Goa Super 100 Scholarships by PACT launched in Panaji

PANAJI

Celebrating its second foundation day, the PACT Foundation launched a scholarship initiative ‘Goa Super 100’ as well as the annual report of PACT at the hands of veteran theatre personality, actor and director Anupam Kher, and actor and social activist Sonu Sood on Friday at Clube Gaspar de Dias at Miramar Panaji. The foundation, brain child of Goan Dr Ashwin Fernandes, an internationally recognised educationist, author and change maker, was started in 2023 as an effort to bring smiles on the faces of school going children by providing them happy spaces to bloom. 

“We have to find a solution to the problems and issues faced by the community. If we can positively impact the lives of young children, we would be building a secure future for our future generations. PACT is here to see that every child receives quality education and brings positive change in the society. Currently PACT has impacted 20 schools and 6000 students from the remotest villages in Goa,” stated Dr Ashwin, a global educationist, connected to over 8000 universities across the world.

PACT Foundation was started by Dr Ashwin as an initiative to give back to society. “Never forget from where you come from while you dream, inspire and aspire big,” said the Aldona born Goan who, after years of global experience made a purpose-driven come-back to his home state with a mission to invest in local education.

“I grew up in Goa. I know what it means to rely on the kindness of teachers, the belief of mentors, and the strength of the community,” said Dr Ashwin while elaborating on the scholarship which will offer 100 young students four-year’s under-graduation programme with no tuition fees (100 % free), thus removing their financial burden, unlocking their dreams and inspiring them to become future leaders, scientists, professionals and entrepreneurs. Partnering in this journey will be some of the best universities of India, said Dr Ashwin.

Calling it a national extension of the Happy School project of PACT, Dr Ashwin announced that next year 160 students will be provided this scholarship. “Goa is being watched. The world cares about what’s happening here. This year the scholarships are linked with Indian universities. But PACT intends to tie up with international universities in future. With hope, unity and purpose we wish to make impossible, possible and ride the wave to create a change,” assured the Goan educationist to the students, teachers and principals that attended the event in large numbers.