NEW DELHI: Young singers unable to make it to the various television and radio music talent contents now have the chance of getting a 'i-genius Young Singing Stars’ by Max Life Insurance in association with Universal Music Group.

I-genius Young Singing Stars aims at recognising, rewarding and nurturing young singing talent in the country. India’s musical sensations Salim Merchant and Shraddha Sharma are the brand ambassadors and jury for this programme. The participation for 'i-genius Young Singing Stars’ is open to all children from 8 years to 15 years of age in two categories: i-genius Junior (8 to 11 years) and i-genius Senior (12 to 15 years).

The fourth edition of the 'i-genius Scholarship’ has also culminated with the 1,000 winners being rewarded at the i-genius Scholarship Grand Finale which aims to recognise and reward children who excel not just in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Scholarships amounting to around Rs.50 lakh were announced. A total of 100 Scholarships and 900 merit certificates were given away in two categories 'i-genius Juniors’ (Classes 3 to 5) and 'i-genius Seniors’ (Classes 6 to 8).

Shashwat Gupta from the senior category and Parinita Priyadarshi from the junior category were awarded the top scholarships of Rs 10 lakh each.

Universal Music Group MD Devraj Sanyal said, "Music is the one thing that binds us at an emotional level above all. The talent that we are seeing in the young kids is pretty exceptional and we are privileged to partner with Max Life Insurance and help run a talent hunt that will actually effect change and create a possible musical career for these young sensations. Our dearest artiste friends Salim and Shraddha are working with us at nuturing and mentoring some of the finest future talent that will be the eventual yield of the I-Genius Young Singing Stars programme."

Speaking on this occasion, Max Life CEO and MD Rajesh Sud said, "Max Life Insurance aspires to build a better future for India. With this vision engraved deep within our hearts we had launched the i-genius programme back in 2010. We are glad that this property has become a legacy and we have been able to reach out and support the young talent in India through this unique programme. Since its inception, we have reached out to over 20 lakh children across the country through our i-genius programme and we hope to continue to contribute towards nurturing the imagination of the young minds. Last year we added 'i-genius Young Authors Hunt’ which culminated in a book of stories of top 50 young authors. The success of i-genius scholarship and Young Authors Hunt motivated us to add yet another chapter to our i-genius programme. We feel privileged to announce the launch of our i-genius Young Singing Stars."