From Financial Hardship to Academic Excellence: How the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Supported Dr. Paramananda Naik's Journey in Anthropology

This press release highlights the role of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (UGC-RGNF-SC) through the educational and career journey of Dr. Paramananda Naik. Coming from a marginalized background and facing financial and social barriers as a second-generation learner, Dr. Naik received financial support of ₹16,000 per month from 2016 to 2019 under the fellowship. This assistance helped him meet expenses for his doctoral studies, books, accommodation, and fieldwork in Anthropology. The fellowship enabled him to complete his Ph.D. and subsequently secure a regular position as an Assistant Professor at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.