Hello! I’m Arun Mahanand from Kalahandi district of Odisha. I am the first generation learner from my family. Despite the socio-economic constraints faced by my family, I completed my Bachelors in Political Science Hons. from Sambalpur University, Odisha, and later got qualified and graduated in Masters in Social Work (Criminology and Justice) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, in 2018.

After that, I worked as a 'Criminal Justice Social Worker' at Prayas (A Field Action Project) of TISS Mumbai and assisted the marginalized undertrial prisoners for their Bails and Rehabilitations for two years (till November 2020) at Mumbai Central Prison.

Closely working with the Criminal Justice system made me realize that most prisoners coming from marginalized communities were stuck inside because of the delayed processing by the justice system. As a result, even if they have not proven guilty, they are made to languish behind bars. As we all know, prisoners' rights are human rights. Still, in India, because of the biases in the Criminal Justice System, it has never been realized as such by the oppressed sections of our society. Very few studies have been conducted focusing on India's criminal justice system, particularly from the perspective of the caste system and how it is becoming the tool to oppress marginalized communities. As a criminal justice professional and a student with the subaltern perspective, I strongly feel that this area needs to be studied further through different dimensions which would help me to expose the naked truth about the Indian Criminal Justice System.

I have secured an unconditional offer letter in Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Essex, United Kingdom. My intake has already began from 7th October 2021, but for the documentation process for this NOS Scholarship, I have taken extension from the University to join the programme by 30 November 2021. But in the beginning, I have to arrange funds for my VISA, AIR-FARE, and first two months Accommodation, and later the NOS Scholarship will take care of me. Unfortunately, due to my poor socio-economic background, I am unable to arrange the required amount.

Since 2018 I have started working on my proposal for my Ph.D. study abroad and trying to secure the NOS (National Overseas Scholarship) for SCs. This year I was able to apply for a scholarship fulfilling all the necessary requirements. . Unfortunately, this year (2021) also my Scholarship got denied by the Ministry based on flimsy grounds. For this, I had filed a writ petition against the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Delhi High Court. As a result on 29th Sept 2021, the High Court directed the Ministry to grant me the scholarship. I have secured the Provisional Scholarship Award Letter dated 01.10.2021 from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Even after securing this scholarship, I still need an amount of six lakhs and 12 thousand to cover the initial expenses for pursuing my doctoral education at Essex University, United Kingdom.

Your contribution would be highly appreciated, and I would be glad if you can spread this campaign, share it through your networks or help in any other way. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at  arun.mahanand2016@gmail.com

Requirements:
Below are the expenses;

Particulars	Cost in Pounds	Cost in INR
VISA	1000	100429
Air-Fare	600	60257
Accommodation	2000	200858
Health Insurance	2000	200858
Miscellaneous	500	50214
Total Amount	6100	6,12,618