About Dakshana foundation
Dakshana Foundation: Empowering Gifted Students Across India
Dakshana Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to provide world-class education and mentorship to gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds across India. Founded in 2007 by Mohnish Pabrai, a successful investor and philanthropist, Dakshana has been transforming the lives of thousands of young scholars who would otherwise not have access to quality education.
The Dakshana Scholars are a rare breed of gifted students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and government schools across India. These students come from economically disadvantaged families, but they possess exceptional academic talent and potential. They are selected through a rigorous screening process that includes academic performance, aptitude tests, and personal interviews.
Once selected, the Dakshana Scholars receive intensive coaching for two years at one of the Dakshana campuses located in Pune or Rajasthan. The coaching is provided by experienced faculty members who have graduated from premier institutions such as IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology). The curriculum covers all subjects required for engineering and medical entrance exams such as JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), etc.
Apart from academic coaching, the Dakshana Scholars also receive mentorship from industry experts who guide them on career choices, personal development, leadership skills, etc. The mentors include successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, scientists, doctors, engineers who share their experiences with the scholars and inspire them to dream big.
The impact of Dakshana Foundation can be seen in the success stories of its alumni who have gone on to achieve great heights in their careers. Many have secured admissions into prestigious institutions such as IITs/IIMs/NITs/AFMC/AIIMS/JIPMER/NEET colleges, while others have pursued careers in research, entrepreneurship, social work, etc. Some of the notable alumni include:
- Shivansh Joshi: AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2018; currently pursuing Computer Science at IIT Bombay
- Shubham Gupta: AIR 2 in JEE Advanced 2019; currently pursuing Computer Science at IIT Delhi
- Ankit Kumar: AIR 1 in NEET PG 2020; currently pursuing MD Radiology at AIIMS Delhi
- Ravi Kumar: Founder of KhetiBadi, an agri-tech startup that connects farmers with buyers and provides them with market insights
Dakshana Foundation has received widespread recognition for its innovative approach to education and social impact. It has been featured in various media outlets such as Forbes India, The Economic Times, NDTV, etc. It has also received awards and accolades from organizations such as Wipro Foundation, Rotary Club Pune Metro Trust, etc.
In conclusion, Dakshana Foundation is a shining example of how education can be a powerful tool for social change. By identifying and nurturing gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds across India, Dakshana is creating a new generation of leaders who will drive innovation and progress in various fields. If you want to support this noble cause or become a Dakshana Scholar yourself, visit their website (www.dakshana.org) for more information.