New Delhi, March 25, 2023: Sensodyne maker Haleon India has awarded scholarships of more than INR 6 crore to as many as 143 meritorious students pursing Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) across India.
The students belonging to underprivileged communities across 21 states and 130+ cities were awarded the ’Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship’ at the Oral Health Innovation Conclave (OHIC) in Delhi on March 25.
OHIC is a first-of-its-kind national event organised by Indian Dental Association (IDA) focusing on innovations, entrepreneurship, and research in oral healthcare.
This scholarship programme for BDS students is a CSR initiative by Haleon India (erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare).
According to Haleon India officials, an amount of more than INR 6 crores will be disbursed under this programme amongst these 143 students to support their academic and living expenses incurred during their 4-year BDS programme. Each of these students will be provided with a financial assistance of INR 1,05,000 per year for 4 years of their BDS course.
With the mission to facilitate underprivileged and exceptional dental students bring their dreams to life, Haleon India launched this programme in partnership with IDA and Buddy4Study in July 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shanu Saksena, CSR Head, Haleon India (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) said, “We are elated to announce the well-deserving winners of this scholarship and many congratulations to them. We would like to thank Indian Dental Association for being our trusted knowledge partner and sharing their knowledge and support throughout this endeavour. Together, we are proud to provide an opportunity to these aspiring dental students to achieve their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others. This initiative is a true representation of Haleon’s purpose 'to deliver better health with humanity', and we are excited to play this pivotal role in their professional and educational journey.”
Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Secretary General, Indian Dental Association, said, “The Indian Dental Association (IDA) has always been in the forefront to support dental college students and has been their friend, advocate and guide. As the knowledge partner to the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship Programme, IDA wholeheartedly supports this initiative by Haleon India. IDA believes that this project would not only touch the lives of the financially less privileged, meritorious students but also fulfil their family’s dreams. IDA is committed to handhold every student until their goals are achieved.”
The event was graced by dignitaries such as Dr. L. Swasticharan (Additional Deputy Director General of Health Services) as the Guest of Honour, Lt. Gen. Satish R Iyer (Director General Dental Services), Dr. Puneet Girdhar (President IDA), Dr. Ashok Dhoble (Hon Sec General IDA), Dr. Meera Verma (Chairperson for DDS), Dr. Vandana Agarwal (Organizing Secretary DDS), Mr. Navneet Saluja, MD - India Sub-Continent, Haleon India and Ms. Anurita Chopra, Head of Marketing, India Sub-continent, Haleon India.
