The Krishnagiri-based NGO, the Integrated Village Development Project (IVDP), honoured 1,320 wards of Self-Help Group members who have scored 90 per cent and above in SSLC and Plus Two examination held in March 2014 with ‘IVDP Koselay Award 2014’ here on Saturday.

Dr. Lawrance Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri, presented the awards to the toppers.

In his welcome address, founder of IVDP and Ramon Magsaysay award winner Kulandai Francis said that the educational scholarship scheme was instituted with the aim to sponsor students and provide them with good education. IVDP had so far extended educational scholarship to the tune of Rest. 1.80 crore to 3,824 students since 2005. The scholarship would be offered to the students for the entire course with the condition that they should pass in all subjects. The family background of the members would be scrutinised by the field staff of IVDP for selection.

Mr. Francis advised the students to pursue their college education and not to divert their mind until they complete their course.

Chief Educational Officer M. Ramasamy delivered keynote address. Dr. Gopala Narayana Murthy spoke on ‘Sigarathai Nokiya Payanam.’ The top five rank holders in Plus-Two exams were given laptops, top four rank holders were given 4 gram gold coin and nine students were given two gram gold coin.