This article is sponsored by Cybage
“I have always been passionate about engineering since I was a child, but growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I wasn’t sure if that dream would ever come true,” shares 24-year-old Fiza Shaikh. With her father working as a carpenter and her mother a housewife, her family faced constant financial struggles, leaving little room for higher education. Like many young students in similar situations, she found her dreams clouded by the weight of financial constraints.
That changed when she discovered CybageKhushboo, a scholarship and mentorship initiative dedicated to helping promising students turn their aspirations into reality. With financial support and skill-building opportunities, Fiza not only pursued engineering but also gained confidence and abilities she never thought possible.
Bridging the gap between talent and opportunity
“Talent is equally distributed across all sections of society, but opportunity is not. That’s what CybageKhushboo aims to change,” says Ritu Nathani, the driving force behind this initiative. More than just financial aid, CybageKhushboo is committed to creating equal access to education and shaping future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Founded in 2010, the initiative has grown into a powerful platform supporting hundreds of students in their academic and professional journeys.
Built on purpose: The story behind CybageKhushboo
Cybage, an IT services company founded in 1995 by Arun Nathani, has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a three-bedroom apartment with a team of just four engineers. Today, the company employs over 7,200 individuals and continues giving back to society through philanthropic efforts. The story of CybageKhushboo is intertwined with the personal journeys of both Ritu and Arun Nathani, who, through their own experiences, understand the power of education.
Arun’s journey began in a middle-class home in Bhopal, where his father worked at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). From an early age, he saw firsthand the power of perseverance and education in shaping a better future. Determined to carve his own path, he pursued mechanical engineering at G.B. Pant University in Nainital and later refined his skills with a master’s degree in Virginia.
These experiences laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to build a successful software company. Despite his achievements, Arun remains deeply connected to his roots. He firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking potential, and through CybageKhushboo, he strives to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a student’s dreams.
Ritu Nathani, a former dentist, grew up in a home where hard work and education were deeply valued. Her father, an engineer at a private company in Pune, always encouraged her to dream big. When she and Arun built their own paths to success, they couldn’t ignore a stark reality—so many bright, hardworking students in India never get that chance because of financial barriers.
Determined to change this, they made it their mission to ensure that deserving students wouldn’t have to put their dreams on hold just because they couldn’t afford an education.
Providing access to STEM education for all
For many bright students from underprivileged backgrounds, higher education—especially in STEM fields—feels like a distant dream. CybageKhushboo was created to change that. Through scholarships and mentorship, it ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of talent and ambition. ‘Education can change lives,’ says Ritu. ‘But not everyone has the resources to pursue it. That’s where we step in—to bridge the gap and give these students the support they need to build a better future.’
When the programme was first launched, it only provided scholarships to students who passed Class 12 and pursuing engineering, medical, and STEM courses. However, as Ritu and her team worked closely with the students, they realised that financial assistance alone was not enough. Many of these students were excelling academically but lacked the soft skills necessary to crack interviews and grow in the professional world. This realisation led to the addition of skill-building sessions, which became a critical component of the programme.
As Ritu tells The Better India, “Our aim is to provide these students with more than just academic knowledge. It’s about preparing them for the real world, where communication, confidence, and soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise.”
CybageKhushboo’s focus on soft skills and holistic development is what sets it apart. She elaborates, “We offer a wide range of activities like mock interviews, group discussions, confidence-building exercises, and personality development workshops. These sessions help students become more confident, improve their communication, and prepare for the competitive job market.”
The impact of these classes shines through in the stories of students whose lives have been transformed. Sumit Pramod Badase (23) shares, ‘When I decided to pursue engineering, we had no idea how we would afford it. My mother is a gardener, and my father is a tailor—covering my education felt impossible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I applied for the CybageKhushboo scholarship, knowing it was my only chance to continue my studies.’
“I was able to complete my BTech degree from the College of Engineering Pune because of the scholarship. The technical sessions helped me understand engineering concepts easily, while the soft skills training helped me overcome the challenges I faced in interviews. As I reflect on my growth, I can say with certainty that I now speak English fluently, a skill I struggled with earlier. Group discussions were particularly instrumental in honing my communication abilities,” he adds.
Sumit’s journey with CybageKhushboo has come full circle. Now part of the alumni wing, he spends his Sundays mentoring new students—guiding them through technical concepts and helping them build the skills they need to succeed. From once seeking support for his own education to now training over 100 others, his story is a testament to the power of opportunity and giving back.
Reflecting on his growth, he shares, “I never imagined I would be in this position, helping others the way I was once helped. The personalised attention given to each student by CybageKhushboo is invaluable.” Today, he works as a software engineer at Bajaj Finserv, earning a salary of over 13 lakh and pursuing an executive business management course at IIM Indore. “All of this is possible because of the support I received during my crucial years,” he adds.
One of the most unique aspects of CybageKhushboo is its commitment to mentorship. Understanding that financial aid alone isn’t enough, the initiative also focuses on skill development and guidance to help students thrive.
To strengthen this support, CybageKhushboo partnered with Angrezi Club, an academy run by trainer Pankaj Mittal, to help students improve their English communication skills. When Pankaj isn’t available, his assistant teachers step in, ensuring that no session is missed and students continue to grow in confidence.
As the programme expanded, Ritu and Prashant, and Arjun Deshmukh, a CybageKhushboo beneficiary, a key official associated with the initiative, recognised the need for a deeper support system. This led to the creation of an alumni wing—a space where former students could stay connected, mentor new students, and share their experiences.
“We wanted to create a community where students could support each other, share their experiences, and learn from those who have already walked the path,” says Ritu.
This alumni network has since become an integral part of CybageKhushboo, building a strong sense of camaraderie and mentorship. Graduates who have secured jobs at leading companies like Amazon, Bajaj Finserv, and JP Morgan now give back by guiding the next generation. Their involvement keeps the cycle of empowerment alive, ensuring that every student receives not just financial assistance but also the encouragement and direction needed to succeed.
Beyond the alumni network, Cybage has also dedicated a team of 13 executives to work exclusively within its CSR department, further strengthening the programme’s impact.
Beyond books: Helping students find their voice
Throughout the week, CybageKhushboo’s online classes focus on strengthening students’ grammar skills. But Sundays bring a refreshing change—learning becomes interactive, engaging, and fun.
“The students are divided into groups and given different topics to either enact as a play or discuss,” shares Prashant. “Pankaj conducts various activities that encourage active participation and build confidence. One key rule is that students must communicate exclusively in English during these sessions.”
From sharing personal experiences to reviewing books and movies, these discussions help students refine their communication skills in a supportive environment. By practising English in real-life scenarios, they gain the confidence to express themselves fluently—an invaluable skill that extends far beyond the classroom.
Fiza, another beneficiary, shares, “I completed my school education at N.M.V Girls High School, and during my first year of college in 2019, I applied for a scholarship in July. By November, I received it, and that marked the beginning of my success.”
“The Sunday classes helped me develop my soft skills. These sessions were incredibly valuable, teaching me how to navigate interviews and build my personality. Since I came from a Marathi medium background, English had always been a challenge for me. But through activities focused on personality building, communication, and English speaking, I slowly overcame my difficulties,” she adds.
Beyond soft skills, the initiative helped her learn coding, website development, and programming languages like C++ and Java, all of which supported her through her academic journey at MKSSS’s Cummins College of Engineering, Pune.
“During my third year, when it was time for internships, I applied for an internship at Amazon. I attended the interview, and because of the confidence I gained through the sessions, I was able to perform well. I joined Amazon as a software engineer intern for two months, and by the end of my internship, I received a pre-placement offer. In 2023, I officially joined Amazon with a CTC of around 46 LPA,” she explains. Before joining Amazon, she worked as a mentor, taking technical sessions for beneficiaries.
Turning dreams into careers
The true impact of CybageKhushboo is reflected in the success of its students. In the early years, only 25% of graduates were able to secure jobs, highlighting the challenges they faced beyond academics. Recognising this, the team expanded its focus in 2014—going beyond scholarships to equip students with essential soft skills, confidence-building exercises, and interview preparation.
The results have been remarkable. Today, an impressive 95% of students land jobs at leading companies through campus placements, proving that the right support can turn aspirations into reality.
Another success story is that of Arjun Deshmukh, who secured a job at JP Morgan after graduation. “Arjun saved diligently over the years, and now he is at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing his master’s. He started his course in 2023. My son, Anish, also studied at Berkeley, where he completed his degree in computer engineering. To be honest, I think I was even happier when Arjun received his admission to Berkeley than when Anish did in 2017. I was absolutely on top of the world when he told me he is going to Berkeley,” shares Ritu, with joy in her eyes.
Taking education to rural India
The programme is working to expand its reach to rural villages through Cybage Asha, another CSR initiative launched to support farmers and improve their livelihoods. Madhuri Sarpale, a student from Sonde Hiroji, a village in Velhe taluka, became the first person in her village to pursue engineering. She is now a role model for other students in her community, proving that no matter where you come from, education can open doors to endless possibilities.
Looking ahead, CybageKhushboo has ambitious expansion plans. With an ambitious goal of awarding Rs 35 crore in scholarships over the next five years, CybageKhushboo is set to create an even greater impact. In 2024-25 alone, the initiative granted over Rs 6.66 crore in scholarships, empowering 500 new students and renewing support for more than 700 others, ensuring they continue their education without financial barriers.
It is currently being run in three locations: Pune, where the headquarters are based, and Gandhinagar and Hyderabad. “At the moment, we are restricted to these three places because that’s where our office is,” Ritu explains. The team plans to expand to other states, though the challenge lies in the absence of offices in those regions. As a solution, they collaborate with NGOs that operate in similar spaces to help with the expansion.
Opening doors to education: A simple and inclusive application process
The application process for students is conducted in two ways.
The first method is through the programme’s website, which goes live in July 2025. This timing is in line with the results of various exams, which are typically declared in May and June.
For students who do not have access to a computer or any device, Cybage has set up a support system. “Any student who does not have access to a computer or any device can come to Cybage at our office. We set up a kiosk at the entrance for these students, and one of our CSR volunteers helps them fill out the form and submit it,” she adds.
The second method is through direct collaborations with colleges. “We have direct tie-ups with colleges, where we inform them about CybageKhushboo. Every year, they receive applications and send us the ones they feel fit the criteria for the scholarships,” says Ritu.
Currently, CybageKhushboo has formed partnerships with 19 colleges, and the team continues to add more institutions each year.
As Ritu puts it, “Education is not just about textbooks. It’s about building character, confidence, and the ability to contribute to the world. Through CybageKhushboo, we are trying to achieve that.”
Edited by Leila Badyari; All pictures courtesy Cybage
