Sumangala Steel Awards Engineering Scholarships to 70 Students in Chennai
Chennai: Sumangala Steel has awarded engineering scholarships to 70 students under the fourth edition of its Ungal Kuzhandayum Aagalaam Engineer initiative, committing ₹2.8 crore towards their education.
The scholarships were presented by IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti at an event in Chennai on Saturday. The beneficiaries included 20 newly selected students and 50 scholars from the programme’s previous three editions. N. Ravi, Director of Kasturi & Sons Ltd, also participated in the award ceremony.
Launched in 2023, the initiative supports children of construction workers and steel dealership employees pursuing engineering degree and diploma courses in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. With the latest awards, the programme has scholars across all four years of engineering education for the first time. The first batch of beneficiaries is due to graduate this year.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Kamakoti stressed the importance of strong fundamentals in engineering, particularly in core disciplines such as civil and mechanical engineering. N. Ravi highlighted the role of long-standing businesses in supporting society through initiatives such as education scholarships.
Sumangala Steel founder Rajendran Sabanayagam said the scheme was designed to address the financial burden of students’ living expenses, which can remain a challenge even when tuition fees are subsidised by the government.
Scholarship Eligibility and Benefits
The scheme is open to children of construction workers and steel dealership employees pursuing engineering degree or diploma courses in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Applicants must secure at least 70% in their Plus Two examinations, while the combined annual income of both parents should not exceed ₹6 lakh. Eligible candidates are selected through a lucky draw.
The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh per year and a free laptop to support students’ studies. Support continues throughout the course, subject to requirements relating to academic performance, discipline and attendance.
Sumangala Steel President Ashwin Sabanayagam said the company intends to continue the initiative in the coming years.
