YRG MERF Headquarters, Chennai, India: Building on a landmark inaugural year, the Y. R. Gaitonde Medical Educational and Research Foundation (YRG MERF) announces the second cohort of the Suniti Scholars Program - opening applications today, 28 July 2026. The program, which supports young women impacted by HIV in pursuing higher education, successfully reached 86 scholars across Northeast India in 2025.

Year One in Review: 86 Scholars. One Mission.

In 2025-26, the Suniti Scholars Program awarded 86 scholarships to young women - including transwomen - aged 25 or younger, from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Each scholar received up to ₹1,00,000 annually for tuition, books, and living expenses, a one-time grant of up to ₹50,000 for digital tools, and ongoing mentorship and counselling for personal and academic growth.

2026-27: 87 Scholars, One Step Further

True to the program's founding commitment, one new scholarship added every year, the 2026-27 cohort will support 87 scholars, honouring Dr. Suniti Solomon's enduring legacy of education and empowerment.

Applications open today and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply at www.yrgmerf.org/scholarship or through their nearest ART centre or trusted NGO partner.

Each scholar will receive:

• Up to ₹1,00,000 per year for tuition, books, and living expenses 

• A one-time grant of up to ₹50,000 for digital tools such as laptops and internet access

• Ongoing mentorship and counselling for holistic growth

(*Clear terms and conditions can be found in the informed consent form)

Who Can Apply

The program is open to young women (including transwomen) aged 25 or younger who are living with or affected by HIV, are indigenously from Northeast India, are enrolled or seeking admission in an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate programme, and residing anywhere across the country now. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a 500-word personal statement.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 28 July 2026

• Applications Close: 14 October 2026

• Scholar Announcement: 1 December 2026 (World AIDS Day)

A Call to Collaborate

YRG MERF invites government agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and media to continue supporting this mission:

• Spread awareness to reach eligible applicants across Northeast India

• Partner with ART centres and NGOs for confidential verification and outreach

• Ensure that every eligible young woman from Northeast India, regardless of where she resides in the country, is made aware of this opportunity.

"In its very first year, the Suniti Scholars Program proved that when you invest in a young woman's education, you invest in an entire community. We are proud of our 86 scholars and look forward to selecting 87 young women who will carry this legacy forward in 2026." said Dr. Sunil Suhas Solomon, Chairperson, YRG MERF.

For partnerships, media inquiries, or outreach support, please contact: 📩 sunitischolarsprogram@yrgcare.org 

🌐 www.yrgmerf.org/scholarship  📞 (044) 33125000