Shah Rukh Khan Revives Scholarship Aimed At Helping Aspiring Indian Female Researchers

A scholarship named after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in 2019 has made a comeback.

La Trobe University in partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne announced the revival of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, which aims at providing life-changing opportunities to aspiring female researchers from India to make a meaningful impact in the world.

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The first ever Shah Rukh Khan scholarship was announced during the 2019 festival when SRK attended as a chief guest to launch this program.

According to reports, the maiden Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship was awarded to Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi from Kerala for her research in agricultural science.

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However, the scholarship was put on hold for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and now it has been revived for applicants.

The application process started recently from August 18 and will continue till September 23, 2022. Indian student Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi, who was awarded the scholarship was able to travel to Australia to begin her PhD early this year.

Moreover, the university had expressed that the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship was their most applied for scholarship as they received over 800 applicants which is why it has been introduced back courtesy of the festival that had facilitated this program.

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According to The Free Press Journal, La Trobe University Chancellor, The Hon John Brumby AO, had stated that he was thrilled about Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan endorsing the University by offering another scholarship to an aspiring Indian female researcher.

John Brumby said, ¡°Gopika is already making a valuable contribution to La Trobe¡¯s world-class research in agricultural sciences ¨C a rapidly growing area at the University that aims to help address global food insecurity.¡±

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¡°We¡¯re excited to announce another life-changing opportunity for an Indian woman to help us find solutions to some of the world¡¯s most pressing challenges, in research areas such as environmental sustainability, health or agriculture," the University Chancellor further said.

Also, speaking of what inspired them to introduce a scholarship in the name of the Bollywood superstar, Mr. Brumby said, ¡°The Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship recognises Mr. Khan¡¯s extraordinary altruism, demonstrated in his work to advocate for women¡¯s empowerment ¨C including through his Meer Foundation.¡±

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