Programs

The Aapa Jaan Shanta Kaul Memorial Trust, intends to launch two initiatives in honour of Aapa Jaan Shanta Kaul, who was a guiding light for generations of young people in the Valley. Our purpose is to carry forward her legacy of nurturing aspiration, excellence, and confidence among young women.

1. The Aapa Jaan Shanta Kaul Scholarship Program

The scholarship program is envisioned to remove financial obstacles for deserving women dealing with adverse circumstances. The Trust will accord preference to women from the far reaches of the valley. The beneficiary should have secured admission to a three-year undergraduate degree at Women’s College, Srinagar — the very college where all the daughters and daughters-in-law of Aapa Jaan Shanta Kaul received their higher education.

The scholarship will cover a substantial portion of the tuition, hostel, and partial food expenses for all three years. At present one student will be selected every year. We begin modestly — but with intention and clarity. Over time, we hope the Trust will grow to support more students

2. Aapa Jaan Shanta Kaul Annual Awards & Lecture Series

The second program is an annual event dedicated to celebrating academic excellence and inspiring future aspirations among young women students. This annual event will be planned in collaboration with a reputable institution of higher education for women in Srinagar. Each year, the Trust proposes to:

Recognise and award select students for outstanding academic performance
Host a guest lecture delivered by an accomplished alumna and/or other distinguished women leaders
Create a platform where visible role models share their journeys, challenges, and learnings

Research has consistently shown that the presence of strong role models plays a vital role in shaping young women’s aspirations and growth. This event aims to build that bridge of inspiration and possibility for the young women students.