From Financial Hardship to Doctoral Achievement: Manika Mandal's Journey through Higher Education

The Press Information Bureau release highlights the academic journey of Smt. Manika Mandal, a 33-year-old scholar from West Bengal who successfully completed her Ph.D. despite financial hardships. Before receiving assistance, she faced severe economic constraints and limited educational resources that hindered her higher studies. In April 2017, she began receiving support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme, availing approximately Rs. 20 lakh in fellowship assistance. This financial support eased education and research-related expenditures, providing the stability required to continue her doctoral work and achieve her academic goals.