About the scholarship

The journey of a million smiles began in 1892 with Jamsetji Tata, the pioneer, visionary and founder of the Tata Group, setting up the JN Tata Endowment for higher education of Indians. Regarded as the 'Father of Indian Industry' and one of the most important builders of the modern Indian economy, Jamsetji introduced the apprentice system at work, crèches and primary classes for children of women mill workers, and free medical help to all employees. Other benefits for the well-being of his staff that were weaved into the policies of several of his propitious ventures included gratuitous pension fund, provident fund, maternity benefit allowance and a compensation fund for accidents for all employees – all of which were ahead of their times. It was during his time that he pioneered the organised flat system of housing and also built the opulent Taj Mahal Hotel.