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Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation is an Indian philanthropic organisation established by Narotam Sekhsaria, the founder of Ambuja Cements. The foundation supports initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and the arts, primarily through grant-making and partnerships with non-governmental organisations and academic institutions in India.

Name Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
Type Philanthropic foundation
Founder Narotam Sekhsaria
Country India
Focus areas Education, healthcare, livelihoods, arts and culture

Background

Narotam Sekhsaria is an Indian industrialist best known as a co-founder of Ambuja Cements, one of India's leading cement manufacturers. The foundation that bears his name channels a part of his personal philanthropic activity, separate from the corporate social responsibility programmes of the companies he has been associated with.

Activities

The foundation is active in several areas of social development:

  • Education: It administers a postgraduate scholarship programme that provides interest-free loans to Indian students pursuing master's and doctoral studies at leading universities in India and abroad.
  • Healthcare: It supports hospitals, clinics, and health-oriented non-profits, with attention to access for underserved populations.
  • Livelihoods and rural development: It funds programmes aimed at sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural India.
  • Arts and culture: It extends support to cultural organisations and initiatives that promote Indian art and heritage.

Scholarship programme

The foundation's scholarship programme is among its most visible initiatives. It is offered to Indian nationals admitted to recognised postgraduate programmes, and is structured as a need-based interest-free loan repayable after the completion of studies. The programme is open to candidates across academic disciplines.

Significance

The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation is one of several private philanthropic vehicles set up by founders of major Indian industrial enterprises in the post-liberalisation period. Its scholarship support has made it familiar to Indian students seeking funding for higher education abroad, alongside other private Indian scholarship trusts.

References