Mohali, Oct 17, 2024: Punjab-based Plaksha University has signed a MoU with Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) to deliver training programs designed to equip 225 meritorious girl students under the Kotak Kanya Scholarship Program with essential life and career skills.
The MoU was signed recently between Plaksha University's Center for Thinking, Language and Communication (CTLC) and KEF, the CSR implementing agency of Kotak Mahindra Group.
Dr Ganesh Raja, CEO, Kotak Education Foundation said, "At Kotak Education Foundation, we believe that empowering young women goes beyond financial aid—it’s about fostering holistic development. Our partnership with Plaksha University's Center for Thinking, Language, and Communication is a significant step in this direction. By focusing on communication, professional development, and career readiness, we are preparing our Kotak Kanya scholars to become confident, capable leaders who will thrive in an ever-evolving world."
Commenting on this initiative, Dr Brainerd Prince, Director, Centre for Thinking, Language and Communication, Plaksha University, said, "At CTLC, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of engineers, particularly women engineers, by equipping them with essential cognitive, linguistic and communication skills and resources. Our collaboration with the Kotak Education Foundation represents a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in STEM fields in India thus creating social impact. We set up the ProACT initiative at CTLC with the vision of providing talented students like the Kotak Kanya Scholars with self-development and market-facing skills and resources. We pride ourselves in offering personalised training to each student in order to foster a community of innovative leaders and problem solvers, driving a more inclusive and forward-thinking future."
The Kotak Kanya Scholarship program aims to empower 225 meritorious girl students from financially challenged backgrounds pursuing graduation courses from top ranked NIRF institutions by providing them with financial support across 4–5 years, enabling them to pursue their higher education without financial constraints.
Besides financial assistance, the scholarship facilitates holistic development of the scholars through intensive student engagement and finishing school activities. Keeping the focus on holistic development of each scholar, Plaksha's CTLC will focus on enhancing communication skills and professional development of these Kotak Kanya Scholars enrolled in premier engineering colleges across the country.
A comprehensive program spread over three years will be provided featuring a three-course structure with six modules over 18 sessions. In the first year, students focus on self-learning and setting goals to build a strong career foundation. The second year enhances interpersonal skills and boosts confidence for effective public communication. In the final year, students prepare for the job market by learning to craft compelling CVs, conduct market research, network, and refine their interview skills. This robust program equips scholars with essential competencies for future career success.
 Prof Srinivasan Raghavan, Chair of CeNSE IISc, Prof Govindan Rangarajan, Director IISC, Siddharth Jain, Director - INOX Group, Diganta Sarma, RBH - INOXAP and Dr Dhavala Suri, Asst Prof, CeNSE.JPG)
