Mrs. Veena Nayyar Memorial Scholarship
College for Women, University of Delhi
Scholarship Cell
Mrs. Veena Nayyar Memorial Scholarship
- Introduction: Who Was Mrs. Veena Nayyar?
Mrs. Veena Nayyar was an inspiring educator, compassionate mentor, and lifelong advocate for education, integrity, and social justice. A pioneer in both business and philanthropy, she was a strong supporter of diversity and women’s rights.
Education
She held the rare distinction, especially for her generation, of earning two Master’s degrees.
- B.A. and M.A. in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi, in the late 1950s.
- MBA in the 1970s.
Career
- Began as an English teacher at St. Xavier’s in Delhi—a role close to her heart.
- After completing her MBA, she held various executive positions before establishing a highly successful export business.
- Dedicated several years to teaching and mentoring young students.
Achievements
- Champion of the 33% reservation for women in politics, co-founding Women’s Political Watch (WPW), which expanded to address women’s political and economic empowerment.
- Established women’s skill centres for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Founded the Policy Foundation, an NGO focused on research and advocacy for marginalized communities.
- Served on several government commissions, including the National Commission for Women (NCW), the 73rd Commission, and the 11th Five-Year Plan on Development of Women’s Economic Workforce.
- Contributed to community-based education programs and women’s literacy initiatives.
Personal Values & Legacy
Ms. Nayyar believed education is the most powerful tool for change and that no dream should be limited by financial barriers.
She was married to the late Vice Admiral K. K. Nayyar, former Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and actively supported organizations linked to the armed forces. Even in her final year, she donated a significant portion of her savings to support widows of soldiers who had died in service to India. She passed away on April 30, 2021, leaving behind her son, Ashok Nayyar, and daughter, Gita Nayyar.
2. Scholarship Mission & Purpose
Mrs. Veena Nayar Memorial Scholarship, which currently supports 70 students financially, with a vision to expand to 200. Initiated by Ms. Gita Nayyar and her brother Mr. Ashok Nayyar in memory of their mother, a proud Miranda House alumna, the scholarship honours her belief that education is the right of every Indian woman—and a powerful force to transform lives and families.
These scholarships are more than financial aid—they are life-changing opportunities.
Core Goals:
- Academic Excellence – Support students who demonstrate high academic potential.
- Social Impact – Empower students actively contributing to positive change in their communities.
- Equal Opportunity – Remove economic and social barriers to education, especially for marginalized groups.
3. Eligibility & Selection Process
Who Can Apply:
- Students enrolled in undergraduate programs of Miranda House
- Annual family income below ₹1.5 lakh.
Selection Process:
- Shortlisting based on eligibility, academic achievements, and potential for impact.
- Final Selection through a holistic evaluation by the scholarship committee.
4. Scholarship Benefits
- Financial Award: Amount varies by academic year and course.
- Duration: Renewable annually for up to three years, subject to performance.
- Additional Support:
- Networking with past recipients and professionals.
- Internship assistance in relevant fields.
- Skill-building workshops on leadership, communication, and career readiness.
Student Testimonials:
- Fatima: “I am grateful to the Veena Nayyar Memorial Scholarship for easing my family’s financial burden. I can now focus on my studies and aspire to become an SSC officer.”
- Shreya Kumari: “I am deeply thankful to the respected donors for awarding me the Veena Nayyar Internship Scholarship. This support has truly made a big difference in my life. Because of this scholarship, my college fee has been completely taken care of, which has given great financial relief to my parents. It has removed a big burden from our shoulders.
With this help, I have been able to focus more on my studies without worrying about the financial situation at home. I am doing well academically as well as participating in extracurricular activities like inter and intra college quizes which is helping me grow in many ways.
It means a lot to me and my family. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” - Nandini Singh: “Thankyou so much for providing me this scholarship, I am highly obliged to Veena mam and group who are running this initiative. This scholarship means a lot to me and to all the students whose parents were happy for sending their child to DU but were more tensed because of the financial crisis going on with them... This scholarship doesn't only provides a support but acts as an inspiration and encourages us too,for contributing our maximum in the betterment of the society. This has helped my father to some extent that he can now take care of my mother's mental health and uncles paralyzed health.
Concluding my gratitude to the whole group, I also assure you for my better academic performance in next semester!” - Anna Jiju: “This scholarship supports my dream of becoming a professor and advancing in academia.”
- Iqra Ansari: “It helps me pay tuition while I strive towards my goal of becoming an IAS officer, despite the high cost of living in Delhi.”
Saniya Meena:I am sincerely grateful to our respected donor for the generous support provided through this scholarship. It has significantly eased the financial burden on my family and allowed me to focus more on my academics and overall development.
Thanks to this support, I have been able to perform well in my studies and actively participate in extracurricular activities such as dance arts,etc. The scholarship has not only motivated me to work harder but also inspired me to contribute meaningfully to society in the future. I also want to provide such scholarships when I grow up.
Thank you once again for believing in us and investing in our education. Your kindness has made a real difference in my life.