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The contribution of NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) belonging to Punjab is immense as far as providing help in the sectors of health, sports and education. NRIs residing in the United Sates have been making efforts to encourage and mobilise education in Punjab. Members of the Washington-based Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF) has raised over 100,000 dollars for providing scholarships for Punjab's needy students. The aim is sound and clear -- to persuade students to go for higher studies. According to an estimate, over five million, almost one third of the total Indians overseas, belong to Punjab. They have invested huge amounts of money in setting up mansions, schools, hospitals and sports complexes in the state. Marking the tenth anniversary of the SHDF, over 400 guests from the Washington area raised 115,000 dollars for providing higher education to needy students who come from households earning less than dollar a day per person. The SHDF, in the last ten years, has provided 1457 scholarships in northern Indian states, including Punjab. While revealing details, Dr. Rajwant Singh, Director Outreach, the foundation that awards scholarships without distinction of caste, religion or gender, said: "Our mission was to financially empower needy students and help them realize their full potential by improving their access to higher professional education. The funds raised here will be distributed to the scholarship recipients through the SHDF partner organization, Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council in Delhi , after the selection criteria is fulfilled." The Punjab diaspora continues to improve the lifestyle in rural areas by provong help in imparting education to the youths. "396 boys and girls have already graduated with professional degrees and most have found good jobs. They, in turn, are financing the education of their brothers and sisters. Thus the SHDF's scholarship is not building one life; it is building several lives", said Amarjit Singh Sodhi, the Chairman of the SHDF.

US-based NRIs raise funds for imparting education to Punjab's needy students