Shah Rukh Khan PhD scholarship awarded to New Delhi student
The scholarship is designed to support aspiring female Indian researchers aiming to make a meaningful impact globally.
New Delhi: The Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship worth $225,000 (AUD) has been awarded to a student from New Delhi with a focus on improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities. The scholarship was presented during a Gala Dinner in Delhi by La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell to Sumaira Khan.
Sumaira emerged as the recipient from a competitive pool of applicants across India. This four-year scholarship recognizes the humanitarian and social justice efforts of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and is made possible through La Trobe’s partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The scholarship is designed to support aspiring female Indian researchers aiming to make a meaningful impact globally. Sumaira will utilize this opportunity to conduct research at La Trobe’s facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Her research will focus on working with medical anthropologists Dr Tarryn Phillips and Dr Catherine Trundle to enhance healthcare for South Asian migrant women in Australia at high risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study aims to identify factors influencing self-care practices and provide insights for improved healthcare programs in Australia and India.
Expressing her gratitude, Sumaira stated, “I’m very grateful to receive the Shah Rukh Khan scholarship. It’s life-changing for me and my family, and I’m excited to interact with La Trobe’s global community of researchers. It really is my proudest achievement.”
Shah Rukh Khan, pleased to support Indian women in addressing global challenges, remarked, “Sumaira’s passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities is inspiring, and her journey is a wonderful lesson to other Indian women who want to improve lives through scientific study.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting students like Sumaira who aim to assist vulnerable communities. He emphasized the shared vision with Mr. Khan to inspire positive change through education.
Mitu Bhowmick, Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, thanked La Trobe for its ongoing support in providing educational opportunities for Indian women. She expressed delight in the collaboration between the festival, SRK, and La Trobe University, providing life-changing opportunities for young Indian female students.
Sumaira’s interest in public health stemmed from her family's experience accessing care for her brother diagnosed with severe autism. She graduated with a Master of Public Health from Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in 2022 and has since engaged in various health-related projects and research in India.
The first recipient of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi, is progressing with her research into field-deployable diagnostic tests for honeybee viruses, aiming to aid honeybee health.
La Trobe University awarded Shah Rukh Khan an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) in 2019, recognizing his humanitarian work including the establishment of the Meer Foundation to support women who survived acid attacks in India.
