Berkley Center

Background: As part of the Education and Global Social Justice Project, in May 2011, undergraduate student Deven Comen interviewed Dr. Sangeetha Chavan, a professor of microbiology and biotechnology and a leading member of the College Scholarship Committee and student beneficiary fund at St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, India. In the interview, Dr. Chavan discusses the student beneficiary fund and the Pathways program, which are designed to increase access to higher education for financially and culturally disadvantaged students.

Can you tell me more about the student beneficiary fund?

I am a teacher of microbiology and having been working with the students’ beneficiary fund with Father Pesso for the past seven years. It was started more than 20 years ago. The donors are alumni and outsiders. Students apply for funds, commonly for tuition, meals, books, journals, and field trips. Financially disadvantaged students can apply for concessions through the fund. Students are encouraged to make use of the fund, and about 80 to 100 students use the fund every year. The typical amount ranges, though tuition fees (about Rs. 5,000) are the most common request. There are five to six staff members who serve on the committee that coordinates distribution.

How do students find out about the fund?

Students inform other students about the fund. Sometimes beneficiaries become later donors.

Is there stigma about asking for scholarship money?

Stigma still exists, but we try to use teachers’ awareness to inform students in need. Parents have to sign the request for funds, but sometimes they do not want to take help.

I have noticed some changes since starting this position. The number of students taking benefit has increased, especially since we now market the fund during the admissions process. We think this helps make a difference since Xavier’s is an elite university.

We also have external scholarships. New donors want to help the financially disadvantaged, the deserving students. Specially, scholarships are given to the physically handicapped and students who are financially disadvantaged but do well academically.

How do these scholarships differ from ST/SC [scheduled castes and scheduled tribes] government-given scholarships for female students?

Many of the SC/ST students are actually not as financially disadvantaged as the students not under reservation. Some scholarships are only for these groups, but other scholarships are for all deserving students. Indian girls have free education up to the twelfth standard, but they are responsible for college tuition fees.

The scholarships are sometimes targeted. For example, a Xavierite from the United States set up a scholarship specifically for a girl student that was application-based.

Do students ever drop out for financial reasons?

These dropout cases are very few. Sometimes disease, like TB, can cause a student to drop out. Or another recent case featured an orphan student who ended up dropping out for work-related reasons. Students lacking discretionary funds for leisure activities often feel compelled to work.

How much mixing occurs between socioeconomic groups at St. Xaviers?

It is true that the disadvantaged students stick together, but I believe there is more mixing in smaller classes, like some of my microbiology classes.

What are the core values you try to instill in students?

Being honest is most important. Being a good human being is most important. Discipline, too. We have a very vast syllabus in microbiology, but it is possible to incorporate social justice into a smaller class size.

How open are the students with you about their socioeconomic standing?

Some students, especially those who partake in the Student Beneficiary Fund, reach out to me. They tell me about what is happening in their lives, how their SIP [Social Involvement Program] program is going. They are so grateful for the funds and always thank me directly, so I remind them it is the college that is paying!

Can you tell me more about teaching?

I love teaching over here. I don’t mind traveling; I travel about 3.5 hours a day to come here and back to my home. The encouragement from my students makes it worth it for me. One of my colleagues says, coming to Xavier’s is “her daily tonic.”

Any last reflections on the future of the Deserving Students Fund?

Right now we try to make college an opportunity for everyone. Anyone who needs help can get help. Sometimes we are not sure if help is going to the right student. Sometimes the undeserving apply. I don’t know that we have succeeded. Some of those in need have kept to themselves.

Another related initiative we started last year is with the Ford Foundation. The Pathways program benefits nine colleges in India, including St. Xavier’s. Twenty students of SC/ST/OBC [other backward class] origin are selected in their first year for the program, which includes focus on aspects related to social justice. The Ford Foundation conducts workshops for the students and provides five lakhs [500,000] a year in grant money for three years. We did have some drop-outs, especially since most commerce students are working.

What is the role of St. Xavier’s in Mumbai’s/India’s future?

St. Xavier’s will play a major role. People look to us, especially since we have become autonomous. Academically we have always taken the lead. I think other colleges also do a good job with scholarships. We also have great mentorship here, and the evening college program sets us apart. I had heard of the Jesuits before coming here, but now I feel I have gained a better understanding of their work.