An interactive session with student beneficiaries of the Vidyanidhi scheme was organised as part of Sabha’s continued effort to stay connected and support their educational journey. The session provided a platform to engage with students, understand their experiences, and share valuable insights.
Educational assistance cheques were handed over to 40 students.
The session was graced by Shri. K. Shashidhar Pai, Chairman and Managing Director, Offshore Marine Tech Private Limited, as the Chief Guest. Ms. Pratima Bhandarkar, Student Counsellor, also interacted with the students and offered guidance.
The event was held on Sunday, 5th April 2026 at I.M. Pai Hall of G.S.B. Sabha, Mumbai, Sujir Memorial Nayak Kreeda Mandir. Over 80 students and their parents attended the session.
Students shared their academic progress and challenges. Counselling guidance was provided, and direct interaction helped strengthen the bond between the beneficiaries and the Sabha. Both students and their parents expressed a sense of gratitude.
The Vidyanidhi assistance was provided through an endowment instituted by Shri. K Mohan Pai, USA, in memory of his parents Hari Pandurang and Rama Hari Pai. Similarly, the higher education assistance was disbursed from an endowment instituted by Late Gurpur Dattanand Bhat. The Sabha expresses its gratitude to these generous donors for their philanthropy.
The session was well-received and served as a meaningful opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.
Introducing the advisors for our educational initiative
Dr. Kavita Rege, Principal of Sathaye College, Vile Parle (7,000+ students), is an accomplished academician with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bombay. A former research scientist with ICI and Hindustan Lever, she joined Sathaye College in 1983 and has served as Principal for 13 years.
Under her leadership, the college earned an NAAC ‘A’ grade twice (2004, 2011) and won several awards, including the NCERT Best Institution Award. She has led major initiatives, built a new college theatre, and organised a Mumbai-to-Jammu cycle rally in solidarity with 26/11 victims.
Dr. Rege has represented Indian academia on international delegations to the UK, Germany, Israel, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, and serves on various academic and cultural bodies. She is also active in Rotary community service with her husband, Shirish.
Dr Sapna Malya is a Chartered Accountant and a PhD. She has been teaching and training for more than two decades. Currently, she is a professor in the area of Finance and Accounting at the prestigious S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Andheri, Mumbai.
Prof. Chitra Kamath has her roots in Manjeshwar and marital ties to Katapadi, Udupi district. She earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry from ICT (formerly UDCT) in 1995 and has over 30 years of teaching experience at K.J. Somaiya College, where she currently heads the Department of Chemistry.
A recognised PhD guide under the University of Mumbai, she has guided six doctoral students and published extensively.
She has contributed to science outreach through mentoring students for IJSO NTSE and Homi Bhabha exams.
Dr. Vatsala G. Pai, PhD, is an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Philosophy and Psychology, and has served as Vice Principal (Academics) at Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumbai. Her area of specialisation is Vedanta philosophy.
Her interests include philosophical counselling and career counselling. She is an active member of Social Ventures Partners, a collaborative philanthropy organisation. An avid trekker, she also enjoys nature, history, and music.
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