Mukti Hosts 20th Annual Programme of Talented Students Sponsorship (TSS)

It was a significant day in its journey towards empowering the youth through knowledge when Mukti successfully organised its 20th Annual Programme of the Talented Students Sponsorship (TSS) initiative on 6th December 2025 at Rabindra Bhawan, Rajpur, reaffirming its long-standing mission to ensure that financial hardship never becomes a barrier to higher education for deserving learners. The TSS programme supports meritorious yet economically disadvantaged students who are unable to pursue further studies despite their academic potential.
Students from every district of West Bengal are eligible to apply, making TSS one of the most inclusive educational support platforms in the state. This year, 90 new students received scholarships. Since its inception in 2006, the initiative has become one of Mukti’s flagship education programmes, playing a transformative role in shaping the academic and professional futures of thousands of young learners through not only financial support but also mentorship from Mukti’s global network of sponsors and well-wishers.

The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony and cultural performances by students, followed by the formal distribution of scholarships to the selected recipients — a moment of pride for students and their families. Distinguished guests graced the occasion and shared inspiring messages that deeply resonated with the audience. Among those present were Mr. Sankar Halder (Founder and President, Mukti), Mr. Satyajit Roy (Secretary, Mukti), Mr. Mahesh Pansari (Director, Primarc Prabhu Dayal Charitable Trust), Mr. Pawan Agarwal (Managing Director, Srijan Realty Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Bishnupada Sarkar (ADPO, Samagra Shiksha Mission), Mr. Sourav Adak (Assistant Coordinator, GSCA), Mrs. Rishika Tripathy (Senior Chief Manager, Srijan Realty Pvt. Ltd.), Mrs. Mitra Das (President, Mukti-Australia), Mr. Ratan Kumar Das (Member, Mukti-Australia), Mr. Sandip Goswami (Manager – HR & Admin, VIVO), Mr. Shyam Narayan Shaw (Senior Manager – Accounts and Finance), Dr. Saumendrakumar Bagchi (TSS Sponsor and Homeopathy Doctor), Mr. Anindya Sen (TSS Sponsor and Extended Board Member, Mukti), Mr. Priyadhan De (Assistant Manager – CSR, Anmol Industries Limited), Mr. Tarun Naskar (Ex-Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Jadavpur University), Mr. Anirban Banerjee (TSS Sponsor), Mr. Subodh Biswas (Lead – Education, MSS & Digital Education, Mukti), Mr. Soumitra Bose (TSS Sponsor and Vice-President, Mukti), Mr. Timir Baran Bhattacharjee (Treasurer, Mukti), Mr. Supriya Bandyopadhyay (Lead – Media & Publication, Mukti), Mr. Dulal Krishna Mondal (Member, Mukti), and other board members of Mukti.

In his address, Mukti’s Founder and President, Mr. Sankar Halder, noted that in the future, most manual jobs would shift toward automation and robotics. He explained that although machines might take over tasks such as painting, designing, and routine execution, humans would remain essential for giving the right instructions — a skill he referred to as prompt engineering. He emphasised that contextual knowledge and lived experience would become the true strengths of future professionals, noting that students from rural backgrounds held an advantage because their struggles and practical experiences naturally built understanding that machines could never acquire from textbooks. He urged students not to fear AI but to learn how to use it wisely, and reminded them that humility mattered more than marks, which did not define true talent.

Mukti’s Secretary, Mr. Satyajit Roy, expressed strong optimism about the future, urging students to never underestimate themselves. He explained that AI would always deliver results based on the quality of input provided, just as individuals’ actions reflect the knowledge and values they cultivate. He encouraged students to stay optimistic, aim high, and have confidence in shaping their future.

Mr. Soumitra Bose, Mukti’s Vice-President, congratulated the students, reminding them that they earned their place through hard work. He highlighted the importance of planning for the future and drew attention to exemplary focus and dedication, such as that of a 19-year-old student who memorised and recited the Vedas in complex cycles for 50 days.

Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Managing Director of Srijan Realty Pvt. Ltd. encouraged students, saying that their presence was a source of strength for all. He urged them to consider sponsoring at least one bright student through Mukti once they became successful and financially independent, creating a chain of support. He advised students never to forget their values and cultural roots, emphasising that success should never distance anyone from humility and humanity, and stressed that no profession was small if practiced with honesty and integrity.

Mr. Sandip Goswami, Manager – HR & Admin, VIVO, expressed pride in being part of the event, sharing that at Vivo, success was not defined only by selling smartphones or earning profits, but also by contributing to society. He related to the students’ struggles, coming from a remote village himself, and reminded them that marks alone did not define a person; the deepest learning came from family and society, which truly shaped one’s identity.

TSS Sponsor Dr. Saumendrakumar Bagchi reminded students that despite technological advancements, true growth was not only academic or technical; human qualities such as conscience, empathy, and humanity mattered equally. He urged students to hold on to these values and contribute to building a healthier, kinder society.

Mrs. Mitra Das, President of Mukti-Australia, shared that a small amount of support could transform lives. She reflected on her own journey, noting that scholarships had played a crucial role in enabling her higher studies and shaping her career in town planning, and emphasised that much of what individuals achieve is possible because someone once believed in their potential.

Mr. Tarun Naskar, Ex-Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Jadavpur University, expressed gratitude to Mr. Sankar Halder and Mukti, highlighting Mr. Halder’s journey from the remote Sundarbans to becoming an IT professional while remaining committed to supporting students facing similar struggles. He noted that this support was not merely for financial gain but for fostering responsibility, humanity, and social contribution. He emphasised that many students present had come through government-supported schools, and Mukti’s TSS ensured talented students could continue to learn, grow, and positively impact society.

Mr. Anirban Banerjee, TSS Sponsor congratulated all the students on receiving the scholarship and advised them to be curious about everything they learn. He emphasized the importance of planning early for future steps, regardless of their year of study, and reminded them that knowledge today is freely available through books, networks, and online resources. He wished them success and assured them of Mukti’s continued support.

Mr. Timir Baran Bhattacharjee, Treasurer of Mukti began by congratulating everyone present and thanking the donors and sponsors. He appreciated how long the TSS programme has been running and highlighted how rigorous and fair the selection process is—through interviews, home verification, and a strict need- and merit-based system without any partiality. He expressed gratitude to Mukti and especially to Sankar Halder for their dedicated work. He reminded the students that receiving a stipend or scholarship is a big opportunity that many others do not get. He encouraged the students to give back to society when they become successful in the future.

Mr. Subodh Biswas, Board Member of Mukti congratulated the students receiving awards and said they agreed with the earlier speakers. He shared that his own journey had been difficult and stressed that stopping in the face of hardship is the real defeat. In today’s technological era, especially with AI, they emphasized that constant learning is essential. Getting into a good college is only the beginning.

Mr. Supriya Bandyopadhyay, Lead – Media & Publication of Mukti, remarked that seeing the students’ achievements brought him great joy, noting that they had reached this stage despite many challenges. He emphasised the importance of mutual support and progress, adding that financial limitations never determined one’s abilities. He highlighted that needing support was never something to feel uncomfortable about. Instead, the recipients may look at it as an opportunity to give it back when the time comes.

Mrs. Chhaya Karmakar, Member of Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality, congratulated Mukti for hosting such a meaningful programme, extending her best wishes to all students for a bright future.

The 20th Annual TSS Programme concluded with a renewed commitment from Mukti, its sponsors, and volunteers to continue nurturing talent across West Bengal. As the programme steps into its next decade, it remains a powerful beacon of hope — ensuring that aspirations are never limited by economic constraints and that every deserving student has the opportunity to thrive.