Bhagwati Prasad (BP) and Ratna Biyani Scholarship Fund

Bhagwati Prasad (BP) Biyani was born on April 8, 1938 and Ratna Biyani on July 19, 1942, both in Uttar Pradesh, India.  BP obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in India and Ratna completed her education at Kailash Nath Inter College in her hometown of Kanpur, India. While in high school Ratna developed a deep passion for music and music brought a sense of tranquility to her and her family members.

Soon after completing her education, BP and Ratna were married (in 1960).  Then in 1963 BP was admitted to the State University of New York at Syracuse, to pursue his M.S. in Pulp and Paper. Due to the family’s weak financial position, her husband could not afford to take her along so Ratna spent the next two years in solitude with her daughter. She was willing to make this sacrifice because she firmly believed that higher education for her husband would be the key to his long-term success.

After returning from the US, BP had a very successful career in India, working in several paper factories in rural areas of India and eventually retiring as the CEO of India’s largest paper manufacturing company.  BP has been recognized by his peers in the industry for his technical prowess, leadership skills, and strong work ethic where he leads by example.  While her husband was busy with his work, Ratna Biyani started a school to facilitate primary education so local children and their families didn’t need to deal with commuting problems as all the schools were over 20 miles away from where they living near the paper mills.

In addition to a successful professional career, BP has also been a wonderful dad, mentor, and advisor, including sponsoring my education and enabling me, Raj Biyani, to matriculate at Goshen College.  Ratna served as the president of various volunteer organizations with an emphasis on uplifting women and children in rural areas in India.  She too was instrumental in inspiring me to attend and earn my B.A. from Goshen College.

My wife Aarti and I are honored to establish The Bhagwati Prasad (“BP”) and Ratna Biyani Scholarship Fund at Goshen College in tribute and in honor of my parents.

Rajesh (Raj) Biyani, GC Class of 1992