New Delhi: Financial hardship and limited access to educational resources once made higher studies difficult for West Bengal scholar Manika Mandal, but fellowship support helped her complete her doctoral degree and continue her academic journey.

Manika, 33, from South 24 Parganas district, received assistance under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme while pursuing her PhD.

According to the government, she began receiving fellowship support in April 2017 and availed assistance of around Rs 20 lakh for her doctoral studies and research.

Before receiving the fellowship, Manika and her family faced financial difficulties, making it challenging for her to meet education and research-related expenses. Limited access to academic resources added to the difficulties she faced while pursuing higher education.

Despite these challenges, she remained determined to complete her PhD and contribute to society through education.

The fellowship provided financial support for her studies and research, easing the burden on her family and allowing her to focus on her long-term academic goals, the government said.

With continued assistance under the scheme, Manika was able to overcome financial and educational barriers and successfully complete her doctoral degree.

Her journey highlights the role of fellowship programmes in helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue higher education and research.

The NFSC Scheme aims to support the academic advancement of eligible Scheduled Caste scholars by providing financial assistance for higher studies.

Manika's achievement, the government said, demonstrates how timely institutional support can help determined students overcome financial constraints and realise their academic aspirations.