Prof CNR Rao Merit scholarship and Dr MRD Merit Scholarship of over five and half crores awarded celebrating remarkable academic accomplishments

PES University nurtures academic excellence among students by identifying and rewarding meritorious students every semester. Prof CNR Rao Merit scholarship and Dr MRD Merit Scholarship for Aug-Dec 2019 semester were announced at an impressive ceremony. The meritorious students were felicitated by distinguished guests, Mr Sameer Garde, President Cisco- India and SAARC and Mr Mohan Sekhar, Senior Managing Director and Lead, Advanced Technology Centers in India, Accenture. 195 students were awarded Prof CNR Rao Scholarships of nearly Rs. 60 lakhs. 1,457 students received Dr MRD Merit Scholarships amounting to Rs. 4 crore 70 lakhs. 2713 students won distinction awards of close to Rs 27 lakhs.

Prof CNR Rao Merit Scholarships are awarded to top 2% of students in all programs of study for scoring cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 9 and above. The scholars get a tuition fee waiver to the tune of 25% for the subsequent year. Dr MRD Scholarships are awarded to top 20% of students for securing semester grade point average (SGPA) of 8.5 and above. Distinction awards are received by students securing an SGPA of more than 7.75.

The special message sent by Prof CNR Rao wishing the meritorious students a great future in whatever they choose to do, was read out on the occasion. Prof D Jawahar, Pro Chancellor, in his address, recollected the first scholarship award function, by the PES institution a few decades back, which was Rs five hundred each for twenty eight students. That was the beginning of the tradition of awarding scholarships which has reached an amount of Rs 10 crores this year. He looked forward to realising the vision of seeing PES University as rated as one among the top ten universities of the country within the next five years. He believed that the achievements of the students have a large role to play in achieving the goal. Mr Sameer Garde reminisced about scoring 10 grade points as an undergraduate and shared his thoughts about the life and career ahead for the students. He felt that doing what the heart tells and focusing one’s energy on the journey can make a career fulfilling. He observed that and as a professional the ideas one comes up with are key to becoming a leader. The year 2020, according to him marks the dawn of a new era in technology and termed the present time and future, especially for the students as magical. Mr Mohan Sekhar admired the role of PES University in preparing the students for professional careers, specifically the initiative to familiarise the students with new technologies like machine learning and AI, irrespective of the branches of study. He was happy to see large number of girls winning awards especially when diversity is a key focus area for the industry. Speaking of the expectations of the industry, he highlighted the importance of customer focus, innovation and effective communication. He felt that innovation is at the heart of everything that’s happening in the industry. He appreciated the university’s setting up of an advanced gym on campus as staying physically active he felt, is no less important.

Dr J Suryaprasad Vice Chancellor in his opening remarks introduced the guests. Dr K Sridhar, Registrar delivered the vote of thanks. The auditorium was abuzz with activity as 4365 students received the cheques and merit certificates.