Transforming lives through education

Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF) provides scholarships in a variety of disciplines for higher professional education to bright students from low income families in Punjab and other Northern Indian states.

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Our Mission

Ensuring successful futures for students in India and beyond.

We believe that success shouldn’t have a price tag. That’s why we aim to provide life-changing opportunities to underprivileged students in Punjab and nearby regions. For 25 years, we have provided over 16,000 scholarships to help students from low-income families, and their communities, build a more stable future.

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16,000+

Scholarships

30+

Disciplines Studied

Man wearing blue turban, making notes in notebook

75%

Women Recipients

70%

Of our students’ families earn less than $100/month

$5M+

Awarded

65%

From rural areas

Your Impact

Every donation makes a difference

With the pressing need to support students from impoverished backgrounds, our generous donors have funded over 16,000 scholarships since 2001. This year, SHDF has awarded over 1,700 scholarships, with nearly three-quarters going to women and more than two-thirds to students from rural areas.

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For Students

SHDF Scholarship Program

Your future starts here. For over two decades, SHDF partnered with the Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council to support students across India. In 2025, SHDF established a new partnership with the Sikh Educational Society (SES) in Punjab to continue transforming lives, families, and communities. Our scholarship programs assist ambitious recipients like you in accessing higher education to become self-reliant, employed professionals. Start your path to success.

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Scholarships

India

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Scholarships

USA

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Tanjot Kaur

“I suffer from Septic arthritis - an infectious disorder in my left leg. That couldn't stop me from being at the prestigious IIT Madras for my post graduate studies and my dream of becoming a Scientist. Born and raised in a financially challenged family, I had to struggle in my school and college days. My father ran a small rented grocery shop which he discontinued due to ill health. The family lived on small pension of my grandfather who also passed away recently. I managed to get admission in B. Tech (Biotechnology). My uncle guided me to apply for an SHDF scholarship. I scored well and received this scholarship. As one of the SHDF scholarship recipients I wish to tell all the students to remain motivated. Being strong opens up the closed doors of your destiny. I also want to convey my deep gratitude to SHDF and Nishkam for the help they provided me. Without this help, I, Tanjot could never stand in IIT where millions are dreaming to study.“

Jagjit Singh Gill

“I was born in a simple family. My father wasa working in a local hosiery factory. I had a dream to go into a medical profession but looking at my family's crumbling financial situation it did not seem possible. However, life is full of possibilities and so is the support. I took admission in Bachelors of Physiotherapy. In the initial year, my uncle and my father's friends helped me in paying tuition fees but this way of support filled me with self-condemnation. I shared the problem with college professors who guided me to approach Nishkam for an SHDF scholarship. I did that, fulfilled the criteria and got the scholarship. The SHDF scholarship not only assisted me it boosted my morale. I currently work as a Consultant Physiotherapist at Movewell Physiotherapy Clinic and have me own clinic in Ludhiana. I would like to thank SHDF for their support and for building my confidence.“

Ramandeep Kaur

“Ramandeep had dreamed of being an IT professional since her school days. Her family struggled to pay her tuition fees on her father's income from a small snack shop near village Sadia and her mother's tailoring work after she gained admission into a B. Tech program. "I got a notice to pay the fee on time otherwise I couldn't appear for the exam. I was teetering on the brink of collapse. One of my friends shared the SHDF scholarship opportunity and luckily it opened the door of possibility. SHDF Scholarships made my studies affordable, and through this help, I paid the fee on time and appeared for the exam, and scored very well. I was able to complete my graduation and later did and MBA in Information Technology which in turn helped me to teach students in Kendra Vidyalaya in Faridkot. I want to convey big thanks to SHDF and Nishkam for enhancing my career. Without you, it wouldn't be possible"“

Darshan Ram

“"Education has made it possible for me to achieve my dreams and will keep me charged for the future. I am the only postgraduate among my community (potter- Kumhaars) where youth mostly become school dropouts before reaching 10th standard, then indulge in traditional ancestors work.” Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle helped him to apply for the SHDF scholarship and he got the scholarship and passed the Master's degree in Computer Applications with distinction.“

Simran Kaur

“Simran’s father, a lottery seller, had a small stall on rent that hardly yielded any profits. It was a struggle to afford the household and education expenses of his two daughters. His alcoholism led to divorce when Simran was just 8 years old; her maternal uncle raised them both. Simran got admitted in Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Her uncle found it difficult to bear the rising expenses of education. Her younger sister was also pursuing a Graphic Designing course. Simran discussed the problem with her teacher who guided her to apply for the SHDF scholarship, which she was awarded thrice. Later she went on to complete her B.Tech in ECE from Amritsar College of Engineering & Technology (ACET) and is currently working as a Test Engineer at TestingXperts - a Next Gen Specialist QA & Software Testing Company, Chandigarh. “As one of the SHDF scholarship recipients, I wish to tell all the students who are hardworking and passionate that they can indeed achieve their dreams. I wish all the success in the world to SHDF's deeds and the donors who are playing a significant role in building a better future for many.”“

Sandeep Singh

“His father was a tailor in the village and the family had little to live with. He completed his polytechnic diploma and engineering course successfully with the help of SHDF Scholarships. He was awarded scholarships three times and earned distinctions in each semester. “One day I had seen a scholarship ad in my college's notice board. It was the first stepping stone for my success. I read all the instructions carefully and after finding myself eligible for it, I applied and provided all the necessary documents for the SHDF Scholarship to Nishkam Delhi where they assisted me completely and helped me receive the financial assistance I badly needed then." Sandeep said, "I wanted to pursue my higher studies in such a course which would ensure me a job once I graduate. When I saw my father, a tailor barely able to meet the family needs, I couldn’t help but think of my responsibilities as the eldest son and the desire to help my family as soon as possible.” With the help of the scholarship, a tailor’s son was able to pursue his life's ambition. He is presently working as a Customer Engineer in NCR Corporation India - a leading software- and services-led enterprise provider in the financial, retail and hospitality industries.He said, “SHDF is helping a lot of students with their humanitarian welfare approach, especially those from lower-class families like me. It is very gratifying indeed, supporting our endeavors”.“

Puneet Kumar

“Puneet’s father was earning a very meager income from a small shop, his mother was a teacher in a school and Puneet being the eldest among his siblings was giving tuition classes to children after college hours. After completing his 12th standard Puneet aced the engineering entrance testand got admitted into B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering course in Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology. He was brilliant in academics and he also earned distinction in engineering exams as well but financialscarcity stood as a road block. The family’s earnings were spent not only on him but on his two younger siblings who were in school. He came to know about SHDF scholarships when one of his friends shared the advertisement and he applied. He was granted the scholarship thrice. Later, he completed his B.Tech course 2011. He is presently Leading Quality Assurance Function in the same firm (L&T) in Oman and also doing MBA in Consultancy Management through Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP) from BITS Pilani. In the future, he would like to be a Management Consultant. Puneet paid off the debt from his parent’s shoulders and helped his younger siblings in supporting their education. He said, “Many are talking about morality….but this selfless help issomething beyond religious and governmental organizations, helping humanity in a true and transparent way which is extraordinary and remarkable”.“

Pooja Sharma

““My name is Pooja Sharma, hailing from Amritsar. My family consists of my parents and two siblings. My father, who runs a small dairy shop in the city, was always worried as he could not make ends meet with his fluctuating monthly income. Even though I wished, I couldn’t support my family financially. While my father helped me pay the college admission fees, I could see the dilemma he was facing while managing everyday expenses along with the education expenses of my siblings. I wished to work and was always dreaming of a top-notch corporate job after my studies. I have been taught that nothing in life comes easy and that it requires hard work to materialize aspirations. I discussed my financial problem with my friend and it was then, that I heard about SHDF Scholarships given through Nishkam. Immediately I applied for the scholarship and cleared all the processes and got the scholarship two times. My merit and aptitude along with your support helped me in getting the scholarship and I completed my studies successfully. I attended a campus interview for Tata Consultancies (TCS) and devoted 8 long years as an Information Technology Analyst. This was the real turning point of my life. Now my parents are really proud of me and I’m literally thrilled. After that, I climbed the ladder of success as a Technical Lead in HCL Technologies and presently working as a Senior Systems Engineer at IBM. This financial aid from SHDF has relieved me from the pressure of dropping out of college, and as a result, I have been able to concentrate on my studies and plan for my future. I am extremely grateful to SHDF for enabling deserving students to access quality education with selfless support.”“

Love Great Singh

“Love Great’s father was a Peon in Jammu and Kashmir government in PahalgamAnantnag. He was earning a very meager salary to support the family of five. Love Great got admission in Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and he was giving tuition classes to earn something. But it was not sufficient to support his expensive education of sixty thousand rupees annually. At the same time, his elder sister was pursuing B.Ed., and younger brother was studying in 12th class. Upon learning about the SHDF Scholarship, he successfully applied for it and completed his engineering degree with distinction. He was placed in The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd as a Trainee Marine Engineer and later enhanced his qualifications and promotions through experience and dedication. He is currently working as a Second Engineer at that firm in Lonavala, Pune. I received the right backing to move ahead.” he shared. “ it was by chance that a friend told me about the scholarship. For me, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime which helped in crafting my bread and butter in a field where millions want to get in (Merchant Navy).”Thanks to the support of SHDF and Nishkam I am accessing the opportunities and delivering my best with élan."“

Latashi Bector

““I got stressed and disheartened as my father suffered from a chronic illness, a disease called dissseminated herpes zoster, affecting us both mentally and financially. It was the worst time of my life because my father lost his voice for 3 months and my mom sold her jewelry tocarry out medical expenses.. But we had to move in our lives so I got admitted to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College in Computer Science Engineering and then I came to know about SHDF's scholarship invitation in an advertisement. I studied for it and passed the test. I got a scholarship from them and it definitely helped me a lot to help in those stressful times. I was very happy and my parents were proud. I am very grateful for being able to receive my first scholarship from SHDF. They are supporting students like us and help us in reaching higher levels and achieve greater heights in our lives. Today, I am working in the field of Cyber Security in Security Operations Center (SOC) as an Associate Manager at Virtual Employee Pvt. Ltd. Noida. I feel honored to be connected with such a great foundation and I pray for their long-term success.”“

Kamaljeet Singh Hunjan

“He was just 8 years old and his sister was just 5 years old when they lost their father. This put their family in a very precarious financial condition on their mother’s teaching salary. After completing his schooling, Kamaljeet managed to secure a good score in theengineering entrance exam and gained admission in Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Mechanical Engineering. But his family had no idea how to meet the expenses. Kamaljeet shared the problem with one of the professors in the college and got a direction to apply for the SHDF Scholarship. He fulfilled the requirements, and with the help of the SHDF Scholarship received thrice, he completed his engineering degree. “SHDF has helped so many of us without expecting anything in return. This is the most divine deed.” Kamaljeet expressed. He is currently working as an Engineer in DENSO Haryana Pvt. Ltd, Manesar, Gurgaon and is supporting his sister in her studies.“

Harsimran Singh

““Every time I think of all the hardships faced in my life, I realize that it is the education I received that makes me feel proud of myself and keeps my head held high. I hope that many more like me are recipients of SHDF's scholarships and can look forward to a bright future.” Harsimran lived in a small town in Cheeka, Kaithal (Haryana ) throughout his childhood. His father is a farmer having a small agricultural land of just 2 acres.His family faced a financial crunch when he was pursuing his college studies. He got admission in B.Sc. (Graphics & Animation) at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. The cost of purchasing a laptop and other expensive gadgets as per course requirements was prohibitive. He discussed the problem with his friends and teachers and got to know about the SHDF scholarship. He met all the criteria and got the scholarship twice, and succeeded in his goal to become a videographer and cinematographer.“

Harpreet Kaur

““I don't believe that people from small villages cannot have big dreams.” If someone thinks so, then they can ask me, I will change the equations and beliefs. I felt passion for computers when I was studying in the school. My younger siblings were also studying in the school and my parents had to spare their hard-earned money for their education and survival as well. In other words, you can say that my parent's pockets used to run dry during my college days. I secured distinction in the engineering examination but that was not enough. Most of the colleges charge high fees which is difficult to afford by underprivileged families. I was in hope of some help and just after one week of my pursuit I came across the scholarship advertisement on my college notice board. I also realized the difference in the upbringing of the rural and urban children in approaching the goals and the success rate. Being with the rural background where exposures to such things are quite low, I could see this opportunity as if it was exclusively meant for me. I applied for an SHDF scholarship and was pleasantly surprised to know that I was selected for the program. My tuition fee was paid with this generous help three times and I could complete my engineering degree with this scholarship. Currently, I am working as Deskside Technician at Parkland Fuel Corporation, Surrey British Columbia, Canada. I was not from a rich family but with this scholarship, I was able to fulfill my dreams and support my family. Thank you SHDF and Nishkam for crafting a promising career for me.”“

Dr. Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal

“An intelligent student, Jaspreet scored distinction in the 12th standard. She got admitted to B.Tech. in Bio-Technology at Amity University, Noida. Her father’s income as a mechanic was very small for educating three children. Her elder brother gave up education due tofinancial scarcity which put stress on young Jaspreet’s mind. “I wanted to overcome the fear of my family’s financial condition. I came to know about SHDF scholarship from one of my neighbors. When SHDF through Nishkam came up with its scholarships for underprivileged students, word spread like fire especially in our area as we are near to the Nishkam office. While my course fee was more than one lakh yearly, SHDF paid quite a good scholarship amount which lessened the burden from my father's shoulders.” She got admitted to Delhi Technological University in M. Tech in Bioinformatics. She received her Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT) in 2019. She has then worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Japan. Her dedication and research mettle influenced her career ambition in cancer genomics, personalized medicine, drug design, and discovery. where she collected a lot of laurels and published many research papers. She now works as an Assistant Professor in Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi. She is an awardee of Har Gobind Khorana Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award (IYBA) in 2020, issued by the Department of Biotechnology , Govt. of India.“

Mandeep Kaur

Software Engineer at Pegasystems at Hyderabad-Telangana

“SHDF not only helped me financially but also mentally. I was one of the many candidates who were fortunate to receive the scholarship. Whenever I returned home, I did not only take the scholarship cheque with me, I took the values, the sense of empathy, the strength of religion, power of daswandh, selfless Sewa and humbleness with me. The initiative taught me that money may not buy happiness, but a daswandh can definitely enlighten a dark house. I thank SHDF and every person related to it who is helping students like me to achieve their dreams.“

Dr. Sarbjit Singh

PhD in Electronics & Communication Engineering

“Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I faced a lot of financial challeges. I used to see my father work day and night in the fields to provide me with every opportunity to succeed. I had tried to get a bank loan for education. The bank refused as we had no sufficient assets and as you know the agricultural condition of small farmers are miserable so as in our case the future looks bleak. I read in the newspaper about the SHDF scholarships. It gave me a ray of hope when I got the scholarship. I completed my Masters of Engineering course in Electronics and Communication from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala without thinking of any financial difficulty. I am now working as an Assistant Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering Dept. in Punjab Institute of Technology, Rajpura. I am grateful to SHDF for shaping and supporting me and allowing me to build the lives of many professionals as a mentor and teacher.“

Inderjeet Kaur

Master’s Degree course in Computer Application

“I am pursuing a Master’s Degree course in Computer Application, and I would like to be in a teaching field. Being the child of a single parent, it’s been very difficult to think big and take risks. My father died two years back and my mother is a laborer, with a very small income. I constantly have doubts and wonder if I am doing the right thing by studying. With help from people like you who have said ‘yes’, I have found my voice and my identity. Receiving this SHDF scholarship is certainly a loud, affirming yes to my academic career and for that, I am beyond Grateful. Thank you!“

Prabhjot Kaur

English Tutor at Milestone Institute, Amritsar

“Being a girl, sometimes you have to compromise due to family reasons, but your passion gives you the courage to find your own way through enough guidance and exposure to knock out the word impossible. I want to carry my passion as a Global Teacher in the English language. I want to get more international certifications which I will do in the coming time. Thank you SHDF for helping me when I was looking for support.“