Upakar Foundation provides an opportunity for donors to designate a named scholarship. Establishing a scholarship provides a naming opportunity that is wonderful way to honor people, places or organizations who have had a major impact on your life.
A named scholarship can be established with a $8,000 donation. The donation can be received in one lump sum or over 2 years.
To setup a new named scholarship, please contact us at upakarfoundation@hotmail.com.
Our current and former named scholarships:
Ajay Ojha Memorial Scholarship
The Ajay Ojha Memorial Scholarship (AOMS) was set up in 2014 to honor a former Upakar Board member, Dr. Ajay Ojha.
During his brief life, Dr. Ojha touched the lives of countless people through various endeavors. He worked as a consultant for the federal government in Washington, D.C. He served on several boards including Upakar Foundation, a Trustee for the South Asian Bar Association of North America Foundation, and a member of the University of North Carolina Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity. He was active in the community as a member of the DC Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community Development, President for the Network of South Asian Professionals-D.C. Chapter (NetSAP D.C.), a co-planner for the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) annual “Be the Change” community service event, and Asha for Education.
It was his work with children that brought Ajay the most joy. At the time of his unexpected death, he was helping build a secondary school in Guatemala. His legacy of commitment to community and to improving the lives of others will continue to inspire.
Dedicated contributions towards his fund may be made by mail to the Upakar Foundation (use the memo field to designate Ajay Ojha Memorial Scholarship) or by donating online by clicking on the DONATE button and selecting the AOMS box.
Virginia For Education
Virginia for Education scholarship was established in 2014. This scholarship is fully funded by 4 Virginia residents and has became the 6th annual Upakar scholarship.
K. Watumull Memorial Fund Scholarship
Watumull Scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Mr. Khuba Watumull.
Mr. Khuba Watumull, migrated to Bombay from Pakistan in 1947. His father had already set up a thriving business in Honolulu, Hawaii; but Khuba stayed in Bombay to look after his ailing mother. After starting his own successful business in Bombay, he created two foundations to serve the community through charitable work. These foundations were mainly to assist students and give medical aid to individuals. Philanthropy was a big part of his life, and he donated freely to organizations involved in education. In addition, he set up a hospital in memory of his mother in Mumbai, and was a founder trustee of the renowned Global Hospital in Mt. Abu. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that lives on.
Geeta Rastogi Memorial Scholarship
The Geeta Rastogi Memorial Scholarship (GRMS) was a one time scholarship set up in 2011 to honor Geeta Rastogi, who was an avid supporter of Indian arts and culture for over four decades. She was a founding member of Bharati Indian Association of Maryland. She passed away from cancer in 2010.
Geeta Rastogi Memorial Scholarship was targeted for a graduating high school senior wishing to pursue a field of study in the performing arts. This scholarship is no longer available