Kumari Osheen Foundation, M.K.E.S. College of Law – Launched Memorial Scholarship for Girl Law Students

A initiative in memory of Late Kumari Osheen combines ₹5 lakh annual scholarship support, merit awards and internship opportunities for aspiring women lawyers

Mumbai, July 13: In a move that seeks to strengthen access to legal education for deserving young women, the Kumari Osheen Foundation (formerly known as Inbook Foundation) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M.K.E.S. College of Law, Malad, to launch the Kumari Osheen Memorial Scholarship for Girls, a educational initiative established in memory of Late Kumari Osheen.

The programme is designed to support academically meritorious girl students from economically weaker backgrounds while encouraging leadership, professional excellence and social responsibility among future members of the legal fraternity.

Under the agreement, the Foundation has committed an annual contribution of ₹5,00,000 towards the college fees of eligible students pursuing the B.A. LL.B. programme. The sponsors have also retained the flexibility to enhance the annual contribution in the coming years, reaffirming their long-term commitment to the programme.

While financial assistance forms the foundation of the initiative, the scholarship has been structured as a comprehensive programme for recognising merit and nurturing professional growth.

Selection will not be determined solely by academic performance. The Scholarship Selection Committee, to be constituted by the College, will evaluate candidates on multiple parameters including attendance, participation in moot court competitions, legal research, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. The criteria will also extend special consideration to deserving students who are from single-parent families, orphaned, children with disabilities or the only girl child in their family, ensuring that the programme reaches students who have demonstrated both ability and resilience.

In addition to the scholarship assistance, the programme introduces two annual awards to recognise outstanding achievement. The Best Student Award for both the B.A. LL.B. and LL.B. programmes will carry a memento, certificate and a cash prize of ₹21,000 each, acknowledging excellence in legal education and overall student development.

The initiative also seeks to bridge the gap between legal education and professional practice. Every year, one or two deserving students from the B.A. LL.B. programme may be recommended for internship opportunities with a prominent legal firm in Mumbai . Subject to the firm’s recruitment policies and individual performance, outstanding interns may subsequently be considered for positions as Associates, offering students valuable industry exposure and career opportunities at an early stage.

To ensure transparency and accountability, M.K.E.S. College of Law will invite applications, oversee the selection process, maintain programme records, organise the annual award ceremony and submit annual reports detailing scholarship recipients, utilisation of funds and internship outcomes. The Foundation will continue to provide financial assistance, nominate representatives to the programme, support internship opportunities and work with the College to further strengthen the initiative over the coming years.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of the Kumari Osheen Foundation by Dr. Rina Jain, Director – Education & Women Empowerment, and Dr. Sekhar Chandra Sahoo, Director – Health and Education. Representing M.K.E.S. College of Law were Ms. Shiji Biji, Principal, and Prof. (Dr.) Moushumi Datta, Director, M.K.E.S. Group of Institutions.

Also Present on the occasion were; Mr. Ali Sayed, VP & Manager of Operations (All Affairs); Ms. Tanisha Swetta, student of KES College Kandivali and present were faculty representatives of M.K.E.S. College of Law.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Rina Jain said the initiative had been conceived as a living tribute to Late Kumari Osheen.

Dr. Rina Jain, Director – Education & Women Empowerment, said the scholarship programme is not merely as financial assistance but as an opportunity to nurture future women leaders in the legal profession. “Every capable student deserves the chance to pursue higher education with dignity. We hope this initiative inspires young women to believe in their abilities and pursue excellence without financial hardship becoming an obstacle.”

Prof. (Dr.) Moushumi Datta, Director, M.K.E.S. Group of Institutions, welcomed the collaboration, saying, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to recognising merit while ensuring that deserving students receive the support they need. We are confident that this scholarship will encourage many young women to pursue legal education with greater confidence and determination.”

Sharing his vision behind the initiative, Advocate Pradeep Kumar Jain, Founder of the Kumari Osheen Foundation, (formerly known as Inbook Foundation) stated:

“The true strength of any nation lies in the education of its youth, especially its young women. Through this scholarship, our aim is to ensure that financial limitations never become a barrier to talent and ambition. We hope this initiative empowers deserving students to pursue their dreams with confidence and contributes to building a more equitable and educated society.”

Both the Foundation and the College have expressed confidence that the initiative will evolve into a sustainable model of collaboration between philanthropy and higher education.