Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, a well-known UK-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, is striving to improve girls' education, safety, and health, as well as their protection from abuse. On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Ahluwalia gave a donation of Rs 1 crore to Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF).
The money will go toward KCSF's continuing Justice for Every Child Campaign, which provides legal and mental health help to children who have been sexually abused or raped, as well as their families. The effort, which began in March of this year, intends to assist in 5,000 strategic cases in 100 Fast Track Courts in 100 districts around the country.
Talking about his proudest contribution to society, Mr. Ahluwalia says “I'm also proud of staying true to my values and principles. I have always believed that success comes with responsibility, and as my businesses have become more successful, I have tried to make sure that I give back. One of the ways I have tried to give back is in supporting education charities in India. For example, I was very proud recently to lay the foundation stone of a new school which will cater exclusively to disadvantaged children. I have a very strong connection to India, and look forward to retiring there sometime soon.”
At Mukti Ashram, a refugee home for youngsters in need of care and protection where Ahluwalia recently visited and met Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi.
KSCF's different child empowerment initiatives help many of the girls at the shelter, and Ahluwalia engaged with them.
Tara Banjara, the first girl from her Banjara community in Alwar to finish Class 12 with flying colors, was one of many he met. She is now pursuing a career as a police officer. Another girl from a Rajasthan backward village, Lalita Duhariya, talked about how she completed Class 12 with a 96 percent grade and discussed her ambition to become a doctor.
Mr. Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia is the Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Dominvs Group, a family-owned real estate, hospitality and investment company including a portfolio of hotels across the UK.
