ceremony held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Dr. Ravi Pillai. Several prominent leaders from political, social, and cultural fields attended the event to extend their wishes to the students.
The scholarship program was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described it as one of the largest scholarship initiatives in the country and stated that such efforts would guide children toward a new world of technology and innovation. He encouraged students to make the best use of this support, set ambitious goals, and strive for greater achievements.
Highlighting the transformation in Kerala’s education system, the Chief Minister noted that there was once a time when children from backward communities were denied access to schools. “Today, our children study in hi-tech classrooms. This progress has been made possible because of people like Ravi Pillai,” he said.
Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman of the RP Group and Ravi Pillai Foundation, expressed his happiness that 80 percent of the scholarship recipients this year are girls. He also announced that from next year onwards, 20 percent of the scholarships will be reserved for the children of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
“Students are the future of any society. If their future is secure, the nation’s future is also secure. The Academic Excellence Scholarship fulfills this vision. When students succeed, their parents feel proud,” said Dr. Ravi Pillai.
The Dr. Ravi Pillai Academic Excellence Scholarship has been instituted by the Ravi Pillai Foundation to support meritorious yet economically disadvantaged students from secondary education through professional college levels. The Foundation has allocated ₹525 crore for this scholarship program over the next 50 years. Each year, 1,501 students will receive scholarships to support their higher education. This year, scholarships worth ₹10 crore are being distributed.
Scholarship Details
At the Higher Secondary level, 1,100 students will receive ₹50,000 each. For undergraduate students, 200 scholarships of ₹1,00,000 each will be awarded. For postgraduate students, 200 scholarships of ₹1,25,000 each will be provided.
Only Plus One students are eligible to apply under the Higher Secondary category. First and second-year undergraduate students are eligible for the undergraduate scholarship. For postgraduate scholarships, only second-year students under the regular scheme are eligible to apply.
Special grace marks will be awarded to students who have lost their parents, whose parents are seriously ill, and to those who have demonstrated talent at the state level in arts and sports. In each category, 20 percent of scholarships are reserved for expatriate Malayali children, and 5 percent are reserved for differently-abled students. Academically excellent students from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible to apply.
The Dr. Ravi Pillai Foundation is implementing this project in collaboration with the state government agency Norka Roots. Thousands of applications were received this year, and a special committee constituted by Norka Roots selected 1,501 deserving students for the scholarship.
