Sanjana Chawla, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In a significant move to support education and empower those in need, the Professor Obaid Siddiqui Memorial Scholarship 2024 has been awarded to six incoming students of the MA Convergent Journalism (MACJ) programme at Jamia Millia Islamia. The announcement was made by the MACJ alumni group in July 2024, ahead of the new academic session.
The MACJ programme, established in 2005 and upgraded to a two-year master’s degree in 2007, is renowned as one of the top journalism programmes in India. Named after Professor Siddiqui, a veteran journalist and the programme’s founder, the scholarship offers substantial financial aid, covering up to 75% of the tuition fee. This initiative helps alleviate the financial burdens faced by students, particularly those from less affluent backgrounds.
Since its inception in 2022, the scholarship has been a beacon of hope for students struggling with tuition and living expenses. This year’s recipients include Nida Fatima Momin, Shoaibur Rahman, Mohammad Naiyar Azam, Adnan Ali, Saher Hiba Khan and one student who chose to remain anonymous.
The fund, totaling Rs 2.5 lakh, was raised through contributions from alumni, with an additional Rs 75,000 collected to support two more students. This financial assistance goes beyond mere support; it empowers students to pursue their academic and career aspirations without financial constraints.
Shoaibur Rahman, a recipient from Katihar, Bihar, shared his experience of overcoming financial hurdles. “I initially considered leaving the course due to financial difficulties. However, a friend informed me about this scholarship, which eased my financial worries and allowed me to continue my studies,” he explained.
His story highlights the transformative power of the scholarship in enabling students to follow their dreams.
Sidra Fatima, a student from the outgoing 2025 batch, praised the scholarship as a crucial initiative. “Not everyone can afford the high fees for a master’s degree. The scholarship provides relief to those who excel academically but face financial barriers,” she said.
Fatima hopes that in the future, more deserving students will benefit from this support.
The scholarship exemplifies how educational support can empower individuals and transform lives. It honors Professor Siddiqui’s legacy by providing not just financial assistance but also hope and confidence to students.
Raghu Kalra, a member of the scholarship selection committee and alumnus of the 2014 batch, expressed his confidence in the recipients’ future success. “These students are exemplary and will undoubtedly achieve great things in journalism.”
Alia (name changed on request), an alumnus of the 2022 batch, highlighted the scholarship’s broader impact. “Many students across various demographics face financial barriers to pursuing higher education. This scholarship addresses that gap, but it’s crucial to ensure diversity and representation in future awards,” she noted.
In a world where education is often a privilege, initiatives like the Professor Obaid Siddiqui Memorial Scholarship play a vital role in making education accessible. They demonstrate the power of collective effort, and its impact on individuals and society, inspiring a brighter and more inclusive future in journalism.