IFP Alumnus Awarded by Vanderbilt University
Manoj K. Dora, an IFP alumnus from India, was awarded in four categories at Vanderbilt University’s Annual GPED (Graduate Program in Economic Development) Awards Dinner. Manoj received:
1. The Academic Excellence Award for high GPA.
2. The Most Outstanding Thesis Award.
3. The Special Award for Leadership and service to GPED as student representative.
4. The most coveted "GPED Award" which recognizes citizenship, leadership, and helpfulness toward fellow students.
This is not the first time that Manoj has been recognized for his achievements. In July 2008, Manoj won an essay competition writing about the implementation of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. Winners participated in a workshop on Dialogue on Global Governance. Manoj was also featured in Vanderbilt University’s Spring 2009 issue of Arts and Science magazine. Click here to read the story.
Manoj was selected for an IFP fellowship in 2006. Born in Padampur in Orissa, India, Manoj belongs to the Kanda Dora Scheduled Tribe. He overcame social and financial hurdles to earn a B.A. in Economics from Gangadhar Meher College in Orissa and a Masters in Economics from Utkal University in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
After teaching Economics at North Orissa University and Utkal University, Manoj worked at the Home Department of the Government of Orissa as a Sub Divisional Probation Officer and in the Finance Department of the Government of Orissa as a Small Saving Officer. His role included organizing tribal people into self-help groups and facilitating micro-credit for their economic security.
In 2007, Manoj entered the GPED program at Vanderbilt University in the US under an IFP fellowship. His studies were influenced by the work of Dr. Mohammad Yunus, microcredit founder, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and an alumnus of the Vanderbilt GPED program. Manoj received his master’s degree in Economic Development from the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University in May of 2009. His aim is to return to his community and work to promote human development in Orissa.