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Once upon a time the world saw a tsunami in 2004, a tragedy like never ever before. Killing globally over 280,000 people. A terrible incident like that, can have a profound impact on a person’s mind and perspective., often prompting them to reevaluate their values and priorities. While everyone responds differently to such situations, there are several ways in which a terrible incident can lead someone to commit themselves to doing good.
The impact it had on me came from all the values I was raised with. In the aftermath of that terrible incident, I questioned the purpose and meaning of my life. In the midst of the tragedy, I had a strong urge to find something positive. I decided to channel my compassion, empathy, appreciation for life and gratitude into actions that benefit others. We started by contributing, to the Tamil Nadu’s State Chief Ministers’ Relief Fund and my son all of 9 years old, decided to take his savings of USD$ 10,000 to help alleviate the sufferings of others and make a positive difference in their lives. In helping others, he sure found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment as well.
My father having retired, at 58yrs as an oil man from Shell, after heading whole of south of India, had more time and reflection space to contemplate his past and consider ways to give back to society. While taking a trip back in time to his home town Damal in Kanchipuram, once the great and historical capital of the Pallava Kings, he found his elementary school in complete ruins and dilapidated conditions. Only a few bricks were standing in what was once the walls of his class in pre- independence of India, during the British colonial rule in 1930’s. He was struck with an epiphany to rebuild the school and make a positive impact to the children who come from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background and found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in his retirement years. He one day shared his dream and vision with his last of his four children, his daughter, Mala Raj.
I wasted no time in thinking, as I venerated, respected and admired my father Mr. M. Punyakoti. He was 75 years old and I wanted to do something to make him happier and wanted to build a legacy in his name and my beloved mother Mrs. M. Vedapriya Punyakoti. Hence the story of a fine charitable organization commenced in the year 2008. A daughter who shared the same sense of a father’s compassion, was driven to embark on a remarkable journey to make a difference in the lives of socioeconomically challenged children from Kanchipuram & nearby Village Walajapet. I was filled with a deep sense of empathy and a burning desire to bring about positive change along with my father. Proudly in honor of my parents, I founded the Punyakoti Vedapriya Charitable Trust. In short “PVCT”.
The Punyakoti Vedapriya Charity Trust began as a humble initiative, driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserves access to education, and opportunities to strive for a better life and livelihood. I envisioned a world where these children could break free from the cycle of poverty and lead fulfilling lives. One day, it’s my ardent wish, whole of Tamil Nadu will be 100% literate and eliminate poverty.
With unwavering determination, my father & I workedtirelessly to establish the organization and build a strong support network of like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for serving humanity. Together, we developed a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by underprivileged children in Kanchipuram & Walajapet, Tamil Nadu, India.
In 2014, I experienced my first and huge set back in life, losing my father who was 86yrs, my mentor, advisor and above all, my world’s greatest best friend was quite a traumatic experience. However, it turned out to be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. I developed a newfound strength and determination to overcome my adversity and determined to continue on my aim and goal to move forward with unwavering determination to empower these children by opening doors to a brighter future. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our efforts, the PVCT Board members and the team understood the importance of holistic development. Today over 500 children have benefitted through the portals of PVCT and successfully carried many other projects to completion. Over the years, PVCT has grown in size and influence, touching the lives of countless children who had been trapped in poverty. The stories of transformation were abundant, as children once burdened by limitations began to blossom into confident and empowered individuals. The trust provided scholarships aligned with their educational goals, vocational training, textbooks, computers, set up a Library, stationary, other educational materials, to facilitate the learning process for the children and mentorship programs to ensure that these children had the necessary skills and opportunities to pursue their dreams. Our purpose was to alleviate the burden on families and ensure that no child was denied an education due to financial constraints. The stories of transformation were abundant.
Today, the Punyakoti Vedapriya Charitable Trust stands as a beacon of hope for children, facing socioeconomic challenges. Its success stories serve as a testament to the incredible power of compassion, determination, and the potential of every child, especially the girls. Punyakoti and Vedapriya’s legacy lives on through the organization, reminding us all, that together we can create a better, more inclusive world for the generations to come. Through the collective efforts of the organization, the lives of socioeconomically marginalized children in Damal, Kanchipuram & Walajapet are forever changed. Motivated, empowered, and equipped with the resources they needed, these children embarked on a journey of endless possibilities. With their dreams ignited and scholarships guiding their way, they step forward into a future filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better tomorrow. Let us draw strength together, from the accomplishments of the past 16 years and channel that energy into creating an even greater impact in the years to come with hope, compassion, and transformation.
- Mala Raj, Founder & Chair Women of PVCT