From Financial Barriers to Engineering Dreams: Priyanka’s Journey Towards a Bright Future

Priyanka P. D’Souza, a young and determined student from St. Anthony’s Church, Hosanagara in Shivamogga District, comes from a humble farming family. Her father, Mr. Pascal D’Souza, is a farmer, and her mother, Mrs. Cecelia D’Souza, is a homemaker. With limited and uncertain income from agriculture, the family always faced challenges in meeting their daily needs, let alone supporting higher education.

Despite these financial constraints, Priyanka showed great dedication towards her studies. With strong determination and the dream of building a successful career, she secured admission to pursue Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science at PES Institute of Technology & Management for the academic period 2023–2027. For her family, this was a proud moment, but also a challenging one, as the cost of higher education was beyond their financial capacity.

Understanding her situation and recognizing her potential, Priyanka was supported through the Financial Support Programme for Economically Poor Students. Instead of being burdened by financial stress, she was granted a scholarship to continue her studies. She received the first installment in 2024 and the second installment in 2025, which significantly eased the financial pressure on her family.

This timely scholarship became a turning point in Priyanka’s life. It enabled her to focus fully on her studies without the constant worry of arranging fees. Her parents, who once struggled to support her education, now feel relieved and hopeful about her future. The support has not only strengthened her academic journey but also restored confidence and stability within the family.

Today, Priyanka continues her engineering studies with dedication and enthusiasm. She is determined to excel in her field and build a successful career in the technology sector. Her journey reflects not just personal ambition, but also the dreams and sacrifices of her family.

Priyanka expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the CSP for their invaluable support. She shares that this scholarship has become a strong foundation in her pursuit of academic excellence. Her family also joins her in expressing sincere appreciation and thankfulness for this generous assistance, which has opened the doors to a brighter and more secure future.

Priyanka’s story is a true reflection of the impact of SMSSS initiatives supporting deserving students, removing financial barriers, and empowering young minds to achieve their dreams through education.