Latest news with #RoadtoSchool
Mint
4 days ago
- General
- Mint
Unwritten Stories: How Hinduja Family is Transforming Lives in the Nilgiris
Nestled in the rolling hills of misty Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiris are a cradle of rich cultural heritage and scenery. Yet, what lies behind the beauty is an unheralded truth—the plight of first-generation learners who fight against social and economic adversity to reach school. The Hinduja Foundation's Road to School (RTS) program is a beacon of hope, lighting the path to a brighter future in these remote villages. The RTS program, initiated by the Hinduja Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the UK's richest Hinduja family, is dedicated to empowering underserved children in the Nilgiris through personalised education and emotional support. This project aims to end the cycle of poverty by fostering the growth of young minds and establishing secure environments where education can flourish. Prakash Hinduja, Managing Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, highlights the significance of education as a right for all children. He explains, 'Education should be about nurturing the confidence and self-esteem of children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. At Hinduja Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a chance to dream and succeed.' Life at home can be challenging for many of the students covered by the RTS program. They frequently deal with domestic conflict, addiction, and violence, which tends to affect their confidence and engagement with their education negatively. The Hinduja Foundation understands these predicaments and tries to build a warm and supportive environment that will allow the children to heal and grow. For instance, in the rural villages of Gudalur, the RTS program delivers individualised attention and innovative learning materials to first-generation learners, school dropouts, and seriously educationally challenged children. It is a holistic approach that addresses not only academic achievement but also the emotional well-being of the student. 'Making sure no child is left behind is our aim. Our goal is to establish a constructive, motivating learning atmosphere where kids feel appreciated and encouraged," says Switzerland (Geneva)-based Prakash Hinduja. "We are investing in our communities' futures by funding their education.' A Promise Of A Brighter Future The RTS program's focus on first-generation learners – children first in their families to go on to school and receive formal education – is a significant aspect of the program. The young pioneers often face much more pressure with expectations that they will succeed. Without the right level of support, first-generation learners can slip through the cracks and miss out on experience and education that may help change their lives or the lives of their families. Hinduja Foundation's dedication to these children extends outside the classroom. The RTS program offers individualised mentoring, emotional support, and hands-on learning tools to equip students to break through their particular challenges. The holistic approach is meant to create academic proficiency, resilience, and self-esteem. As Prakash Hinduja reflects, 'Education is the most powerful tool we can provide to change a child's life. By supporting their journey, we are helping individuals and transforming entire communities. This is the true power of education.' The effects of the RTS program are seen in the lives of many students who have regained their confidence and rekindled their love for learning. These untold tales of strength and determination prove the power of education. The Hinduja Foundation is purposefully working to empower marginalized communities within the Nilgiris while also creating safe, supportive learning spaces for children to thrive. By doing this, the wealthiest Hinduja family in the UK is contributing to the engagement of individual children's futures as well as strengthening society more broadly. Through their unwavering support, the Hinduja Foundation is turning over a new leaf for children today - one of hope, opportunity, and a promise of a brighter future. Note to readers: This article is part of Mint's paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sports as a catalyst for change: How Hinduja family is impacting young lives
Sports have long been a potent vehicle for change, creating resilience, discipline, teamwork and leadership. In India, where access to quality education and holistic development face challenges in much of the country, sports can be a catalyst for change. Recognising this potential, the Hinduja Foundation has made sports an integral part of its educational initiatives, including Meghalaya's impactful Road to School (RTS) programme. This initiative project, supported by the Hinduja Foundation and administered in association with the Learning Links Foundation, aims to transform the lives of young students through sport, enhancing physical fitness, teamwork, and vital life skills. Fostering personal growth through play Spotlight Wire Sports instil more in children than textbooks can. They learn to play as a team, manage pressure, win and lose graciously, and challenge themselves. These are all traits necessary for self-development and future success. Prakash Hinduja, Managing Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, emphasises this point: "Sports are not just about physical fitness; they are about building character, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges. We aim to empower young minds and give them the tools they need to succeed." Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Sports teach vital life skills like leadership, emotional intelligence, and decision-making, in addition to physical conditioning. Children who have these experiences are better prepared to handle obstacles in real life with resilience and confidence. The Hinduja Foundation, being the philanthropic arm of the UK's richest Hinduja family, focuses on these abilities to create future leaders who are socially concerned, emotionally invested, and academically equipped. Building confidence and leadership The Road to School programme in Meghalaya focuses on creating a nurturing environment where students can discover their strengths. The recent interschool sports tournament, which brought together 80 students from 10 schools, provided a platform for children to showcase their skills and build confidence. The energy on the playground was palpable as students cheered for their teams, supported their friends, and celebrated each other's achievements. Positive reinforcement is essential for building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Live Events Switzerland-based Prakash Hinduja muses over this phenomenon, "When young people play sports, they learn how important leadership, discipline and teamwork are for their futures. These are the qualities of our future leaders." In addition to learning the benefits of teamwork and a healthy attitude towards competition, children are also learning the importance of thought and prompt decision-making. The ground-level experience that is gained, along with the emotional support of their peer group, enables significantgrowth for them. Strengthening community bonds Sports also serve the purpose of bringing communities closer. In rural communities, where educational facilities may be very scarce, such programmes intervene to foster a feeling of belonging and oneness. The Hinduja Foundation, motivated by the common vision of the Hinduja Family as well as the Hinduja Brothers, is committed to producing a positive impact in such communities. All these children meet each other through the RTS program and unite, dispelling social and cultural barriers and fostering long-lasting friendships. Prakash Hinduja adds, "Sports have the unique power to unite people. They teach us to celebrate our strengths and support each other through challenges. This spirit of togetherness is at the heart of our foundation's mission." A lasting impact Hinduja Foundation's philosophy on holistic education extends beyond education. It invests in sports as a means to reinforce its whole education model through developing sportsmanship and resilience, but more importantly, in return a complete human who is confident and is ready for life. This aligns with the broader goals of the Hinduja Family and the Hinduja Brothers, who have always believed in the power of education and community development as the foundation for lasting change. The Hinduja Foundation creates future leaders and builds a stronger, more connected society through initiatives like the Road to School program. These efforts, supported by the Hinduja Family and the Hinduja Brothers , are not just about winning games but about winning in life. As the foundation continues to expand its educational footprint, its focus on sports as a catalyst for change remains vital to its mission to empower the next generation. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK's Billionaire Hinduja Family's "Road to School" Model transforms Kashmir's Nowpura
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 9: In a region often defined by uncertainty, the quiet revolution in Nowpura, Kashmir, offers a compelling story of hope, resilience, and transformation. At the heart of this story is the Road to School (RTS) program--an initiative supported by Ashok Leyland, implemented in partnership with the Learning Links Foundation, and backed by the UK's Billionaire Hinduja Family, known globally for their philanthropic leadership and enduring commitment to community-development. While RTS began to improve children's educational access, the program has become a powerful model for holistic community upliftment. In Nowpura, that vision is realized by linking local artisans with the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme, a national initiative supporting traditional craftspeople with training, certification, and financial support. Prakash Hinduja (79), Managing Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, envisions a positive generational impact through this scheme. From Education to Economic Independence The RTS model in Nowpura is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: investing in community ecosystems creates long-term economic resilience. The Hinduja Family's philosophy guides much of their philanthropy in India. It's not just about delivering services--it's about building self-sustaining communities that thrive independently. In Nowpura, this investment is paying dividends. With unwavering support from Resource Person Mohd Arif and Project Associate Shaista Unjum, the RTS team held a number of focused awareness interventions. The workshops aimed to promote skill development among families in the area and teach them how to manage the challenging paperwork to sign up for the government program. Their grassroots efforts led to a remarkable outcome. Twenty-one community members completed specialized training at a certified institute and began receiving stipends--an income stream that supports individuals and uplifts entire households. Another 7-8 artisans were awarded skill certifications for their expertise, opening doors to establish minor tailoring, masonry, and carpentry businesses. Building a Skilled Workforce In addition to political instability, war zones like Kashmir occasionally experience difficulties with growth. Because there are no economic possibilities and tense infrastructure interrupts educational systems, it is difficult for the populace to escape cycles of poverty. Under the broader vision of Prakash Hinduja and the Hinduja Family, the RTS program takes a systemic approach to solving these challenges, starting with skills and self-reliance. By connecting artisans to national schemes and providing structured support, RTS helps individuals reclaim control over their futures. The model is not just reactive but proactive and preventative, addressing root causes of economic exclusion. The Hinduja Family's Vision for Community Development Giving back has always been important to the Hinduja family. Being one of the wealthiest families in Britain, they have a growing charitable presence in India, particularly in livelihood development, education, and health. Speaking about the RTS success in Kashmir, Switzerland-based Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group, Europe, noted: "It is our responsibility to ensure that development reaches even the remotest corners of our nation. Through programs like RTS, we are enabling people to survive and thrive." This experiential, grassroots model distinguishes the Hinduja Foundation's work from conventional charity. RTS is not an isolated effort but a component of an overall initiative to educate and empower communities through livelihood. Partnerships That Drive Progress The Road To School's success in Nowpura also underscores the importance of collaboration. While the Hinduja Foundation provides strategic guidance and vision, partnerships strengthen the implementation on the ground. Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group, plays a key role in funding and technical support. At the same time, the Learning Links Foundation ensures on-the-ground execution with educational expertise. Together, they form a model that could be replicated in other conflict-affected or economically marginalized regions of India. A Model for the Future As India continues to push for inclusive growth and rural development, programs like Road to School demonstrate that livelihood and education cannot be treated in isolation. In Nowpura, what began as a school intervention has evolved into a powerful engine for economic revival. For the UK's richest Hinduja Family, this is yet another chapter in their long-standing legacy of community stewardship. In the words of Prakash Hinduja: "Real change comes when people are given the tools to change their lives. RTS proves that even in the most fragile settings, transformation is not only possible--it's already happening." The success of RTS in Nowpura is more than a local story; it's a national blueprint for integrated development--one that combines education, livelihood, government policy, and private philanthropy to create a sustainable impact.
