APNA launches the Jaipal Singh Munda (JSM) Mentorship Programme

Ranchi | 3 January 2026: The Association for PARIVARTAN of Nation (APNA) today, at the Press Club of Ranchi, announced the launch of the Jaipal Singh Munda (JSM) Mentorship Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting students from Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi and other marginalised communities in accessing foreign higher education opportunities. 

The programme is being launched on the birth anniversary of Late Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda, a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and champion of Adivasi rights. His lifelong commitment to education, dignity, and self-determination continues to inspire generations working towards social justice and equitable access to opportunity.

During the program, MD Faizan, Secretary, APNA, stated that Shri Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda excelled academically, clearing the highly competitive Indian Civil Services examination with distinction and studying History at St. John’s College, Oxford, where he stood out for both intellect and his refusal to assimilate quietly. A natural athlete as well, Shri Jaipal Singh Munda captained the Indian hockey team at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, leading India to its first-ever Olympic gold medal. The JSM Mentorship Programme carries forward his legacy of leadership, excellence, and unwavering commitment to empowering marginalised communities.

Programme Lead Usha Tiru said, “A lack of guidance should not hold back talented students. JSM Mentorship ensures they have the tools and support to pursue global opportunities.”

This programme has been specially designed for students from Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, and other marginalised communities in Jharkhand who wish to apply for overseas education and scholarships for the academic year 2026–27. The objective of the programme is to support students who often fall behind due to a lack of information, inadequate guidance, or complex application procedures.

Program Director, Hunar Malik, while talking to the press stated that, “Talented students from Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalised communities have the drive to study abroad, but are held back by barriers that have nothing to do with merit—whether it’s not knowing where to begin, lacking mentors to guide them, or not having access to financial and academic support. These gaps make it incredibly hard to turn aspiration into a real opportunity, even when the potential is clearly there. This mentorship aims to tackle this lack of access.”

Program Coordinator, Sapna Gupta, a graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, added that, “We are not measuring success solely by acceptance into a particular university. The mentorship is planned in a way so as to help build confidence, make informed choices, and feel capable of navigating opportunities. Admissions and scholarships are wonderful outcomes, but what really matters is the growth, agency, and preparedness that are gained along the way.”

Under this programme, selected students will receive free, one-on-one mentorship from mentors who have themselves studied abroad through scholarships. The mentorship will include support with writing Statements of Purpose (SOPs), preparing letters of recommendation, filling out scholarship applications, interview preparation, and adapting academically and socially to universities abroad. In addition, group workshops and pre-departure guidance will be provided after selection to universities.

National Overseas Scholarship recipient and PhD scholar at the University of Sussex, Manish Soren, said, “When students from marginalised communities receive structured guidance, psychosocial support, and an understanding of global academic systems, they are better equipped not only to navigate application processes but also to pursue international opportunities with confidence.”

Meanwhile, Hercules Munda, an MGOS Scholar associated with SOAS, University of London, stated, “Such programmes provide students not just with information, but with confidence, direction, and a global perspective—elements that are essential for any meaningful academic journey.”

APNA aims to provide structured guidance to at least 25 students every year throughout the entire admissions process, and to reach more than 100 students with clear and reliable information related to scholarships. The organisation believes that this initiative will eventually evolve into a self-sustaining mentorship model, where today’s students will become mentors for future aspirants.

Nidhi Suman, Lead, Outreach and Partnership, stated that, “Our mentorship program provides students from marginalised communities with personalised guidance, encouragement, and exposure to global academic systems. By offering support every step of the way, from applications to decision-making, they gain the confidence and tools to pursue international education opportunities, even within systems that are often unequal. Each mentee gains guidance, confidence, and a broader perspective, and eventually becomes a mentor themselves, inspiring others in their community to imagine a world beyond local constraints.”

Applications for the programme have been open from 3rd January to 31st January, 2026. The mentorship programme will run until November 2026.