Mumbai : Global logistics giant Allcargo Group has launched a project to provide scholarships to over 3,000 students by the end of this year in Mumbai and Mangalore, as part of its Disha program managed by the Avashya Foundation, the group’s CSR arm.
The name “Disha,” derived from Sanskrit meaning “direction,” signifies a crucial financial assistance initiative that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of deserving students, allowing them to pursue their educational aspirations.
Since its inception in 2010, the Disha program has served as a beacon of hope for students facing financial difficulties. The foundation has supported the careers of 40,183 students through various initiatives, including the Disha Scholarship, Disha Careers Seed, and Disha Anando Program. This year, the program is being executed in three phases, with over 473 scholarships already distributed and an additional 2,200 scholarships set to be awarded to students in Mangalore this month. The Disha Foundation evaluates socioeconomic and academic indicators to assess the needs of students and their households.
Taking a holistic approach, the Disha program supports students from primary school through post-graduation, focusing on their overall development. Through career counseling, skill development workshops, and mentorship programs, the foundation helps students make informed career choices and build the confidence needed for success. Students under 21 who pass the evaluation rounds can also receive financial assistance for other educational necessities.
The Disha Foundation has effectively built community partnerships, such as its collaboration with the Bunts Sangha association to enhance the scholarship initiative in Bantwal. During the program on September 29, 2024, around 1,200 scholarships were awarded to students from the Bunt community and other groups.
In addition to Bantwal, the foundation operates in key districts including Mangalore, Udupi, Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. The program has seen strong gender participation, with over 50% of recipients being girls from 37 government and private institutions. Scholarships are available for high school, pre-university courses, degree programs, industrial training institutes, engineering, nursing, and postgraduate studies.
Dr. Nilratan Shende, Head of CSR at Allcargo Group, stated, “Inspired by the vision of Allcargo Group’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, we are dedicated to educational empowerment that goes beyond just financial assistance. We believe in equipping children to excel in their chosen fields. To develop tomorrow’s leaders, corporate India must align its efforts with technological and human resources. At Allcargo, we don’t just provide financial support; we offer counseling sessions for students and parents and continue our support even after their education is completed.”
