Pune: The Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF), a non-profit organization championing girls’ education, marked a historic milestone with the celebration of its 30th Postgraduate Scholarship Award Function at the Dewang Mehta Auditorium, Persistent Systems, Pune.
The postgraduate scholarship award event gained special significance with the presence of Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd.) and Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Dr. Bedi, who had also inaugurated LPF’s first award ceremony in 1996, described the Foundation’s journey as “inspiring,” symbolizing continuity, resilience, and commitment to empowering women through education.
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Dr Kiran Bedi Celebrates LPF’s Transformational Journey
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bedi reflected, “Three decades ago, there were just 20 girls. Today, LPF has grown into a family of over 18,000. This progress shows the strength and determination of every LILA scholar. The responsibility now lies with you to carry this legacy forward.”
Postgraduate Scholarship Award: Trustees and Partners Celebrate 30 Years of Impact
LPF’s Founder Trustees – Freny Tarapore, Shernaz Edibam, Maya Thadani (via video message), and Firoz Poonawalla – attended the Postgraduate Scholarship Award event, each sharing heartfelt messages. Dr. Bedi also released a commemorative souvenir marking the Foundation’s 30-year journey of excellence.
Mr. Poonawalla presented the souvenir and a symbolic wall clock to Dr. Bedi, saying, “This clock represents the ever-running and ever-growing spirit of the Lila Poonawalla Foundation.”
Alumni and Corporate Support Strengthen LPF’s Mission
The postgraduate scholarship award ceremony saw participation from the LPF Board of Trustees, alumnae from the 1996 batch, and several corporate partners. Their ongoing mentorship, financial contributions, and engagement in volunteering, placement, and training initiatives have played a vital role in the Foundation’s growth.
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Expanding Educational Access Across India
Speaking at the event, Lila Poonawalla emphasized that LPF’s mission goes beyond financial assistance. “Our goal has always been to nurture capable, compassionate women leaders,” she stated.
Over three decades, LPF has expanded its reach beyond Pune to regions such as Wardha, Amravati, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The Foundation now offers scholarships at the postgraduate and undergraduate levels and has introduced the ‘2morrow 2gether’ program to support schoolgirls.
LPF’s Vision for 2030
As it celebrates 30 years of impact, LPF aims to positively transform the lives of nearly 25,000 financially challenged girls by 2030, continuing its mission to empower women through education and leadership.
