Dholchera to National Stage: Financially Weak Students Secure Prestigious Scholarships at Azim Premji

Three students from the Department of Political Science at Government Model College, Borkhola have secured admission into postgraduate programmes at Azim Premji University, ranked fourth overall among private universities in the 2025 IIRF rankings, overcoming financial hardships and academic challenges to earn scholarship support and bring pride to the institution as well as hope to students from rural parts of the Barak Valley.

The selected students, all currently pursuing the sixth semester of the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), are Sidharta Chanda, Bablu Roy and Shyamal Deb. Sidharta Chanda has been selected for the Master’s Programme in Development, while Bablu Roy and Shyamal Deb have secured admission into the Master’s Programme in Public Health.

The achievement is being seen as a major milestone for students from areas like Dholchera and Jarailtola, where higher education often remains limited to Higher Secondary or graduation level. Their success has inspired many local students to dream beyond traditional boundaries and pursue specialised higher education through merit and hard work.

Speaking on the achievement, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr Mofidur Rahman, said the students had overcome several challenges during their academic journey.

“All three students came from a vernacular medium background. Since English was mandatory for examinations, their primary challenge was writing in English. When they joined the college, our main focus was to develop their critical thinking, communication skills and leadership abilities,” he said.

He further added that the students also faced financial difficulties while continuing their studies. According to him, the college and particularly the Department of Political Science extended full support and guidance to help them prepare for various competitive examinations and future opportunities.

Dr Rahman further informed that, as of now, Shyamal Deb and Bablu Roy of FYUG sixth semester have received confirmation of 100 per cent scholarships covering course fees, hostel accommodation and food at the Bhopal campus of Azim Premji University. He added that Sidharta Chanda has also successfully cleared the entrance process, though confirmation regarding scholarship support is still awaited.

The success of the three students has been welcomed warmly by the local community and the college fraternity. Teachers and residents believe the achievement sends a strong message that with proper guidance, determination and institutional support, students from rural and economically challenged backgrounds can also reach prestigious national universities and build brighter futures.