Mahatma scholar off to London

[rakesh.sadaphule]

Bangalore girl Priyanka Raghavan, 22, has bagged London Metropolitan University's (LMU) first Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship — amounting to a full tuition fee waiver — to pursue an 18-month MA programme in International Marketing Communications (IMC).

Speaking to Education Times during her scholarship orientation programme at Gandhi Smriti, she said: "I began reviewing courses a few months ago, for their relevance to mass communication graduate like me in terms of structure and content, and zeroed in on the IMC programme at LMU. On contacting their liaison office for details, I learnt about this scholarship being offered by their Mahatma Gandhi Foundation (MGF)."

The selection procedure required students to present their case in the form of academic records, relevant work experience, statement of purpose and a personal statement on their value system and future plans. "The requisites of the scholarship looked beyond the academic pursuits of a student, taking into account factors like social service, nature of work and extra curricular activities, to arrive at a comprehensive picture of the student as a person, emphasising on value systems in addition to the academic merits and achievements," explained Raghavan.

When asked about the relation between the scholarship and the course she has opted for, Raghavan said: "LMU's IMC programme offers students a global view of communications. Along similar lines, the Mahatma Gandhi foundation with organisations across the world addresses issues like global warming, poverty, social equality, in accordance with the teachings of the Mahatma. Using tools of communication such as seminars, discourses, theatre and discussion forums, the foundation helps the youth identify with Gandhian philosophy."

Excited about her move to London, she added, "I am looking forward to the trans-cultural exposure that is characteristic of student life in a cosmopolis like London."