SRINAGAR: Pallavi Sareen became the first Jammu girl, who has been selected for Schwarzman Scholars, one of the most selective courses in the world funded by American Billionaire Stephen Schwarzman.
Pallavi is the only person from Jammu and Kashmir having been selected for this programme in 2022. She is one of only five Indians selected this year. Schwarzman Scholars has an acceptance rate of only three percent making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the world.
Pallavi is a journalist covering development in the peripheries of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Her passion lies in sharing stories of gender justice, human rights, and conflict. At the age of 20, she founded The Straight Line, a digital media organization covering developmental issues impacting residents of conflict zones,” the press release said.
Schwarzman Scholars, located at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, announced its eighth cohort. From an initial pool of nearly 3,000 applicants, the admissions team selected 151 Schwarzman Scholars from 36 countries and 121 universities.
Each year, up to 200 future leaders from the U.S., China and the rest of the world matriculate as Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University in Beijing to pursue a one-year Master’s Degree. Scholars chosen for this highly selective programme have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and the potential to understand and bridge cultural and political differences.
The Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2024, which will enroll in August 2023, is comprised of exceptional young leaders, including a published author on outer space law, a ballerina trained at the Bolshoi Ballet, a co-author of the COP26 Youth Climate Manifesto, Founders of companies which have brought affordable energy to thousands in Cameroon and Benin, an award-winning immune system researcher, a Secretary of the Cross Party Group on China for the Scottish Parliament, Members of the Forbes 30 under 30, Published authors, poets, and successful musicians, Program leaders at the United Nations, Founders of start-ups in fields such as education, cosmetics, health technology, transportation, block-chain technology, and manufacturing and Advisors and managing directors for venture capital and hedge funds.
“I am excited by the eighth cohort’s potential,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Founding Trustee of Schwarzman Scholars. “As the geopolitical landscape grows more complex each day, I am inspired by this year’s selected Scholars and their readiness to engage thoughtfully with global issues and drive change. We are confident that this inspiring cohort of young leaders will make the most of this unique opportunity.”
Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, offered his congratulations to the incoming class. “Congratulations, eighth cohort! I see great potential, diversity, and talent in this group. I am sure these young leaders will enrich the community at Schwarzman College, at Tsinghua University, and beyond.”
Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify leadership potential, intellect, and strength of character. Over 400 candidates from 60 countries were invited to interview with panels of CEOs, government officials, university presidents, journalists, and non-profit executives, among others.
“The accomplishments of the admitted class already are truly outstanding.” said Cordel Faulk, Director of Global Admissions. “We are all very excited to welcome these 151 young leaders into the Schwarzman Scholars community. We are confident they will make excellent contributions in the next year and beyond.”
