Varanasi : Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is set to significantly bolster its Department of Biochemistry following a generous pledge of USD 60,000 (approx. ₹50 lakh) from distinguished scientists and the BHU America Foundation (BHUAF). The donation aims to foster academic excellence through new scholarships and research promotional grants for postgraduate and Ph.D. students.
The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, along with donors Dr. Nirbhay Kumar (a renowned malaria immunobiologist and BHU alumnus) and Dr. Geetha P. Bansal.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship Program:
- First Phase (2026): An initial ₹25 lakh will fund five merit-cum-means scholarships of ₹25,000 per year for second-year M.Sc. Biochemistry students.
- Second Phase (2027): An additional ₹25 lakh will be released to support further PG scholarships and Research Promotional Grants.
- Merit-Based Support: Ph.D. and PG scholars will be rewarded based on academic performance and publications in high-quality journals.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chaturvedi highlighted the importance of this alumni engagement, noting that such contributions are vital for strengthening research excellence. Dr. Nirbhay Kumar expressed that the goal is to "support the best minds in their pursuit of excellence," reflecting his own journey from BHU to leading global institutions like Johns Hopkins and Tulane University.
The BHU America Foundation, a US-based charitable organization, continues to play a pivotal role in connecting well-wishers and alumni with the university’s developmental goals.
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