Yash Chopra Foundation Awards 11 Scholarships to Future Innovators, Including Robotics and AI Courses
The Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF) has expanded its scholarship program for the 2026-27 academic year, awarding 11 scholarships for the first time to students pursuing Robotics, AI, and other technology-led courses. This initiative by Yash Raj Films' philanthropic arm supports children of Hindi film industry workers.
In a landmark move for philanthropy in the Indian entertainment industry, the Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), the charitable arm of Yash Raj Films (YRF), announced on Monday, September 28, 2026, the expansion of its prestigious scholarship program. For the first time, the foundation will support students pursuing higher education in future-forward fields such as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, alongside traditional creative disciplines. A total of 11 scholars have been selected for the 2026-27 academic year, receiving financial assistance of up to INR 5 lakh each. Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda’s Upcoming Romantic Film With Mohit Suri Titled ‘Satranga’? Here’s What We Know.
The announcement, prominently featured on YRF’s official Instagram handle, highlighted the foundation's dedication to empowering the next generation of industry families. Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, emphasized the evolving nature of the industry and the need for opportunities to adapt. “The Hindi film industry has always been built on the contribution of people working across every level of the ecosystem, and the YCF Scholarship Program is our way of extending that support to the next generation of their families,” Widhani stated. “As the industry changes, it is important that the opportunities we create for its families evolve with it too.”
YCF Expands Its Scholarship Programme
Historically, the YCF Scholarship Program has championed students aspiring for careers in media, film, and other creative disciplines. This year, however, signifies a pivotal shift, with the program embracing a much wider array of professional and technical courses. Beyond Robotics and AI, the scholarship now extends to students pursuing Engineering, Information Technology (IT), Management, Law, and Medical studies.
The 11 scholars were meticulously chosen through a rigorous merit- and need-based screening process from over 300 registered applicants. This initiative primarily benefits the children of registered Hindi film industry and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) union members, including technicians, light men, spot boys, and other daily wage workers, reinforcing YCF’s commitment to the backbone of Indian cinema.
Yash Chopra Foundation Empowers 11 Students With Scholarships for Future-Focused Courses
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Fostering Future Innovators: A Deep Dive into the New Disciplines
The inclusion of technology-led courses reflects a forward-thinking approach, acknowledging the growing intersection of technology and creativity in the modern world. Among the bright minds receiving support this year are:
- Nidhi Subhashchandra Yadav: Pursuing a B.Sc. in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Systems at Thakur College.
- Aryan Singh: Studying B.Tech in CSE (AI & ML) at Thakur Shyamnarayan College of Engineering.
- Valencia Rojiyar Madhura: Enrolled for a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (Cyber Security) at NMIMS College of Engineering.
- Uzma Sarfaraz Khan: Doing an M.Sc. in IT at Vivek College of Commerce.
- Prathamesh Pradip Karanjolkar: Pursuing an MCA at TIMSCDR (Thakur Institute of Management Studies, Career Development & Research).
- Jaid Kalim: Studying B.Tech in Electronics and Computer Science at Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Bandra.
- Pranjal Pramod Kapure: Pursuing B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai.
- Sachin Vishwakarma: Enrolled for a B.Tech at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
In addition to these technical fields, scholarships were also awarded for traditional and commerce-related courses:
- Asma Choudhary: Pursuing a PG in M.Com (Banking and Finance) at NM College.
- Rudra Mangesh Damle: Doing a B.Com in Financial Markets at Pillai College of Arts, Commerce & Science, New Panvel.
- Jay Siddeshwar Jangam: Studying Mass Communication & Journalism at CVM University, Gujarat. Yash Raj Films Announces INR 150 Crore Entry Into Micro-Dramas; Akshaye Widhani To Lead YRF’s New D2C Streaming App.
This broadened vision by the Yash Chopra Foundation is a testament to its commitment to the holistic development of the film fraternity's families, ensuring they are equipped for diverse and evolving career paths in a rapidly changing world.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
