New Delhi, March 17, 2026: MSD India, in partnership with Smile Foundation, has awarded 50 scholarships to young women from underserved communities under its ‘Scholarship for Daughters’ programme, supporting them in pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree.
The merit-based initiative, now in its second year, aims to reduce financial barriers and expand access to professional education for girls. The 2026 cohort builds on the inaugural batch of 32 scholars, reflecting the programme’s continued scale and impact.
Selected through a competitive process involving aptitude assessments and personal interviews, the scholars will receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees for the entire four-year course. In addition, the programme provides laptops, mentorship, soft skills training, career counselling and interview preparation, ensuring a holistic approach to education and employability.
The initiative is designed to support students enrolled in accredited pharmacy colleges across India, helping them transition from academic learning to professional careers in the healthcare sector.
Brecht Vanneste, Managing Director, MSD India, said, “At MSD India, diversity and inclusion are not just aspiration, they are fundamental to who we are, what we value, and how we operate. The ‘Scholarship for Daughters’ program brings this commitment to life by expanding access to education, and opportunity. As we enter the second year of the initiative and welcome an even larger cohort of talented young scholars, we are inspired by their ambition and resilience. By investing in the next generation of women leaders, we aim to support a positive impact not only for these scholars, but also for the communities and the future they will help shape.”
Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation, added, “Sustainable empowerment of girl children requires consistent support and an ecosystem that nurtures their aspirations. The continued progress of the Scholarship for Daughters’ program reinforces our shared vision of enabling daughters from underserved communities to pursue professional education and emerge as confident, skilled leaders of tomorrow. This journey is not just about education; it is about transforming lives and communities.”
The programme underscores the importance of education as a pathway to gender equity and workforce inclusion, particularly in specialised fields such as pharmacy. By supporting young women through higher education and career readiness, the initiative aims to contribute to building a more equitable and skilled workforce.
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