MUMBAI: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd under the guidance and support of the Department of School Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh organized a felicitation ceremony to award ‘Thums Up Merit Scholarships’ to 184 students from 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh. 

D. Manikya Vara Prasada Rao, Minister for Secondary Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, South Indian cinema actor and Thums Up brand ambassador Mahesh Babu and Ch. Iylaiah IFS, Additional Secretary, Department of School Education distributed the scholarships to the meritorious students from the underprivileged sections of the society in the state.

Rao said, "Education is the foundation for a nation to grow and develop and sustain the progress in the long run. India has immense talent and when channelized in the right direction can produce great citizens. Thums Up Merit Scholarship is a great initiative in this direction as it encourages students from the underprivileged sections of the society to pursue their goals. I congratulate the meritorious students who have won the scholarship and hope that this initiative encourages more students to compete for these scholarships."

As part of the Thums Up Merit Scholarship, winners who studied in municipal, panchayats and government schools in Andhra Pradesh received financial assistance to pursue their studies. 

Mahesh Babu added, "I am glad to be part of this novel initiative and I complement Hindustan Coca-Cola and the state government for putting this initiative together. These scholarships symbolize the triumph of spirit and will of these young achievers against all odds. I congratulate all winners of the scholarship wish them the very best in life."