Chief guest Kamal Farooqui, chairman of the State-level Consumer Advisory Committee, addressed the gathering. Prominent among those who graced the occasion included P A Inamdar, president, M C E Society, Manawar Peerbhoy, chairman, HJMAET, Abeda Inamdar, president, Deccan Muslim Institute, Zubair Sheikh, secretary, HGMAET and Mohammed Saheb F A Shaikh, chairman Golden Jubilee Education Trust. The scholarships -- amounting to around Rs 70 lakh this year -- is an effort to meet the education needs of underprivileged, deserving and needy students from all over Maharashtra was initiated in 1993.

This year, 562 professional and post-graduate students from varied streams ranging from medical, pharmacy to engineering were awarded scholarships through a chain of ten trusts. Notable contributions came from Haji Gulam Mohammad Education Trust, Golden Jubilee Education Trust and Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society.

"Asma Shaikh (21) awarded through Bazm-e-Khawateen from Jaiwntrao Sawant College of Pharmacy and Research and pursuing B. Pharm perhaps symbolises the struggle undergone by girl students. She is striving for greater academic achievements. Ansari Riyaz Rashid (21) who was awarded scholarships through Maharashtra Medical Education and Research Centre is from ZVM Unani Medical College. His dogged determination in pursuit of perfection is an admirable trait and has become the benchmark for boy students.

Nazneen Shakir (21) pursuing a career in electronics, is a shining example of raw courage. Nursing an ailing father, she has shown admirable honesty for hard work (90 per cent in HSC). Her track record of academic excellence speaks volumes for her dedication.