Somerville College at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) and the Piramal family, has launched the Dr. Gita Piramal Scholarship to support talented Indian students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Named after Dr. Gita Piramal, an esteemed Indian entrepreneur and academic, this scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a living stipend, enabling deserving students to pursue higher education without financial constraints.

Established in 2013, the OICSD was created through the Oxford-India partnership to advance sustainable development research relevant to India’s unique challenges. The launch event for the Dr. Gita Piramal Scholarship, held on October 17, 2024, underscored Oxford and India's strong ties and shared vision for promoting sustainable development through education.

Since its inception, OICSD has supported over sixty Indian students, many of whom have returned to address healthcare, technology, and climate challenges in India. Starting in 2025, one student will receive the Dr. Gita Piramal Scholarship, furthering the Centre's mission to empower future leaders committed to impactful solutions for both India and the world.