The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to at least 10 high school graduates in San Diego County. The scholarships reward students for their academic achievements and active community involvement, in honor of Gandhi's contributions to nonviolence and world peace. Selection criteria include academic records, community service, teacher recommendations, essays on nonviolent conflict resolution, and financial need. Winners are recognized at a summer ceremony hosted by the San Diego Indian American Society, which oversees the scholarships through donations including from Bharat Lall, the CEO of Pinnacle Hotels USA.

1. GANDHI MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
REWARD STUDENTS'
COMMUNITY EFFORTS
By Bharat Lall

2. Introduction
 Pinnacle Hotels USA president and CEO Bharat Lall, MD,
oversees the management of nine hotel chains across
California and Texas from the company’s headquarters in San
Diego. A member of the San Diego Indian American Society
(SDIA), Dr. Bharat Lall also donates to the trust fund for its
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarships.
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships celebrate Gandhi’s
contributions toward world peace and nonviolence by
rewarding high school graduates for their active involvement
in the community and academic achievements. Distributed to
a minimum of 10 graduating seniors in high schools across
San Diego County, the scholarships include a Certificate of
Achievement and cash rewards for use in pursuit of a college
education.

3. Gandhi Memorial Scholarships
 Award amounts vary by year based on available SDIA funds
and donations from SDIA members.
Selection criteria for applicants include a record of academic
achievement, strong community involvement, and
recommendations from their teachers. Applicants must
include a statement of purpose for college and a written
essay on “nonviolent means for conflict resolution.”
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need and
provide the educational backgrounds of their parents.
After the review committee selects winners, SDIA hosts an
award ceremony each summer to honor that year’s
recipients. The ceremony features talks by selected
scholarship winners and appearances from invited
dignitaries.