AJAI ON PHILANTHROPY

‘Giving isn’t just about writing a cheque; it’s about ensuring that the funds will have a real impact. It involves an investment of time, something that can be even harder to give than money. While the Bhagavad Gita describes daan or charity as a moral duty, it also reminds us to be mindful of where and when we give, and ensure that our contribution is given with genuine intent and the right spirit. Inspired by this wisdom, I consider the outcome of my support and do not donate passively. I am committed to actively making a difference.’

ASPIRE SCHOLARSHIP: EMPOWERING FUTURE ENGINEERS

Aspire Scholarship is a prestigious initiative launched by the Swayam Charitable Trust, a not-for-profit engaged in CSR initiatives of group companies of Ajai Chowdhry and his family as well as other philanthropic works.
This special initiative aims to provide essential support to aspiring engineers who face financial obstacles in their pursuit of higher education and help create a brighter future for them in their pursuit of excellence. The Scholarship is managed by Buddy4Study, a leading provider of scholarship management services. It ensures seamless management of the programme through its cutting-edge technical interface and also provides administration-related services and support.  Read More

AJAI CHOWDHRY FELLOWSHIP FUND - HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

In 2019, Kunal Chowdhry established the $250,000 Ajai Chowdhry Fellowship Fund as a tribute to his father and in celebration of his Harvard Business School’s 10th reunion. Kunal’s vision was to sustain the School’s need-blind admissions policy, prioritizing leadership potential over financial means. The Fund primarily aims to support Indian students at the institution who aspire to return to India after graduation. It seeks to inspire graduates to make impactful career choices, whether in the social or public sectors, or through entrepreneurial ventures, unburdened by debts.

The/Nudge is an action institute that works with governments, markets, and civil society to build resilient livelihoods for all.
Over 364 million Indians live below the poverty line. The/Nudge Institute believes that it is within our collective means to ensure that every Indian lives a life with dignity out of poverty. It works to create livelihood opportunities at scale, and in doing so, build resilience in society to withstand economic shocks.

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Other notable contributions include 

  • the establishment of a state-of-the-art auditorium named Jashan (an amalgamation of his parents’ names, Jai Krishna and Shakuntala Devi) at his alma mater, Jabalpur Engineering College
  • brightening lives and ensuring access to sustainable energy by providing affordable and durable solar lighting to hundreds of homes across villages of Madhya Pradesh 
  • extending support to the Governments of Delhi and Goa towards relief efforts during COVID-19 pandemic. This encompassed a wide range of aid, including meals, groceries, PPE kits, testing facilities, oxygen regulator kits, and high-quality oxygen concentrators and financial aid towards the construction of a decontaminating chamber for the state government of Goa
  • As part of the commitment to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, gifting of a Mahindra BOL Maxi truck to the village panchayat of Moira to support proper garbage collection and promote a clean and green environment for all