Following the passing of Mahidhara Davangere in May, the IFoA Foundation has announced that it will create a new scholarship fund in his name to help support promising actuarial students in South Asia.
The Mahidhara Davangere South Asia Scholarship Fund will support students who need financial assistance to continue their education, and was developed with input from Davangere before he died from COVID-19, aged just 39.
He was was the first Indian member to be elected to the council of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), and championed the IFoA’s work in wider fields, particularly data science and banking.
Davangere also volunteered generously with the Institute of Actuaries of India and the International Actuarial Association.
“Through these and other connections, many IFoA members came to know Mahidhara, warming to his incredible energy and positivity,” the IFoA Foundation said. “We join with Mahidhara's family, his colleagues and his friends in mourning his passing.
“As an enduring tribute to Mahidhara, the IFoA Foundation is creating the Mahidhara Davangere South Asia Scholarship Fund. The foundation developed this concept with input from Mahidhara himself, so it seems fitting that it will now bear his name.”
Alongside this new scholarship, the IFoA Foundation Mahidhara Appeal aims to “open every door for the next generation of actuaries, and to empower the profession to be transformative in addressing the greatest global challenges of our time".
The appeal has already raised over £15,000 thanks to generous donors, and with further support, will continue to expand its global impact with projects like the Mahidhara South Asia Scholarship Fund, helping students and qualified actuaries in South Asia.
It is seeking a further £30,000 from the actuarial community, and the first £10,000 will be matched by the IFoA Foundation to double the impact of donations.
You can show your support in the following ways:
- Donate via the Virgin Money Giving appeal page (suitable for international payments too)
- Arrange a direct payment by contacting the Foundation via [email protected] (suitable for international payments using IBAN or SWIFT codes)
- An online book of remembrance is available for those wishing to leave a message in memory of Mahidhara. The book will be presented to his family in due course.
If you have any questions about the foundation’s work and how you can get involved or would like to request additional support to arrange a donation, please get in touch at: [email protected]
The IFoA Foundation said: “On behalf of all those who will benefit, and in celebration of our dear friend and colleague Mahidhara, thank you for your generosity and support."
Image credit: M. Davangere (2019)
Author: Chris Seekings