The Rhodes Scholarship, one of the oldest and the most prestigious international graduate scholarship programs in the world, has announced the opening of applications for Rhodes Scholarships 2013 with the closing date being July 31, 2012 in India.

Established in 1903, the selection of Scholars for this award is  based on academic distinction  and  also on the demonstration of a commitment to service and extracurricular activities as laid down in the “Will” of the great visionary Cecil Rhodes, who established the Rhodes Trust.

Rhodes' vision in founding the Scholarship was to develop outstanding leaders who would be motivated to fight 'the world's fight' and to 'esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim', and to promote international understanding and peace. The Rhodes Scholarships support students who demonstrate strong propensity to emerge as 'leaders for the world’s future'.

A class of 83 young and talented Scholars is selected each year from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Swaziland), United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Rhodes Scholars are chosen on the basis of outstanding intellect, character, capacity for leadership, and commitment to service.

For the last 64 years, many Indians have benefitted from this, including women. Late Prof. Asim Kumar Datta (Christ Church, 1947) and Late Mr. Lovraj Kumar (Magdalen, 1947) comprised the first batch of Indian Rhodes Scholar. In 1979, Shalini Randeria became the first woman from India to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, and in 1995, Ms. Roopa Unnikrishnan became the 100th Rhodes Scholar from India.
The Rhodes Scholarships reflect one of the most visionary acts of educational philanthropy in history, making the Rhodes legacy one that is felt the world over. Today, Rhodes Scholars around the world also reflect their gratitude and commitment to the Scholarship by contributing, financially and in other ways, to securing and improving this life-changing opportunity for future generations.

Around the world, over 7,000 many Rhodes Scholars have taken leadership roles in various spheres of economy, industry and politics.  Some have risen to very prominent positions, including former President of the United States, Bill Clinton.

The Rhodes Trust is privileged to have Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, The Aditya Birla Group as the Chairman of the Rhodes Scholarships Selection Committee in India.

Mr Birla is a visionary leader with great entrepreneurial acumen and highest business ethics.The post wasearlier graced by Mr Narayana Murthy, Chief Mentor, Infosys. Other positions that Mr. Birla holds in the field of education include being the Chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and Director on the board of the G.D. Birla Medical Research and Education Foundation. He serves on the London Business School’s Asia Pacific Advisory Board and is a Honorary Fellow of the London Business School.

Mr Birla, accepting the chair, said, “It is an honour and privilege to chair the committee in India. I believe that the Rhodes Scholarship provides a platform to encourage and motivate the future leaders of the country. It also provides great opportunity to our young talent to showcase their abilities on the global level.“

Prof. Virander Chauhan, the National Secretary to the Rhodes Trust, said, “We are delighted and look forward to working with Mr Birla closely during this exciting phase for the Rhodes Scholarships in India.“