In a powerful example of alumni giving and social responsibility, Mahesh Samdani, a US-based finance professional and alumnus of BITS Pilani, has pledged a generous $1 million donation to his alma mater. The contribution, made along with his wife Purva Ladha, is aimed at strengthening access to higher education for deserving female students through a dedicated scholarship endowment.
The landmark donation has led to the creation of the Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment, named in memory of Samdani’s mother. The fund will support merit-cum-need scholarships for academically talented women students who face financial constraints. The scholarships are expected to be rolled out from the 2026–27 academic year, reinforcing BITS Pilani’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
A Personal Journey of Gratitude
Mahesh Samdani, an alumnus from the 1986 batch, credits BITS Pilani for shaping his academic foundation and professional journey. Today, he serves as a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase in New York, having built a successful career in global finance. Despite living abroad for decades, Samdani has remained closely connected to his alma mater and its evolving mission.
Reflecting on his motivation, Samdani said, “Education has the power to change the trajectory of not just an individual’s life, but that of entire families. BITS Pilani gave me opportunities that defined my future, and this is my way of ensuring that deserving students — especially young women — receive the same chance to succeed.”
His wife, Purva Ladha, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of supporting women in higher education. “When women are empowered through education, the impact multiplies across society. We hope this scholarship helps remove financial barriers for talented students and enables them to focus fully on learning and growth,” she said.
Institutional Response and Vision
The leadership at BITS Pilani has welcomed the donation as a transformative step toward expanding access to quality education. Senior officials described the contribution as a long-term investment in talent, diversity, and academic excellence.
A senior representative from the institute noted, “This endowment is not just financial support; it is a statement of belief in the potential of young women. Such alumni-driven initiatives strengthen our ability to attract and nurture the brightest minds, regardless of their economic background.”
The scholarship selection process will follow a transparent framework that balances academic merit and financial need, ensuring that support reaches students who demonstrate both excellence and genuine need.
Advancing Gender Equity in Higher Education
While BITS Pilani has long been regarded as one of India’s premier technical institutions, initiatives like the Samdani Scholarship Endowment represent a broader effort to address gender disparities in higher education, particularly in STEM-related disciplines. By focusing on female students, the endowment aims to encourage greater participation and retention of women in competitive academic programmes.
Education experts have hailed the initiative as a model for how alumni can play a pivotal role in shaping institutional values and outcomes. Scholarships of this nature not only ease financial pressure but also instil confidence in students who might otherwise question their ability to pursue higher education.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond Numbers
Beyond the monetary value, the donation symbolises a deep emotional connection to education and community. It reflects a growing trend among Indian alumni abroad who are choosing to give back in meaningful ways, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same opportunities that once shaped their lives.
As BITS Pilani prepares to implement the scholarship in the coming years, the announcement has sparked widespread appreciation among students, faculty, and alumni. The Samdani family’s contribution stands as a reminder that education, when supported by generosity and vision, can become a powerful force for social transformation.
