Somerville is proud to announce the launch of the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship, in collaboration with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) and the esteemed Piramal family.

Dr Gita Piramal with Principal Jan Royall

This full scholarship is set to provide transformative opportunities for talented Indian students, supporting them to pursue their higher education at the University of Oxford. This scholarship honours Dr Gita Piramal, one of India’s most respected business historians, and recognizes her significant contributions to academia and corporate leadership.

Dr Piramal has been a long-standing associate of Somerville College, serving as a Senior Associate Fellow and a mentor to many. Her pioneering work on corporate India, with books central to MBA courses worldwide, has shaped the thinking of future business leaders.

A Legacy of Empowering India’s Future

The Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship aims to elevate the brightest Indian minds, offering full tuition, along with a stipend for living expenses. Designed for financially disadvantaged students, this scholarship will run for an initial five years, enriching India’s intellectual pool, and contributing to the country’s sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the partnership, Dr Piramal stated, “India is my family home, and Somerville has been my intellectual home for many years. This scholarship will enable bright young minds from India to benefit from Oxford’s rich academic environment, contributing to India’s future development.”

Principal Jan Royal with Aparna Piramal Raje

A Message from the Principal

Jan Royall, Principal of Somerville College, expressed her admiration for Dr Piramal’s contributions, saying: “It is a privilege to honour such a longstanding friend of the College in this way. Dr Piramal’s name will be associated with empowering brilliant Indian students, allowing them to experience the world-class education Oxford offers, and to give back to India in meaningful ways.”

Celebrating the First Recipient: Sanjana Choudhary

Dr Gita Piramal with Sanjana Choudhary

Sanjana Choudhary, an accomplished journalist and first-generation scholar, has been awarded the inaugural scholarship. Pursuing an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies, Sanjana’s research on global solidarity movements, post-colonial labour rights and racial capitalism has already garnered attention, with her works featured in prominent publications such as The Caravan and Duke University Press.

Reflecting on her achievement, Sanjana says, “This scholarship is a tribute to the earlier generations of women who paved the way for me. I am honoured to represent this prestigious opportunity and contribute towards the cause of minority rights in South Asian countries.

Empowering Indian Scholars for Global Impact

Since its inception in 2013, the OICSD has supported over sixty Indian students at Oxford, with many returning to India to tackle challenges in healthcare, technology, and climate change. The addition of the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship strengthens this mission, ensuring that Indian students from underprivileged backgrounds can access world-class education and contribute to global and national solutions. 

“There is something deeply rewarding about joining the name of our dear friend Gita Piramal to the mission of the OICSD, which supports brain-gain for India,” commented Sara Kalim, Director of Development at Somerville. “We are immensely grateful to the Piramal family, especially Gita’s daughters Aparna and Radhika, for their warm support.”

An Oxford-India Partnership

On 17th October 2024, Somerville College held a special event to officially celebrate the launch of the scholarship, with Dr Gita Piramal and other esteemed guests in attendance. The event highlighted the enduring relationship between Oxford and India, focusing on future collaborations to drive sustainable development through education. A portrait of Dr Gita by renowned artist Rosalie Watkins was also unveiled at the event and will be displayed at the college as part of its permanent collection.

 

The Ratan Tata Building

The Tata Group recently announced a collaboration to build a landmark structure, the Ratan Tata Building, in honour of the late industrialist Ratan Tata. This project presents a unique opportunity to expand Somerville College’s educational space, enhance globally impactful research, and embody the college’s vision of a forward-thinking, sustainable academic community. According to a joint statement from the Tata Group and Somerville College, construction will commence in Spring 2025, at the heart of Oxford University’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, made possible by a generous philanthropic donation from the Tata Group.

Visit this page for further details on the scholarship application process and eligibility.

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