Indian origin student wins Marshall Scholarship

Ajit Divakaruni, 22, who is set to become the first student at University of Arizona to complete an honors thesis in three majors -- mathematics, biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology – has been named as one of the 40 Marshall Scholars who will pursue studies in England.

But Divakaruni, reportedly the only person of Indian origin on the list, stands apart from the other candidates in one crucial aspect: He has already been studying in England.

The scholarship certainly adds to his credentials and will extend his research at Cambridge University. Divakaruni, who says he is the happiest when he is in the laboratory, is consumed by the passion for research.

He even paid for his research, into proteins and their possible role in reducing the level of diabetes, at Cambridge and then at Yale, out of a scholarship grant.

According to the Marshall selection committee, he was the only researcher at the Center for Structural Biology lab at Yale without a doctorate.

Marshall Scholarships were instituted in 1953 by the United Kingdom as a gesture of thanks to the United States for aid given under the Marshall Plan to recover from the ravages of World War II.

Winners may attend any British university (Rhodes scholars can go to only Oxford University) and pursue any field of study. More than 1,000 students are nominated to apply for the scholarship each year.

Former scholars include The New York Times columnist and best-selling writer Thomas L Friedman, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and former interior secretary Bruce Babbitt.

Born in Minnesota, Divakaruni grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where his father is an electrical engineer, and his mother, an accountant.

Like the Rhodes, Marshall scholarship also emphasises on high educational score and community service. During his sophomore year, Divakaruni tutored at a high school and in summer he has volunteered at various schools teaching science and math.

His decision to take a year off to study abroad brought him praise from his professors and the school officials. He was praised for his vision and devotion to research.

The decision showed 'a grasp of the big picture that sets him apart from most students who focus on the here and now,' UA President Peter Likins said in a statement.