A year-by-year chronicle of Pratibodh Foundation's work since August 2020 — the students supported, the programs built, and the outcomes achieved. Each entry is a specific person or program, not a summary statistic.
Pratibodh Foundation was incorporated on August 4, 2020 and launched its activities in September 2020. The first year was about identifying focus areas, assembling resources, and responding to immediate needs — all against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which created new and urgent barriers for the students the foundation sought to serve.
V. Sunildass
MSc Chemistry · Madurai · First student sponsored
Full sponsorship of MSc Chemistry education
Sunildass comes from a socially and economically disadvantaged background. The first science graduate in his community, he had supported his single mother (father had abandoned the family) through daily wage manual labour working in a forest while completing his undergraduate degree. His ambition to pursue a research career in Chemistry was threatened by his financial and family situation. Pratibodh stepped in with complete sponsorship — college and hostel fees, a mobile phone, laptop, data charges, stipend, and an English communication coach.
The foundation's approach from the start: unless end-to-end support is provided, it is exceedingly difficult for students with structural disadvantage to succeed in a resource-intensive academic environment.
PEAK, Kodaikanal
Computer Centre · Shenbaganur
5-seat centre opened Nov 2020
Computer centre for tribal and Dalit students
The Covid-19 pandemic made it impossible for poor tribal and Dalit students from remote hill communities near Kodaikanal to participate in online classes. Pratibodh fully funded a 5-seat computer centre with internet connectivity at PEAK's premises in Sacred Heart College, Shenbaganur, operational from November 30, 2020.
Visually impaired students
English coaching · Online · 2 VI Students
Online English communication classes
Free online English communication and literacy coaching provided to two visually impaired college students, the earliest precursor to what would later become the foundation's flagship VI training program.
Trans-women, Coimbatore
English coaching · 4 participants
English communication classes for trans-women
Free online English communication classes for four trans-women in Coimbatore, one of the foundation's first-year initiatives, started before any systematic programme was established. This reflected the founders' direct response to unmet need rather than following a predetermined plan.
School student
Fees support · Class XI
School fees support
School fees funded for a student to continue Class XI studies after his father lost livelihood during Covid-19 lockdowns and was unable to pay the school fees.
The second year saw Pratibodh move from a small experimental start to a broader set of commitments including a landmark institutional partnership with the Indian Institute of Science, a computer training centre for trans-women in Coimbatore, and support for students in fields ranging from Commerce to Theatre.
IISc Bengaluru
Endowment · Biochemistry Dept
₹1,00,000/year prize instituted
Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize — endowment at IISc
Pratibodh Foundation instituted an annual prize of ₹1,00,000 for excellence in academic research in the Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru — in memory of Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran, a distinguished alum of the department. Instituted by Latha Mani in remembrance of her father.
Student Scholarship
Scholarship · IISc BSc Research
4-year scholarship 2021–2025
Women undergraduate scholarship at IISc
A four-year scholarship was instituted for women undergraduate students in science at IISc. The scholarship was awarded to a girl student pursuing the Bachelor of Science (Research) programme (2021–2025) promoting gender equity in one of India's most prestigious research institutions.
Bowjiya Christina J
Theatre career · Sponsorship
Monthly stipend from Aug 2021
Full sponsorship for theatre training and career
Pratibodh provided complete sponsorship for a student pursuing a career in theatre — training with Mangai of Marapacchi Theatre Group (Chennai) and Muruga Boopathy of Manal Magudi Theatre Troupe (Thoothukudi), and seeking admission to the National School of Drama. An unconventional choice for a foundation focused on employability but entirely consistent with its principle of supporting the specific aspiration of each person, not a predetermined category of acceptable career.
Trans-women, Coimbatore
Computer centre · 4 seats
Centre with Trans Mom Foundation
Computer training centre for trans-women
In collaboration with Trans Mom Foundation, Pratibodh set up a four-seat computer training centre in Coimbatore offering free basic computer skills, computer-based accounting, and job-oriented computer courses to trans-women. Pratibodh sponsored the full cost of computers, infrastructure, and training. An early and deliberate step toward serving India's most marginalised and discriminated community.
BCom students — Kodaikanal
College fees + hostel · 3 students
BCom and BSc(Zoology) sponsorship for three girl students
Complete sponsorship for two girl students joining the three-year Bachelor of Commerce course at Government Arts and Science College for Women, Kodaikanal, from September 2021. Additional support for a BSc (Zoology) student at Fatima College, Madurai.
IISc Bengaluru
Research prize · 1st awardee · Sep 2021
First Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize
Ms. Debaleena Kar of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru received the Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Award on September 12, 2025, the first annual prize since the endowment was established in 2021.
PEAK, Kodaikanal
English language programme
May 2021 start · 27 students
Global English Language Programme, Sacred Heart College, Shenbaganur
Funding provided for PEAK's Global English Language (GEL) programme — a JWL/Cambridge CEFR-aligned course for Dalit, Tribal, and economically poor students near Kodaikanal who had completed higher secondary or college but lacked English language skills for employment. 27 students enrolled in May 2021. From February 2022, Pratibodh also funded transport for evening class students, enabling eight female students to safely travel to and from Sacred Heart College after dark.
The year saw ongoing commitments deepen as students progressed through their journeys — and new interventions respond to unexpected needs. Sajana Vignesh obtained her engineering degree with Pratibodh's support. The IISc prize was awarded for the first time.
V. Sunildass
MSc Chemistry · Ongoing
MSc completed · 81% marks
Coaching for CSIR-NET and GATE begins
Sunildass successfully completed his MSc in Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University with 81%. Pratibodh funded coaching at a Hyderabad institute for CSIR-NET and GATE examination preparation covering coaching fees, hostel, and an increased monthly stipend. o
Bowjiya Christina J
Theatre career · Year 2
First film credit: "The Road"
Theatre career progressing — first film credit
Christina acted in four theatre productions and worked as Assistant Director under Mr. Kali Rangasamy and Mr. Arun Vaseegaran for the film "The Road" (released May 2023). She also started work on Sivakarthikeyan's "Kottukkali".
Sajana Vignesh
BE Engineering · Trans-woman
Degree obtained · Job secured
Engineering degree and first job. Sajana's story begins
Sajana had dropped out of her BE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) before her fourth year when she underwent gender-affirming surgery and lost her financial support as a result. Pratibodh paid her college fees for the final two semesters. She successfully obtained her engineering degree and secured a job in Coimbatore. This was the first chapter of a story that would continue through 2025.
Haridaran M
Assistive equipment · VI
Desktop provided · self-employed
Computer for visually impaired entrepreneur
Haridaran, completely visually impaired and holding MA and BEd degrees, lost his job at KPN Travels during Covid. He started his own e-seva services business but needed a computer to operate it. Pratibodh provided a new desktop. He now successfully runs his own e-seva and xerox copying business.
IISc Bengaluru
Research prize · 2nd awardee · Sep 2022
Second Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize
Mr. Mani Garg of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru received the Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Award on September 12, 2025, the second annual prize since the endowment was established in 2021.
R. Sridharan
BCom fees · SRM Trichy
Passed 2nd year · 66%
Emergency fees support after father's sudden death
Sridharan's father, the sole earning member, died suddenly while he was in his second year of BCom. Pratibodh paid the examination fees and committed to support his third year as well, enabling him to continue and complete his degree.
The defining year for the foundation's VI training programme — Pratibodh took over the online VI training from Innervision Foundation and ran it as its own flagship. Sunildass, the first student sponsored in 2020, reached employment after 45 months of support.
VI Training Programme
Flagship · Oct 2023 taken over from Innervision
Batch 1: 11 students · Dec 2023
Pratibodh takes over and launches free Online VI training program
Innervision Foundation had been running an online training for visually impaired since 2020, initiated and guided by Latha Mani as a governing member. When Innervision decided to discontinue the programme beyond August 2023, Pratibodh took it over immediately ensuring continuity for a programme that had already benefitted over 90 students across 9 batches. The first Pratibodh-led batch of 11 students completed in December 2023. A second batch of 12 students followed, completing in April 2024.
V. Sunildass
Research Associate · DSK Innosciences
Employed · 45 months of support
Sunildass reaches employment — the model proves itself
After 45 months of comprehensive support from Pratibodh, Sunildass was selected as a Trainee Research Associate at DSK Innosciences, Hosur — an innovative contract R&D company working in organic chemistry for pharmaceutical applications. He cleared the entrance test and interview. He noted that he passed the organic chemistry section specifically because of the coaching Pratibodh funded in Hyderabad. This outcome — from first-generation rural student to pharmaceutical R&D professional — is the clearest single demonstration of what the foundation's depth-first model can produce.
Suresh Kumar
VI · Further training
Stipend for EnAble India training
Support for further training at EnAble India, Bengaluru
Suresh Kumar, visually impaired, had completed the VI training programme and sought further training at EnAble India in Bengaluru. Pratibodh provided a monthly stipend for four months to cover his hostel stay enabling him to undertake advanced training.
IISc Bengaluru
Research prize · 3rd & 4th awardee · Joint Winners · Sep 2023
Third Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize
Ms. Neetu Rajak and Ms. Sweta Tiwari of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru jointly received the Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Award on September 12, 2025, the third annual prize since the endowment was established in 2021.
Multiple students
Continuing support
Continuing multi-year support for several students
Ongoing support continued for: Bowjiya Christina (theatre career, Assistant Director credits building), Jothilakshmi and Pushpakala (final year BCom, donated laptops), Sangeetha Thangadurai (MSc Zoology, Fatima College), Jayashree M and Anagha M (school fees, Bengaluru), R. Sridharan (third year BCom, campus interview stage), and Jana Tharan J (new student, BE Computer Science — refurbished laptop provided). Sajana Vignesh secured a job as Technical Assistant at Cherry Precision Products, Coimbatore, after completing her engineering degree.
Multiple students who had been supported over the years reached employment and graduation. The VI training programme ran three batches, training 36 students. Sajana continued her journey toward a corporate career. The foundation's depth-first model began showing its compounding returns.
VI Training Programme
3 batches · FY 2024–25
36 students trained
Three batches completed — programme scales and stabilises
Three batches of visually impaired students completed the 3-month online training programme in FY 2024–25, totalling 36 students. Mr. Suresh Kumar joined as coach for computer and digital skills in September 2024. Many graduates reported successful employment or work opportunities attributable to the training. Pratibodh also funded Dr. Ellangothai to purchase KIBO (Knowledge In a Box), an assistive device enabling listening, translation, and digitisation of printed and handwritten content across 60 languages.
R. Sridharan
BCom graduate · BPO employment
Omega Healthcare, Trichy
BCom completed — employment at Omega Healthcare
Sridharan graduated with his BCom from SRM College of Arts and Sciences, Tiruchirappalli. Pratibodh had supported him from the moment his father died suddenly during his third year, leaving no family income. He is now employed at Omega Healthcare Management Services, a technology-enabled BPO in Trichy.
Sajana Vignesh
IT training · Seneca Global, Hyderabad
Apprentice at Seneca Global · July 2024
Sajana's IT career path — apprenticeship and Azure training
After leaving her previous job due to unconducive conditions, Sajana joined Seneca Global, Hyderabad in July 2024 as a paid IT apprentice. Pratibodh funded her Azure online training programme for Microsoft certification. Online English coaching was also provided to prepare her for a corporate environment. The full story, from engineering dropout in 2018 to IT professional, was five years in the making.
R. Subhashini
BTech CS · SRM Trichy
Foundation commitment: 4 years
Subhashini joins BTech — continuation of family support
R. Sridharan's sister Subhashini completed her Higher Secondary Examination with 82% marks and joined the BTech Computer Science programme at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruchirappalli. Pratibodh committed to support her through all four years — continuing the family support begun after her father's death.
IISc Bengaluru
Research prize · 5th awardee · Sept 2024
Fourth Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize
Mr. Abhinav Banerjee of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru received the Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Award on September 12, 2025, the fourth annual prize since the endowment was established in 2021.
Bowjiya Christina J
Theatre professional · Chennai
Financially secure · Theatre Co
Theatre career reaches financial security
Bowjiya joined Theatre Co, a Chennai-based theatre startup staging ticketed short plays and began collaborating with a Women's Development NGO to teach theatre to Adi Dravidar students. After four years of monthly stipend support beginning August 2021, she reached a point of financial security in her chosen field. The foundation's long-term commitment to an unconventional career choice demonstrated that depth-first support works across domains, not just conventional professional paths.
The fifth year brought Pratibodh's most significant milestones — Sajana joined LTIMindtree as an IT Engineer, the VI training program was extended to five months, 80G and 12A approvals were granted, Jaganathan joined full-time, and the Parivartan Centre partnership with EnAble India and Bharathiar University were established.
Sajana Vignesh
IT Engineer · LTIMindtree
Full-time · LTIMindtree, Coimbatore
Sajana becomes IT Systems Administrator at LTIMindtree
Sajana successfully completed her one-year apprenticeship with Seneca Global's IT Department and secured a full-time position as IT Systems Administrator with LTIMindtree, Coimbatore in July 2025. She credits her success to the training at Seneca Global and the mentorship, English coaching, and sustained support from Pratibodh Foundation over five years. Her story, engineering dropout in 2018, degree in 2023, multinational employment in 2025, was featured on Sun News Tamil in July 2025.
VI Training Programme
Flagship · Extended format
5 months · 2 batches/year from Aug 2025
Programme extended to five months — improved depth
Based on experience, feedback, and participant needs, the VI training programme was extended from three months to five months per batch from August 2025. The schedule was standardised to two batches per year: February–June and August–December. R. Jaganathan joined Pratibodh Foundation as a full-time employee from January 2026, taking on the role of Project Manager for all VI projects.
EnAble India · Parivartan Centre
Partnership · Digital Skills Lab
Launch planned May 2026
Parivartan Centre partnership — Bharathiar University
Pratibodh established a partnership with EnAble India to set up a Parivartan Centre as part of their #SeeAMillion Campaign in the Multi Modal Material Preparation Centre (MMPC) at the Department of Social Work (DSW), Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. The centre will deliver in-person training program in digital awareness, work readiness, communication, mobility, orientation, and general awareness for VI. Launch planned for May 2026.
Pratibodh Foundation
Compliance · Tax approvals
80G · 12A · December 2025· CSR Registration· March 2026
80G and 12A approvals and CSR Registration Received
The foundation received provisional approval under Section 80G (valid until March 31, 2028) and 12A registration in December 2025 making donations tax-deductible for Indian donors and opening the foundation to a wider pool of institutional and individual supporters. CSR Registration was also received for tapping into CSR funds.
Community programmes
VI events · Coimbatore
4 events · Feb–Mar 2026
Mobile Van, Employment Workshop, Cognizant Outreach
A Mobile Van Awareness Campaign for visually impaired persons across rural Coimbatore (18–21 February 2026, with EnAble India). A 2-day workshop on employment and technology-based skill development at Government Arts College, Coimbatore (12–13 March 2026, with ARVIC, Ekam Dharma Foundation, TGS Trust, and Flex India — 38 participants). An outreach event at Cognizant Technology Solutions, Coimbatore (20 March 2026) — opening a new channel for corporate volunteer engagement in Pratibodh's digital skilling work.
IISc Bengaluru
Research prize · 6th awardee · Sept 2025
Ms. Priyanshi · Sep 2025
Fifth Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Prize
Ms. Priyanshi of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru received the Dr. T.R. Bhaskaran Memorial Award on September 12, 2025 — the fifth annual prize since the endowment was established in 2021.
Multiple students
Continuing support
Ongoing multi-year commitments
Continuing support for: R. Subhashini (BTech CS, SRM Trichy — completed first year with good grades), Sangeetha Thangadurai (completed MSc Zoology with good grades, now in BEd at St Xavier's, Palayamkottai, preparing for SET and NET), Jayashree M (PUC Year 2, Bengaluru), Anagha M (Class 8, Bengaluru), K. Dharuna- Transwomen (BCom, Kongunadu — sports scholarship now obtained), J. Amrita-Transwomen (MBA (HR), RVS College, Sulur — partial support). Ad hoc support for school materials provided to two additional students in Sulur and Lakshminaickenplayam. English coaching for a group of trans-women seeking to improve employability.
