Five Indian Americans named Truman Scholars

Seema Hakhu Kachru
Houston, Apr 9 (PTI) Five Indian-American students
have been named 2011 Truman Scholars by the Harry S Truman
Scholarship Foundation.
Ishan Nath from Georgia, Anjali Bipin Thakkar from
California, Veena Irene Patel from Iowa, Niharika Sanjay Jain
from Louisiana and Aditya Attiguppe Ashok from New Hampshire
are among 60 students from 54 American colleges and
universities who will receive the award, which provides up to
USD 30,000 for graduate study to students committed to careers
in public service.
The award is one of the US' most prestigious national
fellowships, given annually to college juniors who have
demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and who are
committed to careers in government, nonprofit or advocacy
sectors, education or other public service.
They were selected on the basis of leadership
potential, intellectual ability and likelihood of 'making a
difference.'
It provides them with financial support for graduate
study, leadership training and fellowship with other students,
who are committed to making a difference through public
service.
The 60 scholars were selected from among 602
candidates nominated by 264 colleges and universities.
Each selection panel interviewed finalists from a 3-4
states region and generally elected one scholar from each
state.
Scholars also receive priority admission and
supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate
institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school
counselling and special internship opportunities within the
federal government.
Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding
leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top
quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in
government or the not-for-profit sector.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by
Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to the 33rd US
President Harry S Truman.
The Foundation awards scholarships for college
students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers
in government or elsewhere in public service.
The activities of the Foundation are supported by a
special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2790
Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in
1977.
The 2011 Truman Scholars will assemble on May 17 for a
leadership development programme at William Jewell College in
Liberty, Missouri and receive their awards in a special
ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, on
May 22.