The Dakshana Foundation
The Dakshana Foundation (also known as Dakshana Foundation or simply Dakshana) is a non-governmental organization which gives free IIT-JEE coaching for poor but talented scholars from far away corners of India. It was established by Mohnish Pabrai, an Indian-American businessman, investor and philanthropist, in 2007.
What Does Dakshana Stands For
The word "Dakshana" has been taken from the old Sanskrit language which means "to give or receive a gift". As the name suggests, it is the greatest gift to the economically and socially disadvantaged but academically bright children of Navodaya Vidyalaya who get coached for two years for the world's toughest entrance examination IIT-JEE.
Dakshana Foundation: A Journey Through 6 Years
Since the inception in 2007, The Dakshana Foundation has come a long way passing through various economical and administrative challenges.The Dakshana Foundation completed its 6th year of operation in 2012.Now it operates in seven location's of India.
All these locations are Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas where Dakshana Scholars are provided food,accodomation and IIT-JEE coaching by Coaching Institutes.Currently the centers are JNV Bangalore(Urban),JNV Bundi,JNV Kottayam,JNV Lucknow, Pune, JNV Rangareddy and Silvasa with a total strength of 689 scholars, all selected from Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country through Grand Dakshana Selection Test(GDST).
Team Dakshana
The Dakshana Foundation is really grateful to have various Philanthropists, investors,great leaderss in its managing and advisory Board. The Team Dakshana
- Founder and Trustees
Mohnish Pabrai - Founder and Catalyst, Managing Partner, Pabrai Investment Funds
Harina Kapoor - Founder and Trustee, CEO, Aikyum, LLC
- Management (India Team)
Colonel Ram K. Sharma - CEO
Sharmila Pai - COO
- Advisory Board
Sunil Bhargava - Principal, Tendem Entrepreneurs(IIT Madras Alumni)
Ajay Desai - Radiation Oncologist
Amitabh Singhi - Director, Amrit Capital
V. Prem Watsa - Chairman and CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings(IIT Madras Alumni)
Eligibility and Selection Process
The basic eligibility to become a Dakshana Scholar is the student has to studying in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in any district of India. Dakshana conducts a Grand Dakshana Selection Test(GDST) for students in Class 10 around February every year. Dakshana screens students for GDST based on Students' academic performance, both previous and current and economic status.Students eligible are informed through their respective Navodaya Vidyalaya to appear for GDST.All students who clear GDST will be sent to one of the 7 centers(all are Navodaya Vidyalayas where Coaching Staff come there and teach everyday) across India, based on their performance in GDST.
For the next 2 years, students study hard to get into IIT.Apart from IIT's, Dakshana students also appear for various competitive exams and secure admissions into other great Institutions like NIT's and other top Engineering Colleges.
Dakshana Achievements
Till now Dakshana has helped over 300 students get into Top Colleges with more than 60% of success.
Our Highest rank achiever in IIT-JEE till now is Talapatra Ashok, who got an All India Rank(AIR) of 33 among 8 lakh students in 2010.He went on to study B.Tech in Computer Science and Technology in IIT Bombay and got placed in Google,Mountain View,California in 2014.
There are countless examples of these kind where Dakshana has truly changed the lives of many families, who might have never even dreamt of this opportunity.
DAAN (DakshanA Alumni Network)
DAAN is a group of Dakshana Alumni, who are currently working in various companies or students who are still studying, after availing 2-year coaching from Dakshana.
Students are studying in Institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, IIT Indore, NIT Suratkal(Karnataka), NIT Warrangal(A.P) and many other top engineering colleges.
There are many Dakshana Scholars who are in very good positions in top companies.Over the years, it is expected that Dakshana Foundation will be taken forward by its Alumni, who are always willing to lend a helping hand towards Dakshana's goal.
Contact Us
Pune Office:
The Dakshana Foundation
1, Crystal Castle Phase II
Wanowrie,Pune
Maharashtra
Pin - 411040