New scholarship for Indian students honours Sir Donald Bradman
30 Oct 2012The Premier of New South Wales (NSW), Barry O'Farrell, and former Australian Test cricketer Adam Gilchrist have launched a new annual scholarship for an Indian student, which has been established by one of NSW's leading universities, the University of Wollongong (UoW), and the Bradman Foundation.
The Premier made the announcement in Mumbai during his second trade and investment mission to India.
"Cricket is a national obsession for both our countries, with our mutual passion for the game spurred on by the great sporting rivalry displayed whenever the Australian and Indian teams come together on a pitch," Mr O'Farrell said.
"The University of Wollongong and the Bradman Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which includes offering an annual scholarship named in honour of Sir Donald Bradman.
"Sir Don was one of NSW's greatest ever international exports and he left a powerful and lasting legacy that we celebrate to this day. This new scholarship for Indian students is another fitting way of honouring his name.
"The UoW Bradman Foundation Scholarship provides a golden opportunity for educational advancement of young Indian students by waiving 50 per cent of their chosen degree's tuition fees – making the scholarship worth about $11,000 per year.
"India and NSW have many connections – cricket and education are two of the strongest. Indian students account for the second largest number of international students in NSW – in 2012 there were about 10,200 enrolments by Indian students in educational institutions in NSW."
Mr O'Farrell said the annual scholarship would not only benefit the successful scholarship winners, but enhance the already strong ties between NSW and India.
University of Wollongong Ambassador to India and former Australian Test cricketer Adam Gilchrist said the Bradman Scholarship was a fitting way of honouring Sir Donald Bradman and the work of the Foundation which he supported.
"Sir Don left an enduring legacy to the game of cricket with his incredible achievements – Indian cricket fans understand that as well as anyone," Mr Gilchrist said.
"The UoW Bradman Foundation Scholarship has been established to provide an opportunity for educational advancement for Indian young people and I am extremely proud to be part of its launch."
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said the UoW Bradman Scholarship was an indication of the growing strength of the University's ties with India, as well as with the Bradman Foundation. "This is an extremely important initiative from the university's point of view," he said.
"It gives us a chance to help fulfil Sir Donald's vision for the advancement of youth and cricket while also offering a great opportunity for an Indian student to come to Australia to study at our University and become involved in the Bradman Foundation."
