Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ Scholarships for Top Data Science and Computer Science Students

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Ms Jahnavi Inderjeet, Mr Avesh Ramavather and Mr Rakeen Ramdeen received the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, awarded to the top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from second to subsequent years of study. 

In her third-year Bachelor of Science studies, Inderjeetis is majoring in Statistics and Computer Science due to her interest in data science and its transformative potential across various industries. Drawn to UKZN because of its outstanding data science programme and reputation for research and innovation, she has enjoyed combining her majors’ theoretical and practical aspects, learning to understand data patterns and draw meaningful insights, and acquiring technical skills. 

Opportunities for collaboration and learning have made her time at UKZN enjoyable and equipped her with knowledge. 

She balances her studies with spiritual practices such as Bhakti yoga and mantra meditation to promote mental clarity, emotional stability and self-discipline.

Witnessing the rapidly growing demand for data scientists in various sectors, Inderjeet plans to advance to honours studies before going into industry, and will consider master’s studies after starting her career; hoping to find time to travel while she works and studies. 

Inderjeet called receiving the scholarship an honour and is grateful for the recognition, as well as financial and academic support that validates her hard work and commitment. She thanked her family for their support, sacrifices, and encouragement, saying their belief in her potential guided her and inspired her to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. She thanked her lecturers for their guidance and teaching that have enabled her academic growth. 

Ramavather is in the third and final year of his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) degree. He chose to study at UKZN because of its success in shaping futures and helping students reach their dreams. He enrolled in Computer Science and IT thanks to his fascination with how technology is evolving and what this means for the future. 

He plans to progress to honours studies to deepen his understanding of his field. He hopes to craft a career as a back-end developer at a top technology company, finding the architecture of computer systems and applications of great interest. 

Last year, Ramavather received the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship, enabling his second year of study, making it surreal for him to attend again in 2024 based on his second-year results. Receiving this scholarship has enabled Ramavather to progress in his studies and has sparked renewed motivation and enthusiasm for his field of study. 

Ramavather enjoys listening to and creating music in his spare time as well as playing video games. 

He thanked his friends and family for their support and encouragement, as well as UKZN for its support in his studies. Ramavather described UKZN as “inspiring”, adding that its dynamic campus environment and diverse student population enriched his understanding of global perspectives. 

Words: Christine Cuenod

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini