Message from Managing Trustee, FFEIT

Dear Friends,

At FFE, we believe preparedness is what keeps students competitive, and it is just as critical to success in the classroom as it is beyond it. Our scholars are experiencing and living this, our alumni have proven it!

That conviction and our research data gave rise to our “Beyond Scholarship” initiative, which does exactly what its name promises: skilling students for employability through mentoring, webinars led by domain experts, and training in leadership and entrepreneurship, all while building digital and AI fluency.

Career-readiness skills, combined with financial assistance and emotional wellness support, give our scholars the momentum they need to shape their own career trajectories. In a technology landscape being reshaped by AI, this combination matters more than ever, and it is how we hope to give FFE scholars a genuine competitive advantage.

In this edition, you will read about the many new courses and opportunities FFE has offered our scholars across Engineering, Medicine and Law during the quarter. You will also find highlights from FFE’s popular Open House series, which connects students from across India with all of FFE’s stakeholders through a leadership talk, and testimonials from our stakeholders; this forum continues to inspire and build a vibrant community. Alongside it, we spotlight the many interactions between scholars and their donors. These meetings between scholars, corporate donors, individuals and alumni are far more than interactions; they are forums to connect, to learn, and to appreciate how one life can touch or change several others.

I would like to appeal to everyone to keep investing in our scholars - through donations, new and enriching courses, including those with an AI focus, internships and job opportunities, factory and office tours and interactions, mentoring and more. Please let us know how you or your company/network can stay involved.

We have a real opportunity to help students succeed. Thank you for your support and join us on this enriching journey.

Sudha Kidao
Managing Trustee

Message from CEO, FFEIT

Dear Friends,

As I read through this newsletter, one idea kept coming back to me: an FFE scholarship is where the journey starts, and the real story is what happens after.

Our first Rural Healthcare Fellowship is a good example. Ten FFE alumni doctors are now serving in rural and tribal communities. “Only a few years ago they were scholars hoping someone would believe in them. Today they are the ones showing up for others.”

Mentoring tells the same story. This cycle brings together more than 2,600 mentors and 2,600 scholars across 59 corporate partners, including 12 new ones. For the first time, the whole cycle runs on our new FFE Mentoring App. Behind those numbers are conversations like Dinesh's with his mentor Jala, which gave a quiet student the confidence to hold his own with interviewers.

We are also preparing our scholars for a world being reshaped by AI. Through Anthropic Academy, OpenAI, AWS Educate, AMD-supported Coursera pathways and the Anudip AI and ML program, thousands of scholars are learning the tools that will define their careers. She for STEM and Launchpad are opening doors for those who need an extra hand to walk through them.

Industry is taking notice. More and more organisations are turning to FFE scholars as interns and employees, drawn by their talent, their work ethic and their attitude. Meera Shri is one of them. She is a farmer's daughter from Erode whose performance as an Amazon intern earned her a six-month return internship. Partners from Amazon, SAP, Capgemini and 3M to Thomson Reuters and Akamai are opening their doors to our scholars. With our new LineupX platform, more than 5,000 scholars are now just a click away from employers. We look forward to building many more such partnerships, and if your organisation would like to be one of them, we would love to hear from you.

The circle of giving keeps widening. Our Amazon Future Engineer community has grown from around 200 scholars to more than 2,200. Alumni from over 15 leading companies are championing our referral campaign. Sravan, who joined FFE as a scholar during the pandemic, now supports scholars of his own. As Dr. Sanjay Bindra put it so beautifully at the GOSU–FFE Bridge, “Giving back does not begin someday. It begins today.”

None of this happens without you. To our corporate partners, individual donors, alumni, mentors and volunteers: thank you. Your generosity was on full display at our Silicon Valley Gala in September. It was a wonderful evening of stories, celebration and giving, and it sets a strong tone for the rest of the year as we work to bridge the gap and transform many more lives.

We were also honoured to receive the Education Award at SICA'26 and to renew our Give Gold Certification. These recognitions belong to all of you, and above all to our scholars.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Remembering Shri Ramesh Kacholia

It is with deep sadness that we remember Shri Ramesh Kacholia, founder of “Caring Friends” and a respected philanthropist who dedicated his life to strengthening the social sector and enabling meaningful change.

FFE was privileged to partner with Shri Kacholia, popularly known to everyone as Ramesh Uncle, from 2012–13 onwards. Over the years, his support enabled scholarships to over 200 scholars, giving deserving students the opportunity to pursue Medical and Engineering education. Many of these scholars have since graduated and are now contributing meaningfully to FFE and society.

Beyond his philanthropic contributions, Shri Kacholia will be remembered for his simplicity, humility, integrity and genuine concern for people and organisations working for social good. He believed in building relationships, nurturing organisations and creating lasting impact.

We are deeply grateful for his trust, encouragement and partnership over the years. While his presence will be greatly missed, his values and the lives he touched will continue to inspire us.

His legacy lives on in the opportunities he created, the lives he transformed, and the spirit of giving he inspired. FFE continues to be enriched through our partnership with the “Caring Friends” network and their philanthropic endeavours.

With deep respect and gratitude,
FFE Team.

SICA’26 Education Award Recognition | New Delhi

25th September, 2026

On 25 September 2026, Foundation For Excellence India Trust was recognised as a Winner in the Education category at the 6th Edition of TheCSRUniverse Social Impact Conference & Awards (SICA’26), held at Vishwa Yuva Kendra, New Delhi. Representing FFE were Ms. Taruna Agnani, Head – Skilling & Employment Linkages; Ms. Rajashi Banerjee & Ms. Sudity Jha, Managers – Donor Relations.

The award followed a rigorous multi-stage evaluation, including primary verification, editorial scrutiny, and final evaluation by a distinguished 10-member Jury of academicians, sector experts and professionals. At the heart of this recognition are our thousands of scholars, whose dreams and journeys inspire everything we do. We are grateful to our donors, partners, volunteers and the entire FFE community for being part of this journey.

FFE team receiving the Education Award at SICA’26, New Delhi

Silicon Valley Annual Gala 2026: Our Biggest Fundraising Milestone Yet

20th September, 2026 · Crowne Plaza Hotel, Palo Alto

On September 20, 2026, the Foundation for Excellence's Silicon Valley Annual Gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Palo Alto became one of the most memorable evenings in FFE's 32-year journey, and our biggest fundraising milestone ever.

Under the theme “Light the Lamp, Transform a Life,” guests came together for an evening of fellowship, dinner, and a special dance performance. But the heart of the night was its people. FFE alumna Nagashree Hanumanthappa shared where her journey began and where it has taken her, a reminder that students who once wondered whether they could afford college are now engineers, doctors, and leaders. As she spoke, you could feel the room change. That is the real return on every rupee and every dollar given to FFE.

Guests were also inspired by Jay Chaudhry, whose journey from a small village in India to building one of the world's leading cybersecurity companies captured a truth at the core of FFE's mission: talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't. Closing that gap is exactly why FFE exists.

FFE Comes to Dallas: An Evening of Stories and Impact

26th September, 2026 · Lexington Country Clubhouse, Frisco, Texas

On 26 September 2026, more than sixty friends gathered at the Lexington Country Clubhouse in Frisco, Texas, for FFE's awareness event, Get to Know How Education Changes Lives. The evening was warmly hosted by Prashant and Prathiba, whose hospitality set the tone for an afternoon of chai, conversation and connection.

Over high tea, guests were introduced to the Foundation's journey, from its founding in the US by Dr. Prabhu and Poonam Goel to more than three decades of rewriting futures for students across India. Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee of FFE India Trust, and Ram Kolavennu, CEO, shared how FFE's scholarships and career readiness programmes are helping first-generation engineers, doctors and lawyers break the cycle of poverty. They then opened the floor to an open Q&A, and guests asked thoughtful questions throughout.

The most powerful moments of the evening came from our alumni. Badri spoke about where they began, what an FFE scholarship meant at a turning point in their lives, and where they are today. Their stories made FFE's impact real for everyone in the room. They were living proof of what the Foundation's donors make possible. We are deeply grateful to each of them for being there and for giving back.

The evening closed on a musical note, with soulful performances by Sumith Chandra, an award-winning Hindustani classical vocalist and educator, and Neha Paul, singer, dancer and community organiser.

None of this would have been possible without Deepa Mahesh, long-time donor, former COO and current Board Member, who brought this evening to life with her trademark dedication. Our heartfelt thanks to her, to Prashant and Prathiba for opening their doors to us, and to everyone who joined us. Dallas, you have given us a wonderful new circle of friends.

FFE Comes to Omaha: An Evening of Friendship and Firsts

10th October, 2026 · Omaha, Nebraska

FFE's first informational event in Omaha on 10 October 2026 was generously hosted by Dr. Deepak and Dr. Kiran Gangahar in their beautiful home. Thirty friends and family gathered over dinner for an introduction to the Foundation, its founding in the US by Dr. Prabhu and Poonam Goel, and three decades of impact in India.

The evening opened with Dr. Deepak Gangahar sharing his own journey with FFE, which began almost a decade ago. That journey started with meetings with FFE's Board and a visit to Bangalore to meet the India leadership team, a deliberate effort to understand the programme and confirm its genuineness first-hand. The Gangahars' support has since grown to include scholarships for several medical students, along with ongoing interaction and mentorship for those students.

Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee of FFE India Trust, then presented the Foundation's programmes in detail and answered questions from the audience. The response was warm: guests appreciated the rigour behind FFE's work, and many expressed interest in staying involved. For a first event in a new city, it was a promising beginning, a room of thirty people who came for dinner and left as friends of the Foundation. The generosity of the Gangahars and their constant support is deeply appreciated.

Could your city be next?

The Omaha evening was special because one generous family opened their home to thirty people they already knew and trusted. That is what it takes to start.

If you would like to host a similar gathering in your own city, a dinner, a small reception, a circle of friends and colleagues, we would love to hear from you. FFE will work with you on the format, a speaker or materials, and keep the ask simple for your guests. Write to us at vanisha@ffe.org if this interests you.

Building a Future Together: GOSU–FFE Donor-Scholar Bridge

15th August 2026

On India’s Independence Day, 146 Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GOSUMEC) contributors, GOSU–FFE scholars, and FFE team members came together virtually for a meaningful Donor-Scholar Bridge celebrating the GOSU–FFE journey and its shared vision for the future. The GOSU–FFE Scholarship Program was launched in FY 2024–25 to support meritorious MBBS students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds at Seth G.S. Medical College through a partnership between the GOSUMEC Foundation USA and Foundation For Excellence (FFE).

The event reflected on the partnership’s impact, with scholars sharing their journeys, achievements, and aspirations, highlighting how education, support, and opportunity can transform lives.

Dr. Prabhu Goel encouraged GOSUMEC members to engage more deeply by mentoring scholars and serving as webinar speakers, highlighting GOSUMEC as a trailblazing model. Dr. Sudha Kidao emphasised the pay-it-forward spirit, noting that mentorship, guidance, and professional networks can create life-changing opportunities beyond financial support.

GOSUMEC Foundation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to empowering talented young people. Dr. Sanjay Bindra, Founder and President, GOSUMEC concluded: “Giving back does not begin someday. It begins today. We walk with you today, and one day you will walk with someone else.”

Skills Development Program

FFE’s comprehensive skilling initiative continues to strengthen scholar readiness for the professional world by building strong communication, technical, aspirational and job-readiness skills.

A total of 5,183 first year scholars completed the AMCAT Baseline Assessment, which assesses scholars’ aptitude, communication, logical reasoning, and data interpretation skills and helps identify areas for targeted skill development. 3,387 final year scholars also completed the Endline AMCAT Assessment to assess their overall progress and employment readiness following their skills training, both of these assessments were supported by a grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF). In addition, 3,407 completed the Midline AMCAT Assessment, enabling FFE to measure their progress and identify areas for further development; this assessment was supported by Capgemini.

Based on the baseline assessment findings, FFE launched an English program for second year scholars, with approximately 3,600 scholars enrolled. The program focuses on strengthening scholars’ English communication skills and enhancing their overall workplace readiness. In the current 3rd year cohort supported by Capgemini, 1,222 scholars are attending the advanced Hi Touch English program.

FFE also expanded opportunities in emerging technologies and technical skills. Anthropic Academy and OpenAI learning programs were launched for FFE engineering scholars, providing access to practical learning in AI, generative AI, LLMs, ChatGPT, prompt engineering, data analysis, reasoning, and other industry relevant areas. AWS Educate was launched for second year engineering scholars, offering self-paced learning and hands-on exposure to cloud computing, AI, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. FFE also launched the Entrepreneurship & Mentorship Program 2026 for 180 third year, final year, and recently graduated scholars (alumni). The eight-week program, led by Prof. Raj Jaswa, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and founder of Dyyno, Opti, and Selectica, provides practical entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and guidance to develop and validate business ideas, along with the FFE Innovation Challenge offering opportunities for prizes and seed/prototype support.

For women scholars in STEM, FFE, in collaboration with Vigyan Shala, launched the She for STEM program, a two-stage career development and research mentoring initiative for second-year women engineering scholars. FFE, in collaboration with Anudip Foundation, is launching an Advanced AI & Machine Learning certification program for final-year engineering scholars, focused on careers in AI, ML, Data Science, and related fields.

FFE, in collaboration with Avanti Fellows, also initiated Launchpad, a peer-led, on-campus support initiative for first generation learners. The program received an enthusiastic response, with 500+ FFE scholars expressing interest. The initiative also includes opportunities for corporate exposure through visits to organisations such as Micron and IMC Trading.

Leadership and emotional wellbeing programs continued to engage scholars at scale, with 1,022 scholars participating in the “Finding the Leader in You” workshop, and 2,882 scholars participating in structured wellness sessions conducted by MPower. The final Aspire Leaders cohort for 2026 is set to begin shortly, providing another group of scholars with access to global leadership development opportunities.

Alumni Engagement – “Fuel the Opportunities” Campaign

During this quarter, FFE strengthened its alumni engagement efforts by conducting several virtual meetings as a part of “Fuel the Opportunities” 2026, an online FFE Alumni Referral Campaign. The program engaged with key FFE alumni who served as ambassadors in 15+ leading companies, including Broadcom, IBM, Microsoft, Visa, Google, ServiceNow, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Dell, Deloitte, Adobe, American Express, NVIDIA, Synopsys, and Analog Devices.

Through a series of virtual meetings, FFE’s team connected with alumni representatives to understand their respective organizations’ initiatives and explore opportunities to support the Matching Grant Program, along with other volunteering activities aligned with the campaign. These interactions helped build stronger corporate-alumni partnerships and identify avenues for increased alumni participation and contributions toward supporting FFE scholars.

First virtual Alumni Referral Campaign meeting with our Alumni Board Member Roshan Kolhe, along with 5 alumni from organizations such as Broadcom, IBM, Microsoft, Visa, and Google.
Alumni – Nagashree H N, Ashwath Hegde, Prasanna Venkatesan, Nikhil Joshi and Gokul Anand

Second virtual Alumni Referral Campaign meeting with our other organizations such as Service Now, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Dell and Deloitte
Alumni – Vignesh Munian, Nilay Das, Manjunath S G, Shalini A N and Rohit

Third virtual Alumni Referral Campaign meeting with our other organizations such as Adobe, American Express, NVIDIA, Synopsys and Analog Devices
Alumni – Bipul Ranjan, Sneha Negi, Shraddha Pawar, Sagar Walishetti and Vasishtha Bhat

Alumni Donor and Scholar Engagements

This quarter, FFE initiated 20+ virtual meetings between alumni donors and their supported scholars under the Adopt a Scholar Program (ASP). These sessions provided a comfortable and meaningful platform for scholars and donors to connect, exchange experiences, and build stronger relationships.

The interactions enabled scholars to approach their donors with questions and seek guidance on a range of topics, including career interests, placements, interview preparation, and other professional development opportunities. Through these conversations, alumni donors continued to serve as valuable mentors and provided personalized guidance and encouragement to scholars as they navigate their academic and career journeys.

Alumni Ashwath Hegde and Praveen with Scholar Girish Bhajantri

FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Program Welcome Session

6th August 2026

Marking a significant milestone for FFE, an inaugural welcome cum orientation session brought together the first 10 doctors, all FFE alumni, addressed as Fellows who had begun serving across rural India under the FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Program. As FFE’s first initiative of its kind, the fellowship extends its support beyond medical education, enabling alumni doctors to gain clinical experience while contributing to healthcare in underserved communities.

The session formally welcomed the fellows and introduced the program’s vision, expectations and support framework. Doctors shared their early experiences of working in rural and tribal settings, highlighting community trust, language barriers, clinical learning and delivering care with limited resources. Their reflections offered a meaningful glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare. The session was addressed by Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee, FFE India Trust, and Mr. Ram Kolavennu, CEO, FFE India Trust.

FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Program Welcome Session

Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Bengaluru Chapter Meet-up

9th September, 2026

On 9 September, FFE organized the first FFE - Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Bengaluru Chapter meeting, bringing together 41 AFE scholars and alumni Currently, there are 22 FFE alumni working at Amazon as Full Time Employees while 21 scholars are interning at Amazon. The meetup was organised to build a stronger local AFE community where scholars and alumni can connect, learn from one another, share experiences and support each other as they grow in their careers.

The evening also offered a glimpse into how far the AFE community has come. Since the program began in 2021–22 with around 200 scholars, it has grown into a community of over 2,200 scholars, with 544 scholars having interned at Amazon. Today, AFE scholars are working across teams including Amazon Pay, Payments, and Amazon Now.

The remarkable change that was most evident was the transformation of young and sometimes hesitant students to confident professionals they had become. Their journeys through AFE, internships completed and professional experiences have helped build that confidence. These young professionals are now role models guiding scholars coming after them through the program. This stood as a powerful reminder of how a scholarship can blossom into opportunity, confidence, and a lasting community.

Mentorship Program

FFE’s Mentorship Program is a structured 4–6 month, one-on-one initiative for third-year Engineering scholars, pairing them with experienced professionals to build soft skills, career readiness, and workplace preparedness. Through regular mentoring interactions and curated modules covering communication, interpersonal skills, etiquette, problem-solving, time and stress management, and career development, scholars gain practical guidance, confidence, and a better understanding of workplace expectations.

The 2026–27 Mentorship Cycle initiated in July 2026, with registration and onboarding of mentors and scholars, followed by phased mentor–mentee mapping across participating organisations. By the end of September, all mentor–mentee pairs will be successfully mapped to begin their mentoring journey.

This year, the program has onboarded over 2600 mentors and 2602 mentees, with participation from 59 corporate partners. The cycle also welcomed 12 new corporate partners, including Accenture, Booking Holdings, Blackduck, Lubrizol India Private Limited, Octave, Sage Publications, Sagility, SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd., Vector Informatik India Pvt. Ltd., Trilegal, Sprih and Synchrony Financial, further expanding the program’s reach and opportunities for scholars to engage with experienced professionals from diverse industries. Prominent companies like Accenture, Annalect, Broadridge, Capgemini technology services India limited, Cyient Foundation, Dell Technologies, ExxonMobil Services & Technology Private Ltd, Kpmg Assurance And Consulting Services, Microsoft, Synopsys, TransUnion CIBIL, Wabtec India Industrial Pvt Ltd and Wipro shared significant participation with close to 100 or more employees enrolled as mentors from each.

Mentor and mentee onboarding was supported through detailed orientation sessions covering the program structure, timelines, expectations, registration process, and the key features of the new FFE mentoring portal as a mobile application, including steps to access mentor/mentee profile access, mentoring resources, session scheduling, session tracking, and progress updates. Over 50 targeted Corporate-specific sessions were also conducted for employee volunteers, with multiple sessions for organisations with larger volunteer groups to maximise participation. Over 15 mentee (FFE scholars) orientation sessions were conducted to onboard the 3568 eligible and interested third-year FFE scholars and familiarise them with the program and mentoring process.

Launch of FFE’s Mentoring App:

The 2026–27 cycle marks the first mentoring cycle to be onboarded and registered on the newly launched FFE Mentoring App. The app is an all-in-one, user-friendly platform developed specifically for FFE mentors and mentees to track and update their mentoring journey. This user-friendly app provides access to resources for all six soft-skill modules, which can be viewed or downloaded for reference. Users can also access their mentor’s or mentee’s profile, share feedback after each session, monitor milestones, view completed and upcoming modules, and track session statuses, including whether sessions are pending or completed.

The application was created primarily for use on mobile devices, so volunteers have quick access to all the resources and program details. A browser-based version of the application is also available for volunteers who may prefer not to download the app on their mobile devices.

Screens and features from the new FFE Mentoring App

Regular communication and engagement is maintained with mentors and mentees throughout the program to share updates, provide guidance, address queries, and ensure a smooth mentoring journey. Mid-cycle feedback sessions will be starting to assess program progress and effectiveness, gather feedback from mentors and mentees, and identify and address any challenges they may be facing during the mentoring journey.

FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Mentorship Program – Inaugural Session

16th August 2026

Marking the beginning of the FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Mentorship Program, the inaugural session brought together FFE MBBS doctors placed under the FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship with partner organisations across India, medical scholars, and an experienced healthcare professional, creating a platform for learning, guidance, and professional development. The program aims to support doctors navigating the realities of working in rural and underserved communities through expert guidance, peer learning, career support, and continued professional development.

The session was led by Dr. Ramani Atkuri, a Community Medicine specialist with over 35 years of experience in primary and rural healthcare. Through her talk, “Beyond the Bright Lights – Healthcare for the Less Privileged,” she shared valuable experiences and insights from her work with underserved communities.

The inaugural session marked an important first step in building a supportive mentorship community for young doctors serving rural India.

FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Inaugural Mentorship session

Voice of Scholar: Aptitude Training Program (Ethnus)

Sundaravally M — B.Tech, Computer Science and Engineering, III Year, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Puducherry

“Participating in the Ethnus Aptitude Training Program has been a highly enriching experience. The program strengthened my foundation in quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking while helping me improve my speed, accuracy, and confidence.

I particularly appreciated the focus on practical techniques, shortcut methods, consistent practice, and logical problem-solving rather than memorization. These skills will be extremely valuable as I prepare for internships, placements, and aptitude assessments.

I sincerely thank Foundation For Excellence (FFE) and Ethnus for this valuable initiative, which has helped me become a more confident and analytical problem-solver.”

Sundaravally M, III Year, Computer Science Engineering scholar

Voice of Scholar: NPTEL Program 2025–26

Karan Rathod — B.Tech, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, III Year, NITK Surathkal

“Coming from a government school background and later studying at JNV, my journey has always been driven by a desire to grow through opportunities that combine learning with impact. Receiving the Foundation For Excellence (FFE) Scholarship and enrolling in various courses offered by FFE have been two transformative experiences in my academic journey.

Through NPTEL, I enrolled in the course Programming in Modern C++, which significantly strengthened my programming fundamentals. I gained a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming, the Standard Template Library (STL), memory management, and modern C++ features. The structured video lectures, assignments, and final certification exam encouraged me to learn with discipline and consistency. This experience improved my logical thinking and coding confidence as I explored opportunities in the software domain alongside my electrical engineering studies. FFE has not just supported my education but has empowered me to aim higher, keep learning, and work harder toward my goals.”

Karan Rathod, III Year, Electrical and Electronics Engineering scholar, NITK Surathkal

2026 Batch Placements, Internships & Corporate Outreach | July–August 2026

FFE’s corporate outreach for the 2026 graduating batch (3,302 students) spanned alumni connections, external outreach, and the donor and partner network between July and August 2026.

On the placement front, 1,978 students (60%) from the 2026 graduating cohort have secured internships, while 1,372 students (41.55%) have been placed so far. An additional 245 students (7.42%) are pursuing higher studies or preparing for competitive examinations. Overall, 1,617 students (49%) have progressed to either employment or higher studies, while 1,685 students (51.03%) continue to actively seek employment opportunities.

To strengthen employment and internship opportunities, FFE has received job descriptions through multiple channels. Through its donor and partner network, opportunities have been received from Sprih, Madhi Foundation, 3M, SAP, CMI Institute, Capgemini, Krutanic, and VedXlence. Through external outreach, FFE has engaged TWI Group, Extender, Pinnacle Work, Esme Consumer, Helical, and Alcom International, while IMgears and Jyoti CNC have been connected through the FFE alumni network.

FFE is also actively pursuing 17 additional corporates in its placement and internship pipeline, including Raphe, Dell Technologies, Amazon, TCS, Revature, and Hexaware Technologies, among others. These ongoing engagements are aimed at further expanding employment pathways and internship opportunities for FFE scholars.

FFE Virtual Open House Series 2026

The value of an FFE scholarship goes towards opening up horizons, boosting confidence and giving exposure to our diverse set of scholars to ideas that they may not encounter otherwise. Fulfilling this objective, FFE’s Virtual Open House Series 2026 saw a series of conversations between scholars and industry leaders, accomplished professionals and alumni across technology, business, law and medicine.

Designed for the different stages of a scholar's journey, the series provided students with the opportunity to ask questions that go beyond the curriculum and classroom: What skills will matter in the future? How is technology reshaping careers? What does it take to build a meaningful career? How does one navigate career options? And perhaps most importantly, how can today's students prepare their careers for the fast approaching future?

The Open House series began on 25 June, with a conversation for first-year engineering scholars with Mr. Ravi Rangaraju, Director – Regional HR India, Thomson Reuters who spoke on a rather interesting aspect, “What AI Cannot Replace”. He encouraged scholars to think about the uniquely human abilities that will matter even in a time when artificial intelligence dominates the workplace.

The second Open House, on 10 July, saw Mr. Kuldip Kaura, former CEO of Vedanta Limited, interact with over 2000 engineering scholars. The conversation gave the young minds an opportunity to understand the professional journey of a veteran business leader and learn the lessons of a lifetime.

The third Open House on 23 July, took an inward look at the FFE community with a panel discussion on the journey of an FFE scholar. With FFE alumni Gaurang Shah, Shraddha Pawar and Roshan Kolhe in conversation with FFE’s CEO Ram Kolavennu, the audience was taken through the journey of the FFE alumni from being scholars to professionals, their experiences of being in the FFE family and the value of giving back to the community. Hearing firsthand from those who were in a similar place a few years ago was an illuminating reminder that the FFE journey continues long after graduation.

The fourth Open House on 5 August, tackled one of the most pivotal forces in their future careers. Dr. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, spoke on “The Transformative Power of AI and Open Challenges,” sharing his experience on the immense power of artificial intelligence and the open challenges in one of the most cutting-edge fields of today.

The fifth Open House in the series, moved beyond engineering. On 5 September, law scholars interacted with Ms. Swathy Ramanath, former Partner at Khaitan & Co., for a conversation on the insight and experience of a legal career. The conversation went beyond the conventional discussion of career paths in law. Students raised difficult questions about the profession, its challenges and what it really takes to build a career in it. Rather than offering easy answers, the session created space for an honest exchange that acknowledged that a career in law can be demanding, competitive and complex.

The final session, held on 13 September, explored the scope of AI in medicine with FFE medical scholars across all years. Dr. G. V. Rao, Director of AIG Hospitals and the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, delivered the talk, which generated considerable interest among the scholars.

To many FFE scholars, especially those from rural and semi-urban roots, the opportunity to network with senior professionals and successful alumni can be as valuable as any financial scholarship. It brings the ideas and aspirations of a career to life, in conversation with those who have already made the leap and embarked on professional journeys of their own.

Voice Of Scholars: Meera Shri M

BE/B.Tech, 4th Year, Computer Science and Engineering — Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

For Meera Shri M, every step forward is deeply connected to where she comes from. Hailing from Erode, Tamil Nadu, Meera Shri grew up in a simple family where hard work was a part of everyday life. Her father is a farmer and her mother is a homemaker. Her parents may not have had the opportunities she has today, but they always believed in the power of education and encouraged their daughter to dream beyond the circumstances around her.

Today, as a Computer Science and Engineering student at Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Meera Shri is beginning to see those dreams take shape. Her journey has not always been easy, but every opportunity has helped her move a little further forward.

The FFE scholarship became an important support during Meera Shri’s college years, easing the financial pressure on her family and allowing her to focus on building her future. FFE’s support went beyond the scholarship—she received a laptop and participated in a coding bootcamp, gaining access to technology and hands-on learning that strengthened her technical skills and confidence. She began exploring programming beyond her classroom curriculum and applying her learning to real-world situations.

This investment opened a new door when Meera Shri secured an internship at Amazon as a Software Development Intern. From understanding existing systems and debugging issues to participating in code reviews and contributing to development tasks, she was able to put her technical learning into practice. After performing well during her internship, she was offered a six-month return internship at Amazon, which she is currently pursuing. She now hopes to secure a full-time opportunity at Amazon and take the next step in her career.

FFE’s Mentorship program also played an important role in her transformation. Her mentor, Mr. Vijay Krishna, Portfolio Manager at Capgemini, guided her in developing soft skills for better job readiness, while his constant encouragement helped her believe in her abilities. With each session, she grew more confident in communicating, making decisions, facing challenges, and envisioning herself in a professional environment.

Her achievements have brought immense pride to her parents, who have watched their daughter pursue engineering, enter the technology industry, and build her own career.

For Meera Shri, success is not only about securing a good job—it is about becoming financially independent, supporting her family, and building a future that reflects their faith in her. From a farmer’s daughter in Erode to a young woman pursuing a career in technology, her journey shows what determination and opportunity can make possible. FFE’s support gave her the resources, skills, and guidance to turn her hard work and her parents’ sacrifices into a future she can be proud of.

Donor Feature: Dr. Usha Gupta Memorial Scholarship

Our mother, Dr. Usha Gupta, believed deeply that education could transform not only an individual life, but generations that followed. Raised in rural North India as one of six children, she overcame significant barriers to become a physician at a time when opportunities for girls were far from guaranteed. She went on to dedicate more than four decades to caring for critically ill newborns as a pediatrician and neonatologist, earning the trust and gratitude of countless families through her extraordinary clinical skill, compassion, and humility. Yet, for all of her professional accomplishments, she remained remarkably modest, always measuring success by the lives she improved rather than the recognition she received.

Following her unexpected passing, my brother and I established the Dr. Usha Gupta Memorial Scholarship to honor the values that defined her life. We wanted to create opportunities for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural India to pursue medical education—because someone once believed in our mother's potential, and that single opportunity changed the trajectory of our family and the lives of thousands of patients she would eventually serve. Our hope is that each scholarship recipient will carry forward her legacy of resilience, compassion, and service, creating a ripple effect of healing that extends far beyond any one individual. We cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to a woman whose life's work was devoted to helping others.

Alumni Feature: Sravan Kumar Velpula (2019-2023)

Year of Graduation - 2023 · Senior Data Engineering Analyst at Optum India, Hyderabad · FFE Alumni and Donor

“My name is Sravan Kumar Velpula, and I currently work as a Data Engineering Analyst at Optum Global Solutions. I come from Bharathi Nagar, a small village in Telangana and belong to a close-knit family of four—my parents, my brother, and me. My parents always considered education and discipline the most important things in our lives. Despite facing financial challenges themselves, they worked hard to provide my brother and me with better opportunities. My father works as a chit-funds advisor, and my mother is a homemaker. Their constant encouragement helped me pursue my interests and work towards my goals.

I completed my schooling at Attur Bharathiyar School in Salem, Tamil Nadu, and with my parents' support, I cracked JEE Main and secured admission to NIT Raipur for Computer Science Engineering. Moving to Raipur was financially challenging for my family, but with support from our relatives, I was able to begin my engineering journey. During my first semester at college, I learned about the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) scholarship through my seniors. FFE's financial support was a great help, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, as it reduced the financial burden on my family and helped me continue my education.

FFE also provided me with access to Coursera courses, communication programs, and mock interviews. These opportunities helped me improve my technical and communication skills, build projects, strengthen my resume, and gain the confidence needed for placements.

Before graduation, I was selected by Optum Global Solutions in Hyderabad, where I joined a Data Engineering team. Today, I have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, learn continuously, and grow professionally.

I am grateful that I am now in a position to give back. I have adopted an FFE scholar and am currently supporting another student, with my parents' encouragement. FFE's support did much more than help me financially—it gave me opportunities, confidence, and the responsibility to help others. I strongly believe that FFE is helping build a better future by empowering talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. I am proud to have been an FFE scholar and to now be a part of this community.”

Facilitator Feature: Mrs. Jyothsna.K

HR Manager with Pan IIT Alumni Foundation

My association with the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) began nearly 12 years ago through the Avanti Fellows team. Since then, I have actively supported and guided students, helping introduce around 30–40 deserving students to FFE and its scholarship opportunities.

I hold an MBA from Pondicherry University and currently work as an HR Manager with Pan IIT Alumni Foundation and also manage the POSH and Safeguarding Committee until 2025, contributing significantly to organizational development, people management, employee welfare, and operational coordination within the skill development sector. My husband is an IIT graduate and serves as a Senior Lead at the same organization.

With the help of a group of friends at a personal level, we have also initiated a small scholarship program to support 10–20 primary school students from single-parent families, helping them continue their education without financial barriers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been hearing from students after their graduation, when they reach out to express their gratitude for the support they received through FFE. Their success stories reinforce the impact that educational assistance can have on transforming lives.

Being associated with FFE gives me immense satisfaction and pride, as it allows me to contribute, in my own way, to a mission that empowers talented students from underserved backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. I am grateful to be part of an organization that continues to create meaningful opportunities for students in need.