The fellowship is open to full-time PhD scholars already registered and pursuing research at institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework).
 
Three outstanding scholars will receive Rs 1 lakh annually for three years. The fellowship will support research-related expenses, including materials, academic travel and other activities directly connected with the scholars' doctoral work.

Selection will follow a rigorous screening by an expert committee comprising experts of Sona College of Technology and Vee Technologies.
 
Applications for the inaugural fellowships close on September 15, 2026.

The fellowship was proposed by Chocko Valliappa, managing trustee, Valliappa Foundation, drawing on his own long professional association with Prof Kumar, and was formally announced by C Valliappa, Chairman, Valliappa Foundation, who said the initiative reflects the deep professional association between Prof Rajinder Kumar and the Sona Group spanning several decades.
 
Valliappa recalled, “Prof Kumar was a demanding but deeply committed mentor who brought rigour, integrity and practicality to institutional decision-making. His advice on academic and student affairs as well as institutional governance was invaluable.”

Prof Kumar made pioneering contributions to chemical engineering, including research on electrolysis and isotope enrichment, bubble formation and multiphase systems. He was awarded the prestigious Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize at the age of 42 and the Padma Bhushan in 2003. He was the person who first mooted the idea of incorporating ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda, Sidha along with modern medicine.

Chocko Valliappa, Managing Trustee, Valliappa Foundation, said: "Prof Kumar's association with leading international researchers helped strengthen chemical engineering research in India. This fellowship recognises his commitment to taking research beyond laboratories and into practical applications."

After retiring from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in 1998, Prof Kumar continued his association with its Chemical Engineering Department until his demise in 2022.

The initiative is part of the Sona Group's broader commitment to advancing education, research and innovation, while carrying forward the legacy of mentors who have contributed to its institutional journey.

At the announcement event at Bengaluru on August 13 Prof Kumar's wife, Dr Andal Kumar, recalled. “Prof Kumar had mentored generations of academics, researchers, entrepreneurs and students. His emphasis on sincerity, modernising education and translating research into applications remains particularly relevant as India seeks to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem.”

Prof KS Gandhi, former professor emeritus at IISc, said the fellowship was a fitting tribute to Prof Kumar's rich research legacy by investing directly in the next generation of researchers.

The Sona Group plans to expand the fellowship into a larger research-support initiative, encouraging high-quality doctoral research and strengthening the culture of research and innovation.

Scholars can download the form at  https://surl.li/rxhbnm by visiting www.sonatech.ac.in for more details.