For many LGBTQIA+ students in India, the dream of higher education is often overshadowed by systemic barriers—financial constraints, lack of family support, societal and institutional discrimination. Recognizing this challenge, the Aditya Nanda Scholarship was launched as a beacon of hope, offering not just financial aid but also mentorship, career guidance, and an inclusive support system.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Keshav Suri, Co-Chair of the FICCI Task Force on D&I, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, shares insights on the scholarship’s impact, the collaboration with Lovely Professional University, and how this initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive education system.
Read below to explore how this program is transforming lives and setting a benchmark for diversity, equity, and inclusion in India:
Q. What was the vision behind launching the Aditya Nanda Scholarship, and how does it uniquely address the needs of LGBTQIA+ students within India’s higher education system?
A. The Aditya Nanda Scholarship was envisioned as a beacon of hope and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ students, addressing systemic barriers that the community face in accessing higher education in India. The scholarship reflects the belief that education is a transformative tool for social change. By providing financial aid and fostering an inclusive environment, this initiative seeks to create pathways for LGBTQIA+ individuals to thrive academically and professionally, while challenging societal biases that hinder their potential.
Q. What are the primary goals of this partnership between KSF and LPU, and how do you envision it impacting the LGBTQIA+ community in India?
A. The partnership between the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) and Lovely Professional University (LPU) is built on the shared commitment to inclusivity and education as a means of empowerment. Our primary goal is to bridge the gap between opportunity and marginalized identities by ensuring that LGBTQIA+ students feel valued, supported, and represented. We envision this collaboration not just impacting individual lives but also setting a precedent for inclusive education across India. We hope to inspire other institutions to follow suit.
Q. Could you elaborate on the eligibility criteria and selection process for students applying for the Aditya Nanda Scholarship?
A. The eligibility criteria prioritize LGBTQIA+ students who demonstrate financial need, academic potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact within their communities. The selection process includes a comprehensive application review and interviews conducted by a panel of experts from both KSF and LPU. This ensures that recipients are chosen not just based on merit, but also on their passion for advocacy and personal growth.
Q. Apart from financial assistance, are there any additional mentorship, counseling, or professional development opportunities provided to the scholarship recipients?
A. Absolutely. At KSF, we believe that financial support is only one part of the equation. Scholarship recipients are provided access to mentorship programs, career counselling, queer affirmative mental health care support and professional development workshops. These initiatives are designed to build their confidence, enhance employability, and empower them to take on leadership roles within their chosen fields. Additionally, recipients become part of a larger support network of peers and advocates who champion inclusivity.
Q. Mr. Suri, how does the Aditya Nanda Scholarship align with KSF’s broader mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and beyond?
A. The Aditya Nanda Scholarship is at the heart of KSF’s mission to create safe, equitable spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members. Education is a powerful equalizer, and by enabling LGBTQIA+ students to access higher education, we are investing in a future that values diversity and equity. This scholarship also reflects our commitment to breaking stereotypes and providing opportunities that redefine success and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Q. What are the biggest challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ students in accessing higher education, and how does this initiative aim to address those challenges?
A. LGBTQIA+ students in India face multifaceted challenges, including financial constraints, lack of family support, and institutional discrimination. Stigma and exclusion often deter them from pursuing higher education or openly expressing their identities. The Aditya Nanda Scholarship addresses these challenges by providing financial aid, fostering an inclusive environment, and offering mentorship and counselling support. It is a step toward creating a safe, welcoming ecosystem that prioritizes the well-being and aspirations of LGBTQIA+ students.
Q. What measures are being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of the Aditya Nanda Scholarship program?
A. We are very proud that after launching this scholarship in 2019 at The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in hospitality education, we finally have expanded the same to other domains and programs with the support of Lovely Professional University. To ensure sustainability, we are actively engaging with stakeholders, including corporate partners, philanthropists, and educational institutions, to expand funding and support. Our goal is to scale this initiative by collaborating with more universities and creating a replicable model for inclusive education funding.
Q. Are there plans for future collaborations between KSF and LPU to further enhance opportunities for marginalized communities? Could you share any personal anecdotes or success stories that inspired this initiative or showcase its early impact?
A. Yes, we are actively exploring future collaborations to extend similar opportunities to other marginalized communities, including individuals with disabilities, acid attack warriors, and those from economically weaker sections. By building partnerships that focus on holistic inclusion, we aim to broaden the scope and impact of our efforts in education and beyond.
One inspiring story that influenced this initiative is of a young LGBTQIA+ individual who overcame immense societal and family pressure to pursue their dream of higher education. Their journey highlighted the urgent need for systemic support structures like the Aditya Nanda Scholarship, which not only provide financial aid but also validate the identities and aspirations of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Within our own hotels, several LGBTQIA+ individuals who have benefited from the Aditya Nanda Scholarship are now thriving in various departments, from operations to guest services. Their stories reflect resilience, growth, and the power of inclusive policies. These successes inspire us to continue building pathways for empowerment and opportunity across all sectors.
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