Kohima: Indus Towers Limited honored 77 students with disabilities in Guwahati on November 6. The awards ceremony marked ten years of the Saksham scholarship program. These students hail from five Northeastern states for the 2026 to 2027 academic session. Assam Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ashwini Ray Sarkar attended as the chief guest.
Barriers block education for many. National data shows students with disabilities make up just 0.2 percent of total enrollment. Fewer than five percent reach a graduate degree. The Saksham initiative works to change these numbers. Launched in 2016, it funds higher education and professional training. Since the start, it has backed over 900 students across the Northeast.
Recipients this year include 47 students from Assam, 11 from Nagaland, and eight from Mizoram. Six hail from Meghalaya, and five come from Tripura. They are pursuing various paths, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Nationwide, the program supports 200 students this term.
Shishu Sarothi Executive Director Ketaki Bardalai opened the event. She noted that alumni now work in law, medicine, and engineering. Indus Towers Circle CEO Rajender Gurung addressed the crowd. He stated, "As we enable connectivity for millions in India, the responsibility to uplift communities becomes both a privilege and a purpose."
Sarkar praised the scholars for their grit. He also detailed the state government's push for better vocational training and employment. Other officials in attendance included Assam State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Sushama Hazarika and Director of Social Justice and Empowerment Suswapna Kakati. The new scholars finished the day with an orientation on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and the company's digital portal.
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