Even with its extensive charitable activity in Costa Rica and elsewhere, the Tej Kohli Foundation has no intention of resting on its laurels, with future plans including a massive expansion of its activities in a place close to the heart of the Foundation’s CEO and Founder Tej Kohli – India.
“India is my country of birth and where I grew up” says Kohli. “So despite my regular “globe-trotting” for business and philanthropy, I feel a moral obligation to ‘give back’, and help those following in my footsteps to enjoy the chances I fought hard to obtain as a child.”
“With this in mind, and given our focus on increasing the levels of participation in education for all, particularly for children in the poorest slums in India – who others have given up on – I am proud to announce a massive investment package of 10 million rupees.”
This decision has not been taken in isolation, or with a lack of knowledge of the facts or requirements for making it work. In fact, both my mother and father have run a School for slum children in the most deprived areas, which provides free primary-level education.
My parent’s school gives them almost unlimited opportunities for growth, development, and a chance to escape from where they are and create a better, happier life for them and their families. Something which I believe would never have been possible but for the support and love they receive from my mother and father.
My parents have shown what is possible on a relatively small scale at the primary education. Now it’s time to take this proven educational blueprint to the next level, and ensure that as many poor children as possible enjoy open and unhindered access to superior levels of education.
Not just at the primary level, but also secondary level, University and PhD level, but even workplace level. I see these programmes as providing a comprehensive and complete knowledge package for a student’s entire academic career – and beyond into the corporate world.
Ever since I was a child, and making my way in the world, establishing this kind of philanthropic project has represented one of my lifelong dreams. With the success I’ve enjoyed in my 30+ year business career, I’m now in the fortunate position of being able to turn these ideas into a concrete long-term reality.”
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