New Delhi, March 27, 2024: As many as 57 dental students were felicitated with the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship for the academic year 2023-24.
This brings the total number of scholarship recipients to 200 for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, as part of Haleon India's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Give Grants, and Buddy4Study, the programme’s implementation partner.
Head of Ethics and Compliance, Wider Asia, and Head CSR ISC Shanu Saksena, said, “As a company, we truly believe in giving back to society by working with them, for them and for their benefits. It is a privilege for us to partner with a reputed organisation like the Indian Dental Association, and together provide an opportunity to aspiring dentists to fulfil their dreams. This truly fits into our purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity, and we are hopeful that this programme benefits many students.”
Dr Raveendranath M, President, Indian Dental Association, said, “The Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship exemplifies our commitment to fostering excellence in dentistry with this opportunity for aspiring dental professionals. We congratulate the recipients and commend Haleon India and Buddy4Study for their dedication to empowering the next generation of dental professionals.
Dr Ashok Dhoble, Hon. Secretory General, IDA, said, “As a partner in this transformative initiative, the Indian Dental Association is proud to support the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship, which empowers deserving dental students to pursue their academic dreams. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters a brighter future for the dental profession in India.”
The students were honoured in a virtual ceremony jointly organised by Haleon India, Indian Dental Association and Buddy4Study.
Committed to nurturing excellence in the dental sector, the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship offers financial support to meritorious, underprivileged students from across India who are pursuing 4-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) courses in government or government-aided colleges. Selected students receive financial assistance of INR 4,20,000 (INR 1,05,000 per year) over four years, alleviating the financial burden of academic and living expenses.
In the 2023–24 cohort of Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship recipients, females make up approximately 80% of the awardees. Over the span of both years, 123 female students have been granted the scholarship, compared to 73 male students. Among the total 200 recipients across the two consecutive years, 125 come from families with annual income below ₹1,00,000. These scholars hail from various regions of India, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam emerging as the most represented states.
Haleon in India is a leading fast-moving consumer healthcare company. Haleon India is operating in oral care, digestive health, pain management and respiratory, and Vitamin Mineral Supplement with iconic brands such as Sensodyne, Paradontax, Polident, Eno, Iodex, Crocin, Otrivin, Centrum and Ostocalcium.
