Haleon India (formerly GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) as part of the ‘Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship Programme’ in partnership with Indian Dental Association, has chosen 143 meritorious students from underprivileged communities across 21 states and 130+ cities for the ’Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship’ to pursue Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The awards were announced at the Oral Health Innovation Conclave (OHIC) held in Delhi on March 25.
An amount of more than INR 6 crores will be disbursed under this programme amongst these 143 students to support their academic and living expenses incurred during their 4-year BDS programme. Each of these students will be provided with a financial assistance of INR 1,05,000 per year for 4 years of their BDS course.
This scholarship programme for BDS students is a CSR initiative by Haleon India (erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) which is in line with the company’s purpose “to deliver better everyday health with humanity”.
Speaking on the celebratory occasion, Shanu Saksena, CSR Head, Haleon India (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) said, “Together, we are proud to provide an opportunity to these aspiring dental students to achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world. This initiative is a true representation of Haleon’s purpose “to deliver better health with humanity”, and we are excited to play this pivotal role in their professional and educational journey.”
With the mission to facilitate underprivileged and exceptional dental students bring their dreams to life, Haleon India launched this programme in partnership with IDA and Buddy4Study (B42), NGO in July 2022.
OHIC is a first-of-its-kind national event organised by Indian Dental Association (IDA) focusing on innovations, entrepreneurship, and research in oral healthcare. The event was graced by dignitaries such as Dr. L. Swasticharan (Additional Deputy Director General of Health Services) as the Guest of Honour, Lt. Gen. Satish R Iyer (Director General Dental Services), Dr. Puneet Girdhar (President IDA), Dr. Ashok Dhoble (Hon Sec General IDA), Dr. Meera Verma (Chairperson for DDS), and Dr. Vandana Agarwal (Organizing Secretary DDS), Mr. Navneet Saluja, MD – India Sub-Continent, Haleon India and Ms. Anurita Chopra, Head of Marketing, India Sub-continent, Haleon India.
