Vidyadhan Hosts ‘Partnering for Social Impact’ Event in Pune to Strengthen

Higher Education Access

Pune, December 17, 2025 – Vidyadhan, a Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative (SFPI), hosted
the “Partnering for Social Impact” event at the Yashada Auditorium in Pune, bringing together
corporate leaders, education partners, policymakers, students, and community stakeholders to
explore collaborative models for expanding access to higher education for meritorious students
from low-income families.
The event marked a significant milestone in Vidyadhan’s 25-year journey, during which the
program has supported more than 17,000 students, awarded over 63,000 scholarships, and built
a strong alumni community of 4,900 graduates across 22 States and Union Territories. This year,
Vidyadhan received one lakh applications for just 3,000 scholarship slots, reinforcing the critical
need for collective efforts to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. The
program aims to reach one lakh scholarships by 2030.
The event was graced by Dr. Jayaram, Director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research,
who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of scientific
thinking, equity in education, and long-term mentoring support for nurturing India’s future
talent.
Event Highlights
The event saw participation from nearly 250 students, alumni, parents, corporates, and
education partners, creating a meaningful platform for shared learning and collaborative
planning.
● Round-Table Discussion: The event featured a round-table discussion ‘Collaborating to
make higher education equitable’ with Vidyadhan trustees and corporate representatives
on strengthening Access, Awareness, and Affordability in higher education. Panelists
discussed how corporates, NGOs, and academic institutions can create scalable and
sustainable pathways to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
● Celebrating 25 Years of Impact – Success stories: The audience heard inspiring journeys
of Vidyadhan students and alumni from Maharashtra, highlighting the program’s
transformational impact over the past 25 years.

● Panel Discussion on higher education and employability: Panelists discussed how
corporates, NGOs, and academic institutions can create scalable and sustainable
pathways to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
● Scholarship Distribution: Newly selected students for the academic year received their
scholarship.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder & Chairperson of SFPI, said, “Education
has the power to transform lives and communities. Our mission is to ensure that talented students
are not held back by financial constraints. Partnerships like those initiated today are essential for
expanding opportunities for deserving students across India.”
Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-Founder of SFPI and Co-Founder & Former CEO of Infosys, said, “Access
to higher education continues to be the single greatest factor determining upward mobility in
India. Through Vidyadhan, we aim to remove financial barriers early in a student’s journey and
equip them with the support they need to excel. Our goal to reach one lakh scholarships by 2030
is rooted in this belief.”
Ms. Meera Rajeevan, Chief Operating Officer, Vidyadhan, added, “Vidyadhan has always been
driven by the belief that financial challenges should never come in the way of a young person’s
dreams. Over the last 25 years, our work has been shaped by strong partnerships. The
engagement we witnessed today strengthens our resolve to continue building a collaborative
ecosystem that supports students through education, mentoring, and employment pathways.”
Vidyadhan’s systematic selection process—including tests, interviews, and home visits – ensures
that scholarships and support reach the most deserving students. As the program completes 25
years of impact, it continues to expand its partnerships with corporates, educational institutions,
and community organisations to build sustainable and scalable models that empower
meritorious students across India. The Pune event brought together all the stakeholders,
reflecting the strong community engagement that has shaped Vidyadhan’s journey.
About Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI)
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility toward society, the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI)
has been transforming lives for over 25 years through focused efforts in education, healthcare, organic
farming, and the arts. Founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S. D. Shibulal, SFPI operates on the belief
that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, a principle that shaped the founders’ own
journeys. Its educational initiatives like Ankur, The Samhita Academy, Vidyadhan, and Vidyarakshak
empower students from underserved communities, creating opportunities for a better future. SFPI also
drives systemic reform through Shikshalokam, which is co-building Shikshagraha, a people’s movement
for education equity. Learn more at: www.sfpi.org

About Vidyadhan
Vidyadhan empowers underserved students to pursue higher education through scholarships, training,
and mentoring. With a rigorous and transparent selection process that includes tests, interviews, and
home visits, the program ensures that support reaches the most deserving. Vidyadhan aims to scale to 1
lakh scholarships by 2030, creating pathways for socio-economic upliftment and sustainable change.
Learn more at: www.vidyadhan.org

For Enquires Contact
Roselin Kiro
9643158254