Savitribai Phule Pune University

I am doing my Master of Science in Civil Engineering with focus on Structural Engineering. Currently, I am working on my research thesis in steel connection design. I was offered scholarship from University of Cincinnati for graduate study in Civil Engineering. This scholarship covered 75% of my tuition fees. Rest of the fees were covered by DKB scholarship for the first two semesters of my graduate study. Tuition fee is the most significant expense while studying abroad and thanks to DKB scholarship, I didn’t have to worry about it. It helped me to focus on my studies. Apart from offering financial support, it encouraged me to keep working hard towards my career goals. I received DKB scholarship in two phases. In phase I, I received $3786.00 and in phase II $3814.00. Though the offered amount was Rs. 5 Lakhs, I didn’t receive the full amount of the scholarship. Currently, DKB scholarship is offered to only few students per year. It would be great if we could increase the number of beneficiaries. As my way of giving back to society, I would definitely make donations to DKB funds in near future. Also, if required, I will always be available to help out the Savitribai Phule Pune University in whatever way I can to the best of my abilities and expertise.

Gadre Shantanu Avinash (2014-2015)

Currently pursuing Masters in Industrial & Systems Engineering at Rochester Institute of technology. DKB scholarship has helped me to keep myself focused on the studies. Instead of getting into an on campus job in first semester itself, I concentrated more on my course work due to the financial stability provided by DKB Scholarship. It helped me achieving good grades.I am awarded with a scholarship of five lakh rupees. I can guide the student who will be offered this scholarship next year in terms of course work and general educational structure in USA. Definitely after coming back to India I will like to share my experiences and valuable learning with the university students who aspire to pursue graduate degree abroad.

Jadhav Sumeet (2015-2016)

I am Sumeet Jadhav, pursuing masters in fire protection engineering at University of Maryland, College Park.Previously, I have completed my bachelors in mechanical engineering from College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). Last year I had applied for the D.K. Bhave scholarship granted by Savitribai Phule Pune University which helps students with their financial needs who desire to pursue masters outside India and I was one of the recipient of the scholarship. It helped me in contributing 5 lakh rupees towards my university tuition fees. The big difference this scholarship made was, I didn’t need to take a loan from bank because this scholarship covered a big chunk of my initial expenses.Further, the scholarship is granted in two parts, 2.5 lakh rupees for first two semesters which helps you to minimize your tuition expenses for a whole year. So you are not burdened with any kind of loan or high expense for a year or so. I would really like to recommend students to apply for this scholarship and get the benefit from it.

Hendre Aishwarya (2015-2016)

My name is Aishwarya Hendre, I am a computer engineering graduate student at North Carolina State University. I completed by undergraduate from MIT, pune a college affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University. This same time last year I had an admit in hand, my courses and decision to join NC state was almost finalized, but finances was the only concern pulling me back. My loan was in the process of sanctioning, however I knew for a fact that the loan amount wouldn’t be sufficient and I needed some other assistance. It was then that I heard about the prestigious D.K.Bhave scholarship. When I applied I hadn’t thought I would get it, but I did. And I am indebted for life to the founders of this scholarship program and all other who made sure it happened for whatever success and education that I am receiving today. The selection process for this scholarship program is completely fair and purely based on merit and I can proudly say that I am one of those deserving people who received the D.K.Bhave scholarship. The scholarship helped me kick start my education journey here in USA smoothly and released pressure off me so that I could concentrate well on my studies.

Umema S Bohari (2016-17)

My name is Umema Bohari, and I am currently working with Schlumberger Technological Corportation in Houston, USA on post-completion OPT as a Mechanical Engineer with the R&D Department. My work here is at the interafce of new product development, data anaytics and engineering on Schlumberger's downhole completion tools. I completed my MS in Mechanical Engineering in August 2018 from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University. As a part of my MS, I completed a thesis on developing intelligent machine learning human behavioral models for intuitive human-computer interaction - all for the service of product design and engineering. I have published 2 conference articles on my research, presented one at the ACM Intelligent User Interfaces conference in Tokyo, Japan; and another at IDETC 2018 in Canada. I have two manuscripts currently under review with IEEE Human-Machine Systems, and the Journal of Mechanical Design. During my time at Texas A&M, I was also awarded the Emil Beuhler Graduate Excellence Fellowship for outstanding academic and co-curricular performance. When I look back at the two years at Texas A&M, I realize that a major chunk of this would not have been possible without the D K Bhave scholarship that I received in 2016. I remember the financial conundrum I was in when I had 4 admits and a difficult funding scenario. My professor from College of Engineering Pune referred me to the D K Bhave scholarship, and things really have been easier since then. For this, I will always be indebted to the D K Bhave Scholarship, its founders, and everybody at the University of Pune associated with it.

Soniya Shah (2017-18)

I am Soniya Shah a bachelor student of College of Engineering, Pune. Having studied in a prestigiuos college in my Bachelors always inspired me to do new and different things in my career. I worked for Tata Motors in production field which was a challenging experience. Then I decided to do my masters also in the production field and not having a herd mentality, I chose a different track in a country and city which not many masters students then would choose(against the options in USA). Currently I am studying in Aachen, Germany at the the renowned RWTH AACHEN UNIVERSITY. I chose the course called management and Engineering in Production Systems which combines management studies and production technical knowledge. When I knew about this course and its fees I was a little worried if I would be able to take a loan and complete all this. But fortunately during that time I received the DK Bhave scholarship which encouraged me to keep dreaming. As a result of this strength I also applied for german Women in Engineering scholarship and to my surprise received it. These helped me to start my dream without worry of the money side. The DK Bhave team at the Pune university supported me throughout the process amd guided me when necessary. I would say they became like a famipy then who wamted their daughter to pursue her dreams. I am obliged to be a part of this family. I have just completed my third semester and will soon be starting with my fourth. I am also obliged to inform you that I have been awarded the best of class awards for previous semesters. I am happy to inform you that for my fourth semester I have got an internship at the AUDI company. Again receiving such a great opportunity to observe closely the production in one of a german best selling car company will only help me to hone my skills further. I am highly greatful to the DK Bhave scholarship which has been the biggest supporting hand for my financials in Germany. Because of DKB scholarship I have been able to be carefree and concentrate on my studies and future endeavours and move closer towards them. I hope the opportunities I am getting here will help me in my future plans in India later.I hope the DKB family continues its support in the same way further and i would be obliged if I can help DKB family in any form in the future.

Tanmay Khare (2018-2019)

My name is Tanmay Khare and I am graduate student in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department of the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA. I am pursuing my Masters (MS) in Mechanical Engineering and my area of specialization is Fluid Mechanics. In July 2018, I graduated from Govt. College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. By the end of March 2018, I had a finalized to go to North Carolina State University and I was figuring out how to manage the finances with my parents. Around the same time I got to know about D. K. Bhave Scholarship from a senior who had applied for the same in the previous year. I also came across its advertisement in leading newspapers like “Times of India” and “Sakal”, and decided to apply for the scholarship. The selection process for this scholarship is very thorough, but I enjoyed it. The committee takes into consideration your academic prowess, achievements, long term career goals and financial background while granting the scholarship. I was awarded a scholarship of Rs. 5 lacs, which reduced my tuition fees by $7200 for the academic year 2018-19. The relief I got when a sizeable chunk of my tuition and fees were covered by the D. K. Bhave scholarship, was unparalleled. The D. K. Bhave scholarship is being awarded to students who aspire to pursue higher education abroad, since 1950, and every year only a few students receive it, which makes it even more prestigious. I am very grateful to Savitribai Phule Pune University for bestowing me with this honour. I urge the students of Savitribai Phule Pune University who wish to pursue higher education abroad, to apply for this scholarship and take benefit of this wonderful initiative.

Shreya Chandrashekhar (2018-2019)

I'm Shreya. I'm a masters student at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. 2018 was the year of good things. I had gotten accepted to several good schools in the States, and was spoilt for choice. After deciding to attend the UofM, I started looking for scholarships to fund my education at least partly. I applied to the Bhave Scholarship, never expecting to be considered, let alone win. I'm extremely grateful, because this is certainly a privilege. The entire process is fairly smooth, and the management is very supportive.

Saurabh Shekhadar (2019-2020)

I am Saurabh Shekhadar, recipient of DK Bhave Scholarship in 2019. I completed my MS in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University during 2019-21. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the scholarship committee for awarding this scholarship which helped me to focus on my studies and reduced my financial burden in early semesters. I completed my research thesis on autonomous energy audits and energy assessment of occupancy- based lighting sensors in university library buildings. I look forward to connecting with aspiring MS students from Savitribai Phule Pune University and COEP Technological University.

Apurva Patil (2019-2020)

I am Apurva Patil, a recipient of DK Bhave Scholarship in 2019. I am a PhD student at UT Austin. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the prestigious DK Bhave Scholarship. I am deeply honored and immensely grateful for this generous support. This scholarship is not just financial assistance; it is a profound recognition of my efforts and aspirations. It enables me to pursue my academic and professional goals with greater confidence and focus. The financial support will significantly alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies and research. I am eager to connect with aspiring students from Pune University.

Suyog Kulkarni (2021-2022)

I am Suyog Kulkarni, a graduate of the COEP Technological University Pune, where I completed my bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. With overall development during my undergraduate years at COEP and gaining hands-on experience at Eaton Corporation, I ventured to the Georgia Institute of Technology situated at Atlanta in the United States for my master's studies. Prestigious DK Bhave scholarship has helped me to pursue master's at my dream university, where, I specialized in Industrial Engineering, a field that blends my passion for engineering with management principles. During my master's program, I undertook a rewarding internship at SLB, where I gained practical experience in industrial engineering over the summer break. Today, I am proud to be a part of SLB as a Manufacturing Engineer, contributing to the industry with the skills I've acquired. I extend my sincere gratitude to the DK Bhave scholarship committee for their support, which helped me manage my tuition fees abroad. Their financial assistance.has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey. Looking ahead, aiming to make our nation proud, I would like to offer mentorship to upcoming candidates as a part of the DK Bhave scholarship program, if given an opportunity.

Mayur Bhure (2022-2023)

I am Mayur Bhure, one of the recipients of the esteemed DK Bhave Scholarship 2022. Currently, I am pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, USA, and am in the final semester of my master's studies. Concurrently, I am engaged in an internship (co-operative education) aligned with my academic interests at Tesla Motors. As I am nearing graduation this semester, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you and the DK Bhave scholarship committee for granting me this invaluable scholarship. Not only has this scholarship alleviated my financial burdens, but it has also served as a tremendous source of motivation, enabling me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my academic pursuits. Furthermore, it has allowed me to mentor and assist numerous aspiring students in navigating scholarship applications, academics, and career paths. Through this journey, I have imbibed a crucial lesson: "With high dreams and unwavering diligence, no obstacle can impede our path to success." In the future, I aspire to support financially disadvantaged students in realizing their ambitious aspirations. Once again, I express my sincerest gratitude for the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship for my master's studies. I look forward to staying connected with you all and receiving guidance on contributing to the advancement of our nation.

Swapnil Mane (2022-2023)

My name is Swapnil Mane,I am currently engaged in pioneering research in agriculture robotics as a founding engineer in a young startup on revolutionizing agricultural practices. He is currently contributing with Ambuja Cement Foundation to focus on rural India and its development. He has successfully completed his Master's degree in Robotics from the University of Bristol in year year 2023. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune ( AY 2022). Driven by a profound passion for leveraging technology to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in India, Swapnil is dedicated to minimizing human intervention in farming processes. In coming years, Swapnil is determined to pursue a Ph.D. in Agri-Robotics, with the ambition of establishing a pioneering research lab in India. This lab will serve as a catalyst for driving innovation in agriculture through the integration of cutting-edge robotics and automation systems.Swapnil boasts an impressive track record, having clinched victories at various national and international hackathons and project competitions. Additionally, he holds multiple patents and has been recognized as the IEEE Pune section Research Person of the Year for the year 2021. He remains actively engaged in social work and mentoring initiatives, reflecting his commitment to giving back to society.

Gautami Kharat (2023-2024)

I'm Gautami Kharat, currently pursuing my Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Engineering at Purdue University. My educational journey has been quite enriching, especially with the financial support from the D.K. Bhave Scholarship awarded by Savitribai Phule Pune University. This scholarship recognized my efforts and achievements during my undergraduate studies at COEP Technological University, Pune. It significantly eased the financial burden of studying abroad, allowing me to focus more on my studies and research projects. My work experience as a Project Engineer back in India, along with various academic projects at Purdue, has helped me develop a keen interest in applying advanced engineering tools and technology to solve real-world construction challenges. The D.K. Bhave Scholarship has been a great support, and I'm thankful for this opportunity, which has motivated me to work harder towards achieving my career goals in the field of construction engineering. I’m truly grateful for the D.K. Bhave Scholarship, its founders and everyone at the Savitribai Phule Pune University associated with it. As I forge ahead in my career, the spirit of gratitude and the drive to contribute positively to society will always guide my path.

Mihir Gujarathi (2023-2024)

I'm Mihir Gujarathi, currently pursuing my Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus on Machine Learning and Data Science at UC San Diego. Despite the financial challenges of California, I chose UCSD for its robust resources, especially in my specialized field. I believed the competitive atmosphere would fuel my ambitions further, pushing me to excel.
My academic journey began at SCTR's Pune Institute of Computer Technology, where I laid my educational groundwork. Transitioning to UCSD from Pune posed challenges, yet each hurdle has been a valuable learning experience, shaping me both academically and personally.
The D.K. Bhave Scholarship from Pune University has been a lifeline, alleviating the financial strain of my education. Pune University's seamless process exemplifies its dedication to supporting deserving students like myself. I'm profoundly grateful for this assistance, as it has allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and research endeavors. As I journey forward, I'm driven by a deep-rooted determination to utilize my education for positive societal impact, fueled by the unwavering support of the D.K. Bhave Scholarship and Pune University's encouragement.