IITGN, Bajaj Foundation Empower Women Engineers with Scholarships

GANDHINAGAR :  Strengthening efforts to increase women’s participation in engineering and manufacturing, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and Bajaj Auto Foundation have expanded their collaboration under the Rupa Rahul Bajaj Scholarship for Women in Engineering (RRBSWE), benefiting 13 women students at the institute.

The initiative goes beyond financial assistance by offering mentorship, leadership development, industry exposure, wellbeing support and alumni engagement, creating a holistic ecosystem to help young women build successful careers in engineering.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IITGN and Bajaj Auto Foundation on August 27 to formalise and strengthen cooperation in scholarship outreach, student support, verification processes, scholarship renewals and scholar-development activities.

IITGN Director Rajat Moona said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting greater opportunities for women in science and technology. “Bajaj’s commitment to education and women’s participation reflects values that we strongly share at IIT Gandhinagar. We deeply value this partnership, with the ultimate beneficiaries being the students,” he said.

Sudhakar Gudipati, Vice President – CSR, Bajaj Group, said the scholarship was designed to address the gap in support available for meritorious women engineering students. “Through this programme, we aim to invest in their education, provide wider exposure and encourage them to contribute to the country’s industrial growth,” he said.

Students highlighted the transformative impact of the scholarship. Mechanical engineering student Shambhavi Kumari said the support had reduced the financial burden on her family and boosted her confidence. Electrical engineering student Alka Kushwaha, who also serves as a student ambassador for the programme, said the scholarship strengthened her belief that her aspirations were valued and supported.

Officials said the collaboration represents a significant step toward encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and creating a stronger pipeline of future innovators and industry leaders.