Interview with Kushal Raj Chakravorty, Founder & Managing Trustee, Lotus Petal Foundation

In this conversation, Kushal Raj Chakravorty, Founder & Managing Trustee of Lotus Petal Foundation, shares his journey of leaving a successful corporate career to build one of India’s most impactful social initiatives. He talks about the inspiration behind starting the foundation, the challenges and milestones along the way, and his vision for creating sustainable social change through education, healthcare, and nutrition.

1. What inspired you to start Lotus Petal Foundation and how has the journey evolved over the years?

The inspiration came from a deeply personal observation. While dropping my daughters at school in Delhi, I noticed children walking barefoot in cold weather, lacking basic winter clothing. This stark contrast to my own children’s comforts highlighted the severe disparities in opportunity and resources available to underprivileged children.

Motivated to make a difference, I began volunteering at local schools and eventually founded the Lotus Petal Foundation in 2011. I left a stable corporate career to dedicate myself full-time to social impact.

Evolution over the years:

• Started with a one-room school for six students.
• Grew to serve over 1,500 students across two campuses.
• Expanded digitally to reach 6,500+ students in 125+ schools across 8 states.
• Launched innovative programs like Pratishthan (fast-track education) and Vidyananda School for primary education.
• Initiated community and livelihood programs, including nutrition and skill-building for families.

2. How does Lotus Petal Foundation bridge the education and healthcare gap for underprivileged children and families?
The foundation addresses these gaps through multiple initiatives:

Education:

• Provides quality schooling and scholarships for underprivileged children.
• Implements fast-track learning programs for students who are behind academically.
• Offers digital learning platforms for remote access to education.

Healthcare and Nutrition:

• Ensures children receive proper nutrition during school hours.
• Offers access to basic healthcare services and health awareness programs.
• Extends healthcare support to families in need, bridging the gap between school and community health.

Community Engagement:

• Conducts workshops for parents and caregivers, emphasizing education and well-being.
• Provides livelihood training and awareness programs for families to improve economic stability.

3. Can you share a milestone or success story that reflects the real impact of your work?

One of the most inspiring stories from the Lotus Petal Foundation is that of Saloni Raj. When she first joined us, Saloni faced a lot of challenges both academically and socially. Even though she was talented and eager to learn, she struggled to keep up with her peers because she didn’t have access to the resources and support she needed at home.

With the help of our personalized learning programs, mentorship, and digital tools, Saloni gradually caught up academically. Along the way, she also discovered her love for arts and leadership activities. She started participating in school events, community programs, and skill-building workshops, growing in confidence and finding her own sense of purpose.

Today, Saloni has achieved her dream and become a dental doctor, a truly remarkable journey from her humble beginnings. Her story is a perfect example of how education, mentorship, and the right opportunities can transform lives and help underprivileged children reach their full potential.

Another milestone:

• The foundation started with six children and today supports over 1,500 students in-person and thousands digitally.
• The Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School, once completed, is expected to serve 10,000 students, becoming one of India’s largest philanthropic schools.