St. George’s University Announces First AAPI Scholarship Recipients

Dean of Students Dr. Vishnu Rao with Scholarship Recipients Rahul Ramesh (left side) and Harshil Patel

St. George’s University has selected Rahul Ramesh, recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, and Harshil Patel, currently completing his master’s degree at New York’s Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, as the first two recipients of the CSP Rao/AAPI Scholarship Program.   An official announcement and presentation was made by St. George’s University Chancellor Charles Modica and Dean of Students Dr. Vishnu Rao at the 27th Annual AAPI Convention held in Orlando, FL from June 10-June 14, 2009. 

Both Rahul and Harshil have proven themselves deserving candidates for this scholarship, displaying the academic achievements and social consciousness that would have made the Scholarship’s namesake proud.  The CSP Rao/AAPI Scholarship Program was named for the late Dr. CSP Rao, Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, India. 

Dr. Rao, eminent scientist and teacher, was the father of SGU’s Dr. Vishnu Rao.  A man of uncompromised principles, integrity, and humility, Professor CSP, as he was frequently called,  believed that “excellence in education” was a birth right, regardless of financial limitations. 

Rahul Ramesh and Harshil Patel were accepted by SGU’s Committee on Admission and the scholarships were awarded by a committee of active members of both St. George’s University and the AAPI.  The two will begin studies at St. George’s University School of Medicine in the upcoming fall term.  Rahul has been accepted into the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program, and will begin his first term on the Northumbria University campus in the United Kingdom.  Harshil will begin his studies on the True Blue campus in Grenada.

The establishment of the CSP Rao/AAPI Scholarship Program originated in 2007 (coinciding with the 30th and 25th anniversary year of St. George’s University and the AAPI respectively) during a meeting with Dr. Charles Modica, St. George’s University Chancellor, Dr. Vishnu Rao and Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, a rheumatologist in Texas and former President of the AAPI whose son is a student at SGU.  Each individual present recognized the importance of offering students an opportunity to fulfill their dream.  Through the generosity of Dr. Modica, many young and talented individuals will have that opportunity, as they keep the memory of Dr. CSP Rao alive. 

This scholarship program further exemplifies SGU’s dedication to future generations of physicians worldwide. Along with the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program, the CSP Rao/AAPI Scholarship Program demonstrates SGU’s commitment to its students as it strives to improve global health.

Scholarship opportunities are still available for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 terms.

Dr. CSP Rao taught for more than 35 years after graduating from Banaras Hindu University, with the highest score on record in the Botany Masters examination.  He obtained a Ph.D. in Cyto-genetics from Manchester University, UK.

Published on 6/26/09