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NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Deakin University And NDTV Celebrate Vice Chancellor's Meritorious 100% Scholarship Finalists
New Delhi: In an auditorium filled with hope, pride, and anticipation, twenty extraordinary Indian students stood poised to take a leap that could change their lives forever. These finalists of the Deakin University Vice Chancellor's Meritorious 100% Scholarship were not just competing for a fully funded education in Australia; they were stepping into the spotlight as the next generation of global changemakers. Held in New Delhi, the scholarship finale wasn't your typical academic competition. With over 7,000 applications received from across India, these top contenders had already cleared multiple rounds. The final task? A 90-second elevator pitch followed by a rapid-fire Q&A that would test not just their intellect, but their clarity, confidence, and capacity for leadership. The event was more than a selection process. It was a celebration of Deakin's commitment to access, equity, and excellence, values embodied in its 'Changing Lives ' initiative. A scholarship that goes beyond tuition The Vice Chancellor's Scholarship is part of a broader vision by Deakin University to make global education more accessible to highly ambitious, meritorious students, especially those for whom finances may stand in the way of opportunity. It offers a full tuition waiver and prioritised on-campus accommodation for undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia. Priyanka Singh, Executive Director (South Asia), Deakin University, in her address at the event, said, "This is not just about financial aid. It's about giving students a platform to step into leadership, to become ambassadors of impact, and to strengthen the ties between India and Australia." Since its inception, the scholarship has enabled over 50 Indian students to pursue their academic goals in Australia. Many of these graduates have returned to create a meaningful impact across sectors, exemplifying a futuristic global vision. The right platform This year, the programme expanded its reach through a landmark partnership with NDTV, bringing national visibility to the scholarship and ensuring that students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds had a chance to apply. Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, described the scholarship as a cornerstone of the Australia–India relationship, said, "These students are torchbearers and ambassadors of the dynamic and close-knit bilateral corridor. Students have already benefited immensely through this programme and given back to their communities in equal measure or more." The collaboration with NDTV, she added, helped provide the right launchpad while ensuring this message reached every corner of the country. A jury guided by vision and voice The panel of judges, which included Ravneet Pawha, Suchetana Ray (Executive Editor, NDTV), and Dr. Kamlesh Vyas (Partner, Deloitte India), had the difficult task of selecting the winners. What truly impressed the jury amidst the competition was the genuine passion and clear sense of purpose each student brought to their pitch. Ms. Ray said, "What stood out among all the students were three things - communication skills, clarity of thought, and the sincerity in their problem-solving approach. Their ability to encapsulate an idea in 90 seconds and propose solutions was extraordinary." Dr Vyas echoed this sentiment, praising the innovation-led approach to scholarship selection. "This is a brilliant initiative. The ideas challenge format was rigorous and inspiring. These students have really risen to the occasion." Real Stories, Real Impact For many of the finalists, the experience and the opportunity represented more than just academic advancement. It was a dream redefined and a challenge for their mettle. Their voices resonated with their aspirations. This scholarship means a lot to me. It's more than just financial relief,' said Arshiya Sharma. Ayush Bhattacharya spoke of overcoming financial hardship and family medical crises, sharing. 'This scholarship is providing me with an opportunity which otherwise would not have been accessible,' he said. For Kashish Gambhir, it opens the door to life in a new country and a chance to pursue his dreams for an Australian experience. After much deliberation, 10 outstanding students were announced as recipients of the 2025 Vice Chancellor's Meritorious 100% Scholarship. Among them were Harshini Rathika Kishor Kumar Singh, Kuvam Singh Aulakh, Muskaan Jubbal, Neha SunilKumar Kannath, Pranathi Mehra, Priyanshi David, Rishita Yadav, and Sanjith Lakshmanan Kasi Viswanathan, Shreya Pahwa & Udupi Shrinidhi Rao. Each finalist was applauded not just for their talent, but their perseverance and promise. Pranathi Mehra, a finalist, sums up the scholarship as a bridge between two worlds, "While India has given me the roots and the rigorous training in academics, I believe Australia will offer me the wings to fly higher and create world impact." Deakin's Changing Lives initiative continues to demonstrate how education can become a transformative force for individuals, communities, and nations. By combining academic rigour, leadership development, and international exposure, it offers India's brightest minds a gateway to global citizenship. Through its ongoing partnership with NDTV, Deakin is taking this mission to an even wider audience to amplify impact, break barriers, and inspire a new generation of thinkers, doers, and leaders. To learn more about the Vice Chancellor's Scholarship and Deakin's work in India, visit
Edinburgh Reporter
11-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Social housing residents benefit from funding
Targeted funding is intended to help tackle poverty and improve lives for residents and families across Scotland Funding of £140,000 has played a vital role in improving the lives of hundreds of Wheatley Homes tenants thanks to a leading community benefit fund. Enabling many to secure vital household essentials, the money has provided much needed digital equipment, reading books for children, furniture and white goods for homes in various parts of Scotland. Awarded over a period of eight years by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), these funds have also enabled Wheatley Foundation, part of Wheatley Group, to roll out key initiatives supporting families and individuals in need. This includes access to essential items such as furniture and white goods, as well as refurbished digital equipment donated by Wheatley employees. The wide-reaching fund draws from various sources, including £80,000 from SPA's Community Benefit Fund and a £60,000 contribution from the LHC Procurement Group to improve the living conditions for vulnerable households across Wheatley over a period of two years. Laura Crumlish, Foundation Manager at Wheatley Foundation, said: 'Funding for Home Comforts will allow us to provide a lifeline for people who are struggling to access basic home essentials – items many of us take for granted. 'The funding is supporting programmes which continue to change lives for the better and give people in Wheatley communities an opportunity to reach their full potential.' The Home Comforts project provides upcycled furniture and white goods, all cleaned, refurbished, and offered free of charge to Wheatley tenants. Wheatley Homes East has partnered with Four Square, a local Edinburgh charity, to deliver the initiative. Four Square supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by offering accommodation, advice, and training opportunities. The charity also runs the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, which plays a key role in the project. Through this partnership, customers are offered a unique, retail-style experience where they can choose refurbished furniture and homeware that suits their personal taste and needs. Changing Lives, an employability programme provides training and support to vulnerable and unemployed tenants. Environmental Roots Another is Environmental Roots, a four-week pre-employability programme designed to help young people build confidence and prepare for future opportunities, including the Wheatley Environmental Apprenticeship. A further project is, StreetWyze, an initiative for young people to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and gang violence. The 12-week programmes delivered throughout the year focused on themes including social media, territorialism and provided alternative activities to risk taking behaviours. Laura added: 'This tailored approach will ensure that people in different communities can benefit in ways that are right for them – whether that's choosing their own furniture or receiving a ready-made pack when moving into a new home.' The initiative goes beyond furniture, with the Community Benefit Fund also supporting a range of programmes that deliver lasting impact across Wheatley communities. This includes Wheatley Foundation's partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a monthly book gifting scheme, which provides free books to children under five. It helps to spark a love of reading and support early learning in homes across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dumfries and Galloway. In addition, the fund is also supporting Wheatley's Techshare programme, which refurbishes and upcycles used laptops and iPads. These devices are distributed to individuals and families, along with access to software and digital skills training, to help bridge the digital divide and boost employability opportunities. Lesley Peaty, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: 'This is a fantastic example of how social value is at the heart of procurement. We're committed to ensuring that every pound we invest benefits people in real and lasting ways. 'Our work with Wheatley Group highlights how collaboration and thoughtful investment can directly uplift families and strengthen communities.' The Scottish Procurement Alliance's Community Benefit Fund is a cornerstone of its wider mission to channel procurement savings into meaningful projects, supporting housing providers and regenerating communities across Scotland. Families have been supported by the partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Two year old Callie and her mother Leigh Stewart reading a story Like this: Like Related
BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
New accommodation to support homeless women in York, charity says
A centre to support women who have experienced homelessness and other "unmet needs" including domestic abuse and exploitation has been established in Changing Lives said the women-only accommodation comprises of two properties, one with three bedrooms and the other with well as offering residents a safe space, they will also benefit from support in areas such as budgeting, education and housing, the charity Sunter, director of development, said mixed-gender accommodation facilities often "don't work for women", adding that some "don't feel safe" when using them. "We see a lot that women can be adversely affected by various issues from women's health, child removal, sexual exploitation, stigma," she said."Particularly in York, we see women leaving the criminal justice system and finding safe accommodation to move on to and not returning to old lifestyles can be problematic."She added that there was a "huge demand nationally" for gender specific accommodation. The properties are closely linked with the charity's existing women's wellness centre in York, enabling residents to access a GP running a women's clinic, therapeutic groups, recovery services and advice on benefits and tenancies."In mainstream services where there's mixed genders, women are often expected to attend to get the support they need, but within that, they end up bumping into old acquaintances and often the perpetrators of abuse," she service has been designed in collaboration with women who have used similar Sunter said it aimed to work with women to help them "find ways forward" and was not about making them "repeat their story" or judging them on it."It's about empowering the women as well, so not necessarily making decisions for people, but empowering them to make the best decision for them."Referrals to the accommodation can be made through City of York Council, the probation service, or individual women aged 18 or over who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
New 'one-stop' women's support centre to open in Scarborough
A new support hub offering help to vulnerable or at-risk women in North Yorkshire is due to open later this Women's Centre, in Scarborough, will provide a "calm, safe, welcoming space" for users to access a variety of services, including drug and alcohol support as well as housing, health and financial project will be funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) and run by charity Changing Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor for policing, fire and crime Jo Coles said she hoped the centre would deliver "a transformative place for women in Scarborough". Ms Coles said: "We know women often struggle to access some mainstream services so this will be a trauma-informed place, people will be inclusive [and] it will enable women to access services on their own particular, the services available aim to improve outcomes for women who may be indirectly or directly involved, or at risk of involvement, with the criminal justice system or have other unmet centre will be the second site located in North Yorkshire with Changing Lives already running the Women's Wellness Centre in York. Faye Sunter, director of development at Changing Lives said: "I think Scarborough does face some high levels of deprivation and in many areas there's a lack of single-sex provision for women. "Women are often disproportionately affected by things like child removal, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and there's often barriers to engaging with mainstream services."We're hoping to work in partnership with a number of organisations to become a one-stop shop."Located centrally, the centre does not have accommodation, but includes a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as one-to-one and group Coles added that the provision was part of a wider drive with York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith "to deliver safe spaces for everyone in our region"."This is a women's centre, but the mayor is also championing men's mental health which we know is an important factor in keeping women and girls safe as well," she added."This particular centre will be a transformative place for women in Scarborough." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- BBC News
Newcastle alleged sex worker exploitation raid sees 10 arrests
Ten people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged exploitation of sex Police said it carried out an operation at a building in Leazes Park Road, Newcastle, on Thursday, where 10 women were "safeguarded and offered appropriate support".Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said a prohibition notice was served due to fire safety in the those arrested, four men, aged 23, 30, 34 and 66, and two women, aged 38 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain. A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, while three women, aged 22, 34 and 37, were arrested for immigration 10 people have been released on police bail, pending further inquiries. 'Stay vigilant' The force's organised crime unit, Newcastle City Council and immigration enforcement were called to the area on Thursday said other services assisted included the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and charities Changing Lives and Red Insp Mal Stratton said the force had received intelligence of suspicious activity and urged anyone with concerns to get in touch."Often people don't realise they are victims of exploitation and slavery - so it's vitally important to remain alert and vigilant in our communities." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
