For Sagar Kodi, a 30-year-old scholar belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, pursuing higher education was not merely a personal ambition. It was a path towards supporting his family and contributing to his community.

Coming from a village, Sagar faced financial and geographical barriers in accessing quality higher education. After completing his master's degree, he attempted to qualify for the UGC-NET Junior Research Fellowship but missed the qualifying mark by less than two per cent.

Determined to continue his academic journey, he enrolled in a Ph.D. programme with financial assistance from the university. However, the limited support was insufficient to meet his research expenses and help his family.

At the same time, his family expected him to begin earning and contribute financially after completing his master's degree. These circumstances made it increasingly difficult for Sagar to continue his doctoral research.

Receiving assistance under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students proved a turning point in his life. He was supported through both the Junior Research Fellowship and Senior Research Fellowship from 27 December 2019 to 15 May 2024. The last fellowship support received by him amounted to Rs. 42,000.

The fellowship enabled Sagar to pursue his Ph.D. without the constant burden of financial uncertainty. It helped him meet his academic and research expenses while also contributing towards his family's needs. According to him, without support under the scheme, his family's financial circumstances might have prevented him from continuing his doctoral studies.

With determination and timely institutional support, Sagar completed his Ph.D. and established a career in research. He is presently working as a Research Associate at the Anthropological Survey of India, Mysore, with a basic pay of Rs. 37,600 under Level 6.

Sagar's journey demonstrates how targeted fellowship support can enable talented students from disadvantaged communities to overcome financial and geographical barriers, pursue advanced education and build meaningful careers. His achievement has strengthened his family's financial position and placed him in a position to inspire and support others from his community.

Extending gratitude to NFSC, Sagar Kodi said, “The NFSC fellowship enabled me to pursue my Ph.D. without financial hardship and helped me support my family while working towards my academic goals."

Sagar Kodi's story is one of perseverance, aspiration and empowerment a journey that began in a village and led to a promising career in research.

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