In a rapidly modernizing world where traditional jobs are fast disappearing and education is the only means to secure future this illiteracy is a matter of grave concern. Actor surya , who knows of his father sivakumar’s struggle for education in his youth, understands this very well. It is this understanding that led to the setting up of Agaram foundation. Sivakumar has instituted an award for toppers in standard X and Xll board exams and some other categories. Surya wanted to build on this initiative and broaden it.
Meanwhile, gnanavel a journalist-activist, had been successfully conducting an intervention programme for first generation learners in dharmapuri district, one of the most backward areas in tamilnadu. He had realized that hand holding the students through their often traumatic initiations into higher education was essential for ensuring that they completed their studies and following up on this he has roped in volunteers from the IT sector to act as mentors for these first generation learners. Impressed by the success of this model. Surya joined hands with gnanavel, and on September 25th 2006 the seeds of agaram foundation were sown in Chennai, india. Under the stewardship of the organizations founder and trustees, the vision for agaram took shape.
" Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return,but because of who you are "
Agaram foundation was started by well-known film actor
R.S Suriya.
Adoption of The Government Adidravida Welfare School in Palur, Chengalpattu district Set-up a library in the school and worked towards quality of education for the children of the school.
Produced and released "Herova... Zerova", a short film emphasising the need for education.
Launch of "AgaramKatralMaiyam", the learning centres to provide basic coaching and special skills programs for children in rural parts of Tamilnadu.
Launch of "Vazhikatigal", the mentorship program focussed on nurturing school children from remote parts of Tamilnadu.
"Vidhai" (Tamil word that meaning "Seed"), an initiative with the goal to create awareness for Agaram's initiatives and increase participation Scouting for deserving students to help them with college education under "Vidhai" banner.
First batch of 160 students from 32 districts of Tamilnadu benefitting from "Vidhai".
VIDHAI - 217 students supported for college education
VIDHAI - 128 students supported for college education
VIDHAI - 194 students support for college education
16 students support by vidhai graduated from college
VIDHAI - 225 students support for college education
214 students support by vidhai graduated from college
Thai - Identify deserving rural youth,who dropped out of education and train them in industry skills, mentor and groom them to beresponsible citizens.
36 Vayadhinile - Women empowerment & Entrepreneurship initiative.
VIDHAI - 267 Students supported for college education.
171 students support by vidhai graduated from college
Namathu Giramam - rehabilitation of irula hamlets of rural villages.
OPEN DEFECATION FREEVILLAGE - with support from corporate “ford” built toilets and enabled a open defecation free village.
VIDHAI - 301 Students supported for college education.
181 students support by vidhai graduated from college
Namathupalli - Restoring a Govt. School to enable healthy learning atmosphere.
VIDHAI - 469 Students supported for college education.
193 students support by vidhai graduated from college
Namathupalli - adopted one more govt school under nammathupali.
Namathu Giramam - infrastructure in the villages and helped the community to obtain community certificates.
VIDHAI - 493 Students supported for college education.
255 students support by vidhai graduated from college
Namathupalli - adopted 3 govt. schools.
VIDHAI – 502 Students supported for college education.