In a significant boost for women's education in India, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has secured a generous donation of $1 million from a US-based alumnus. The contribution, made by Mahesh Samdani from the 1986 batch and his wife, Purva Ladha, is earmarked to establish a new scholarship fund exclusively for female students.
Honouring a Legacy: The Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment
The substantial donation establishes the Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment, a fund named in loving memory of Mahesh Samdani's mother. The institute has formally announced that the endowment's core mission is to support female students who exhibit strong academic merit but face significant financial hurdles in pursuing their education.
According to the official release, the scholarships will be merit-cum-need based and will be awarded annually starting from the 2026–27 academic year. The selection and administration will be managed through BITS Pilani's existing, robust scholarship framework, ensuring a transparent and fair process.
The Philanthropist Behind the Gift: Mahesh Samdani
Mahesh Samdani, the donor, is a distinguished alumnus who graduated in Computer Science in 1986. He has built a notable career in global finance and currently holds the position of Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York.
The institute highlighted that Samdani has maintained a strong connection with his alma mater over the decades. His engagement has included participation in key activities like student placements, the Practice School programme, and various academic interactions.
In a statement, Samdani explained that the donation was driven by a desire to honour his mother's memory and his family's firm belief in the transformative power of education. "The aim of the endowment is to help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing higher education and to support meritorious female students from financially constrained backgrounds," he said.
Integrating into BITS Pilani's Broader Vision
This $1 million contribution is a part of BITS Pilani's larger endowment fund strategy. The university actively uses this fund to support critical areas such as scholarships, faculty development, and pioneering research initiatives. Alumni contributions like this one are cited as a vital source of funding for these long-term goals.
The first cohort of students to benefit from the Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment will be selected for the 2026-27 session. Their selection will strictly adhere to the dual criteria of demonstrable academic excellence and genuine financial need, as defined by the institute's guidelines.
This initiative underscores a growing trend of successful alumni giving back to create opportunities for the next generation, particularly focusing on empowering women in STEM and other fields of higher education.
