The Raj and Karen Aggarwal Scholarship fund of CIP was established in 2024 by Raj and Karen Aggarwal, long-time supporters of CIP. CIP has been fortunate to have Dr. Raj Aggarwal as a committed board or committee member for an impressive span of over 30 years. Dr. Aggarwal's deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education to enhance self-awareness and mutual understanding across borders has been a guiding force throughout his time with CIP. His impactful leadership roles on various important CIP committees over the years has significantly contributed to the organization's growth. A notable achievement and contribution to CIP’s future was his establishment of CIP's Endowment fund.

We are honored to witness Dr. Aggarwal's unwavering commitment once again, as he pioneers the Raj and Karen Aggarwal Scholarship to support participants in the CIP program. This scholarship reflects a shared vision for fostering educational opportunities that transcend borders, aligning with CIP's mission to build bridges of understanding worldwide.

The purpose of the Fund will be to provide scholarships for needy international professionals each year to participate in CIP programs. Preference will be given to participants from India and when there are no such applicants, we welcome applicants from other countries.

The Dr. Pritam S. Bhatia Scholarship Fund of CIPUSA was established in 2018 by Dr. Devinder Bhatia and his wife Gina, in honor and memory of Dr. Bhatia’s father, Pritam Singh Bhatia, who was a participant in the Council of International Programs and Fulbright Fellow from India in 1962. While on the CIP program, Pritam learned social work practices through his placements at Hough / Norwood Family Health Care Center in Cleveland, Ohio and at the Jane Addams Hull House in Chicago, Illinois. After his CIP program Pritam went on to earn a masters degree in social work from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It was in Cleveland where Pritam met and married Sandra, and where Devinder Bhatia was born.

Pritam Bhatia joined the staff and faculty of the University of Arkansas and made contributions to the field of social work while creating a loving family that included Devinder and his three sisters.

In recognition of the instrumental role that CIPUSA played in his father’s life and the legacy that continues to live on through his life, Dr. Devinder Bhatia made this philanthropic gift to support additional participants in CIP initiatives and programs. Funds will be used for scholarships for those demonstrating financial need. While preference will be given to individuals from India, the Bhatias’ father’s native country, funds may be used for qualified participants from any country.

It is the hope that this gift will inspire others, both first and subsequent generations of CIP participants to philanthropically support the work of CIPUSA.

Recipients of the Dr. Pritam S. Bhatia scholarship will receive a biography of Pritam Singh Bhatia, and will be required to share the reflections of the program with CIPUSA and Devinder and Gina Bhatia upon completion of their program.

Dr. Devinder Bhatia and his wife Gina Bhatia support numerous charities and live in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bhatia, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, has a private medical practice. Gina and Devinder are loving parents to their three children and sit on various nonprofit boards, including The Houston Symphony and The Houston Ballet. Together they have raised over ten million dollars for several worthwhile organizations.

To learn more about Dr. Pritam S. Bhatia personal journey with CIP, please click HERE to download a PDF of his story.