New York, Nov 20 (IANS): An Indian-origin student has been awarded a presidential scholarship in a US college for outstanding academic merit and an exceptional commitment to the field of culinary arts.

Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago awarded Aashrit Abhinav Sundar the scholarship recently following a final interview with college president, Emily Williams Knight, a press release said.

"Throughout his life, Aashrit has demonstrated a passion for the hospitality and culinary industry and a drive to build a remarkable career in the field of baking and pastry," Knight said.

"Having completed his hospitality management degree in India, Aashrit now wants to take his love for baking and pastry and attend one of the best programmes in the US," she added.

Sundar began classes at the institution in October 2015 and is pursuing an "Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry".

The scholarship will cover 50 percent of the programme's total cost.

"Aashrit is confident, driven, and passionate about his field of study," Knight noted. "It is clear that he is a leader and he is an example of the type of student that will thrive and lead the industry in the future."

The US Presidential Scholars Programme is a programme of the department of education that recognises the academic achievements of distinguished US citizens graduating high school. It is described as "one of the nation's highest honours for high school students" in the US.

In Kendell College, the presidential scholarship is awarded each academic term to one international student who demonstrates superior academic achievement and passion for their area of study.

Kendall College, founded in 1934 and located in Chicago, Illinois, offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 1,800 students.