MERIT CUM MEANS SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIRL STUDENTS Rotary Club of Pune Sports City initiated celebration of International Women’s Day by starting a scholarship scheme for meritorious girl students in RY 22-23. The scholarship of Rs 10,000 each was given to 7 bright girl students from VII standard. The girls belonged to Padam Shri Dada Vasant Rao Patil School in Someshwar wadi, Pune. The names were recommended by the school and these girls required financial support to continue studies. This year we modified the scheme and decided to support girls studying in graduation courses. The idea is to support bright girls to study beyond graduation/complete graduation course. A team of 4 lady Rotarians and Anns was formed to execute this scheme. The team met the Principal of Modern College Chaturshringhi, Pune and explained the details. The College has 1200 girls out of total 2400 students. College shared with us a list of 50 meritorious girl students needing financial support. Our team met the students and interviewed them. 14 girls pursuing studies in Science, Commerce, and Arts were selected based on merit, economic background, single parent, and physical disabilities if any. The 14 selected girls include one who is speech and hearing impaired but is pursuing her Masters in Commerce. A generous Donor provided us an amount of Rs 2,00,000 which was distributed amongst these girls. A function was organized in our club on 12th March. It was attended by the Vice Principal of Modern College, two faculty members, scholarship awardees, their parents/ family and club members. Certificates were awarded and the entire amount of Rs 2 Lakhs was given to college Principal for adjustment against the fees of these girls. Some of the awardees of the scholarship spoke during the function. The girls expressed their ambition to join the Indian Administrative Services, Defense, IT industry, Management, Banking and several other fields requiring higher education. Most of the girls expressed their desire to give back to society once they realized their dreams. Rotary Club of Pune Sports City intends to celebrate Women’s Day in the same fashion in coming years too.