Empowering the North East: Suniti Scholars Program Launched to Support Young Women Affected by HIV

Guwahati: In an initiative aimed at transforming the lives of young women across Northeast India, the YR Gaitonde Medical Educational and Research Foundation (YRGMERF) has launched the Suniti Scholars Program, marking the 10th death anniversary of Dr. Suniti Solomon, India’s trailblazing HIV physician and founder of YRGCARE.

The program, rooted in Dr. Solomon’s vision of education as a weapon against stigma and inequality, will offer 86 merit-cum-need-based scholarships in its inaugural year (2025–26) to vulnerable young women—including transwomen—affected by HIV across all eight Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

The Suniti Scholars Program is designed to bridge the gap in access to quality higher education for marginalized communities, particularly in underserved regions like the Northeast, where infrastructure challenges and social stigma continue to limit opportunities for HIV-affected youth.

Each selected scholar—aged 25 or younger—will receive:

INR 1,00,000 per year to support tuition, living expenses, and academic supplies

A one-time grant of INR 50,000 to access digital learning tools such as laptops or tablets

Individual mentorship and mental health support to foster holistic development

Importantly, the scholarship count will grow annually to symbolize Dr. Suniti’s legacy—87 scholars in 2026, 88 in 2027, and so forth—ensuring long-term impact.

“This program is a tribute to my mother’s unshakable belief in education as a force for dignity and social justice,” said Dr. Sunil Suhas Solomon, Chairperson, YRGMERF. “In regions like the Northeast, where stigma and silence still shadow HIV, we hope to create safe spaces for young women to reclaim their futures.”

Eligibility will be verified via ART centres and local NGOs with established community networks

Applicants must have cleared Class XII (for UG courses) or completed graduation (for PG programs), gained admission to a recognized institution, and submit a 500-word personal statement outlining their journey and financial need

Applications open from August 15–25, 2025, and the list of awardees will be announced on October 14, Dr. Solomon’s birth anniversary

Scholarships will be disbursed on December 1, 2025, aligning with World AIDS Day

YRGMERF is calling upon government bodies, tribal and women’s organizations, educational institutions, media houses, and youth networks in the Northeast to help spread awareness and extend outreach to potential applicants, especially in rural and remote districts.

“This is more than financial aid—it’s about giving back voice, dignity, and purpose to young women who have been silenced by stigma. Northeast India holds a key place in this mission,” said the YRGMERF team.