Timely fellowship support enables scholars from disadvantaged communities to continue their studies, complete their research and build meaningful academic careers.

Dr. Anik Saha, a 33-year-old scholar from the Scheduled Caste community - Sunri (including Saha) - overcame severe financial difficulties with support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students. The fellowship enabled him to complete his Ph.D. and pursue a career in research.

After the demise of his father, Dr. Saha's family faced an extremely difficult financial situation. With limited resources available for his education, he taught private tuition classes in the evenings to pay his academic fees. Without financial assistance, continuing his studies and completing his Ph.D. would have been practically impossible. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to higher education, with the goal of completing his doctoral research successfully.

From 2018 to 2022, the NFSC fellowship provided the financial support he needed to continue his M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies. The assistance covered educational and admission fees, fieldwork expenses, thesis printing costs and thesis submission charges. The fellowship support was provided at rates equivalent to those applicable to NET-JRF fellows.

The fellowship reduced the financial burden that had threatened to interrupt his education and allowed him to focus on his research. With sustained support, perseverance and hard work, Dr. Saha successfully completed his Ph.D.

Today, Dr. Anik Saha is working as a Research Assistant on an Indian Council of Social Science Research project at Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal. His journey shows how targeted fellowship assistance can help scholars overcome economic barriers, fulfil their academic aspirations and contribute to higher education and research.

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SS-87-NFSC-KV-GA-RK

Date: 21.9.26

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