B. Nagalakshmi,
M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed.
financial trustee, Surya Memorial Foundation

In 2013, I lost my beloved son, Surya, a tragedy that forever changed my life. In that profound grief, I found a calling to dedicate my life to something larger than myself—building a better future for those who need it the most. My journey, which began at the age of 20 as a teacher and later as the Head of the English Department at RVS Arts and Science College, Trichy, took on new meaning as I founded the Surya Memorial Foundation in his memory.

Our foundation rests on a simple yet powerful belief: when women and children thrive, society and the environment thrive. Empowering a womanisn’t just about changing her life—it’s about transforming families, communities, and future generations. A woman’s strength ripples outward, lifting everyone around her. Through our work, we provide women with the skills, education, and confidence they need to break free from cycles of poverty and dependency, becoming leaders and changemakers in their communities.

At the same time, we focus deeply on children—because when we nurture and guide them, we don’t just change their future, we also change the world around them. A child's growth is directly tied to the health of our environment, and as they learn to value education, respect nature, and foster kindness, they become the stewards of tomorrow's world.

In our work, we bridge these two pillars education and empowerment. I have personally witnessed how educated, empowered women and nurtured children have the power to reshape entire communities. Over 10,000 students have been supported through our foundation, and the change they carry within them goes far beyond the classroom—it’s a change that touches homes, improves livelihoods, and protects our environment.

As a psychologist, I also focus on guiding families through the toughest challenges, from early childhood development issues to the growing threat of drug abuse. We don’t just provide education—we heal, empower, and transform.

Through the Surya Memorial Foundation, we are planting the seeds of lasting change, one woman, one child, and one community at a time. In honoring my son’s memory, I strive to build a world where hope is stronger than hardship and where each life we touch becomes a beacon of possibility