Dear sir,

I got to know about you from the Internet, hence this introductory letter expressing my interest. I therefore take this opportunity to acquaint you with myself, my family, my tastes, my hobbies, my ambitions, etc. etc.

I am the eldest in the family having only one younger brother. I was born on 13/02/1988. My father is an engineer employed with M/S Steel Authority of India Ltd. Rourkela Steel Plant, the largest steel producer of India. I hail from a middle class family. My parents have all throughout been very devoted towards us children and are proud to be their sons.

I am presently in class-XII of Delhi Public School, Rourkela and would be appearing for the final CBSE Board exams in Mar'05. I would thereafter be joining an under graduate course in the session 2005-06. Right from class-I, I have been studying in this school and secured 91% marks in Science stream in class-X CBSE Boards. During my entire school career spanning nearly eleven years, I have been involved in various Science Projects, extra-curricular activities like Debates, Sports and other cultural events and have won many laurels. I have also done my school proud on being selected for the International Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) meet held in 2001 at Pench Tiger Reserve, Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Regarding my interest in pursuing Science projects, my achievements are enumerated below:

" Whilst in class-VII, I participated in the Science Project Competition under the aegis of National Children's Science Congress (NCSC) sponsored by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India where the theme was Nature: Let us Conserve, Share and Care. My Project titled: Man-nature Conflict: A case study of the mining areas of Orissa was adjudged the best at the State level and was selected for the Indian Science Congress, Young Scientists' Meet held at Pune in Jan'2000. I presented my Project before the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India and the same was appreciated by one and all.

" In class-VIII, I participated in the National Science Seminar with my paper on Health for all: Vision and Reality. This was adjudged amongst the best ten in the State of Orissa, India.

" In class-VIII itself, I once again participated in the NCSC with the Project titled: Conservation & Storage of paddy using agricultural waste. This Project was also selected for the Indian Science Congress and presented before the Hon'ble PM of India at New Delhi in 2001.

" In class-IX my Project titled Cow-dung: The legacy of an ancient pesticide, discovered was adjudged the best at the Intel Science Talent Discovery Fair, organized by M/S Intel at New Delhi and was selected to represent my country at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) held at Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America in May 2002 where more than 1200 Projects from around the globe took part.. My research project evoked attention and interest of many visiting scientists at the ISEF.

From the foregoing, you would appreciate that my goal is to pursue undergraduate studies in the field of Environmental Sciences from ACADEMIC SESSION 2005-06 ONWARDS. I therefore have special flair for Biology/Zoology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Environment is the burning topic of today and its degradation & depletion is a concern for one and all. As illustrious citizens of the morrow on this planet, it is our prime and foremost moral duty to preserve and conserve the environment so that our future generations can find it a safe place to live in.

Regarding my hobbies, I have done a Diploma in playing the Flute and Tabla. I have keenly participated and won many awards in various Debate competitions organized by various agencies like the School, Inter-School; Social organizations etc. and have many firsts to my credit. I am also a Sports enthusiast and have actively participated in various types of Sports and Games. By nature, I am very gregarious, studious and sincere in my efforts.

Since the branch in which I want to pursue my studies after class-XII offers limited opportunities and scope in India, I am keen for undertaking the course offered / suggested by any esteemed University/Institution. In future, I cherish to pursue Research work in the field of Environmental Sciences because of my inherent love for Nature.

I have the strong belief and conviction that I would do my country and Alma Mater proud if afforded the opportunity of studying in a reputed University/Institution.
looking forward to ur guidance pls.I have appeared for SAT and IELTS and can pursue my goal only thru a scholarship/sponsorship if possible from your side. I turn towards you as all my navigation and querries in Internet to various agencies has gone in vain, Request pls help me.
Regards,
Vaibhav Gupta, Address: G-26 Sector-2
Rourkela 769006,Orissa, IndiaPhone 91-661-2476321
e-mail: rkl_arvindg@sancharnet.in