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Indian woman wins Oxford scholarship worth ₹2 crore

After months of rejections, Indian woman wins prestigious Oxford scholarship worth ₹2 crore: 'I almost didn’t apply'
After months of rejections, Indian woman wins prestigious Oxford scholarship worth ₹2 crore: 'I almost didn’t apply'
Vaishnavi Ramalingam has been awarded the Clarendon Scholarship by the University of Oxford to pursue a fully funded DPhil in Law
Updated on: Jun 15, 2026 4:44 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link An Indian woman has shared her emotional reaction after winning a prestigious scholarship worth nearly ₹2 crore to pursue a PhD at the University of Oxford. Vaishnavi Ramalingam, a first-generation graduate, said the achievement came after months of rejection and was something she had almost not applied for. The woman said the achievement came after months of rejection and was something she had almost not applied for. (Instagram/@vaisshhhnavii) Taking to Instagram, Vaishnavi shared a video, capturing her emotional reaction to learning that she had been awarded the Oxford scholarship. The text on the clip read, “Finding out I won an Oxford scholarship worth nearly ₹2 crore for my PhD as a first-generation graduate.” In the caption, Vaishnavi reflected on her journey and the moment she received the news. “To think that every single thing I tried ended in rejections for 8 months, and the ONE thing I least expected (yet wanted the most), the one I almost didn’t even apply for, worked out for me? I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words what I felt reading that email,” she wrote. “I am just so so grateful for the most magical ways in which the universe shows up for you,” she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vaishnavi (@vaisshhhnavii) According to a report by Bar and Bench, Vaishnavi has been awarded the Clarendon Scholarship by the University of Oxford to pursue a fully funded DPhil in Law. Notably, the Clarendon Scholarship, worth nearly ₹2 crore, is among the world’s most prestigious graduate scholarships. It is awarded based on exceptional academic achievement and research potential. Citing public records, the outlet reported that Vaishnavi is the first Indian woman to receive the Clarendon Scholarship for a DPhil in Law. The only previous Indian recipients on record are Gautam Bhatia (2018), Niranjan Venkatesan (2014) and Shivprasad Swaminathan (2008). (Also Read: Delhi woman says ‘most Indians become disciplined abroad’, explains civic sense problem at home)Who is Vaishnavi Ramalingam?
Vaishnavi completed her BA LLB (Hons) from Symbiosis Law School, Pune. She later pursued an Advanced LLM. in International Children’s Rights at Leiden University in the Netherlands on the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS). Speaking about her experience as a first-generation graduate, she said the journey was often isolating. “Being the first person in your family to navigate unfamiliar spaces, without a clear roadmap or guide, can be deeply isolating…It often feels as though others have access to knowledge and guidance that is entirely new to you, and things that feel unfamiliar or out of reach to you are everyday conversations for someone else,” she said. Vaishnavi credited her professors at Leiden University for encouraging her to apply to Oxford. “They saw potential in me long before I did and that kind of belief can make a profound difference, particularly for first-generation students. I truly do not think I would have applied at Oxford if not for their support and encouragement,” she said. Addressing other first-generation graduates, Vaishnavi urged them not to rule themselves out from opportunities that may seem out of reach. “We tend to self-reject ourselves before even trying to get into spaces like Oxford that feel distant or unfamiliar. Stick to the areas you feel passionate about, however niche they may seem, and give yourself the opportunity to be considered. I am glad I took the chance, so please don’t count yourself out,” she told Bar and Bench. (Also Read: Indian woman in US says Indians abroad rarely return home after saving ₹10 crore: ‘Nobody actually wants to go’)Social media reactions
Meanwhile, Vaishnavi’s Instagram post received messages of support from social media users, including Oxford University itself. “Congratulations! Welcome to Oxford,” the university commented. “I don't know who you are ....but I'm soooooooooo proud of your achievements,” commented one user. “Seeing you win feeling so personal! Congratulations,” wrote another. “Congratulations! this is just the beginning, more success on your way!!” commented a third user. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bhavya Sukheja Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More Oxford Scholarship Indians Abroad Get Latest Updates on Trending News Viral News, Video, Photos and Weather Updates of India and around the world Home/Trending/After Months Of Rejections, Indian Woman Wins Prestigious Oxford Scholarship Worth ₹2 Crore: 'I Almost Didn’t Apply' See LessAn Indian woman has shared her emotional reaction after winning a prestigious scholarship worth nearly ₹2 crore to pursue a PhD at the University of Oxford. Vaishnavi Ramalingam, a first-generation graduate, said the achievement came after months of rejection and was something she had almost not applied for.
Taking to Instagram, Vaishnavi shared a video, capturing her emotional reaction to learning that she had been awarded the Oxford scholarship. The text on the clip read, “Finding out I won an Oxford scholarship worth nearly ₹2 crore for my PhD as a first-generation graduate.”
In the caption, Vaishnavi reflected on her journey and the moment she received the news. “To think that every single thing I tried ended in rejections for 8 months, and the ONE thing I least expected (yet wanted the most), the one I almost didn’t even apply for, worked out for me? I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words what I felt reading that email,” she wrote.
“I am just so so grateful for the most magical ways in which the universe shows up for you,” she added.
According to a report by Bar and Bench, Vaishnavi has been awarded the Clarendon Scholarship by the University of Oxford to pursue a fully funded DPhil in Law. Notably, the Clarendon Scholarship, worth nearly ₹2 crore, is among the world’s most prestigious graduate scholarships. It is awarded based on exceptional academic achievement and research potential.
Citing public records, the outlet reported that Vaishnavi is the first Indian woman to receive the Clarendon Scholarship for a DPhil in Law. The only previous Indian recipients on record are Gautam Bhatia (2018), Niranjan Venkatesan (2014) and Shivprasad Swaminathan (2008).
(Also Read: Delhi woman says ‘most Indians become disciplined abroad’, explains civic sense problem at home)
Speaking about her experience as a first-generation graduate, she said the journey was often isolating. “Being the first person in your family to navigate unfamiliar spaces, without a clear roadmap or guide, can be deeply isolating…It often feels as though others have access to knowledge and guidance that is entirely new to you, and things that feel unfamiliar or out of reach to you are everyday conversations for someone else,” she said.
Vaishnavi credited her professors at Leiden University for encouraging her to apply to Oxford. “They saw potential in me long before I did and that kind of belief can make a profound difference, particularly for first-generation students. I truly do not think I would have applied at Oxford if not for their support and encouragement,” she said.
Addressing other first-generation graduates, Vaishnavi urged them not to rule themselves out from opportunities that may seem out of reach. “We tend to self-reject ourselves before even trying to get into spaces like Oxford that feel distant or unfamiliar. Stick to the areas you feel passionate about, however niche they may seem, and give yourself the opportunity to be considered. I am glad I took the chance, so please don’t count yourself out,” she told Bar and Bench.
(Also Read: Indian woman in US says Indians abroad rarely return home after saving ₹10 crore: ‘Nobody actually wants to go’)
“Congratulations! Welcome to Oxford,” the university commented.
“I don't know who you are ....but I'm soooooooooo proud of your achievements,” commented one user.
“Seeing you win feeling so personal! Congratulations,” wrote another.
“Congratulations! this is just the beginning, more success on your way!!” commented a third user.
Source: HindustanTimes
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