VIT has distributed scholarships worth over ₹100 crore to students of government schools since 2008: VIT Chancellor

A STARS day event was held at the VIT Vellore campus on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has distributed scholarships worth ₹102 crore to students of government schools under its flagship program called Support the Advancement of Rural Students (STARS) since its inception in 2008, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT, said on Sunday.

In his presidential address at the STARS Day celebration organized by VIT at its campus here, Mr. Viswanathan said the aim of the scheme is to support high achieving students from rural government schools who have excellent marks in higher secondary examinations but lack funds for further education. “So far, 1,147 students have benefited from this scheme. VIT has borne the entire cost of their education, accommodation and food to the tune of ₹102 crore,” he said.

Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland have made remarkable progress through strong education systems and robust welfare models. According to him, a democratic country like India could learn from their development strategies which could help the overall growth of the country.

KR Nagarajan, founder and chairman of Ramraj Group, J. Kavitha, former STARS scientist and currently serving as Special Deputy Collector of Theni, Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan, Vice Presidents of VIT were present on the occasion.

Published – 24 May 2026 23:49 IST