Educate a girl and you educate a nation..

Thangam Ganapathy, founder and pillar of Zandig Knowledge Foundation

Thangam grew up in the small town of Haripad in Kerala. Growing up in Kerala, she naturally instilled values of education. She went to Bethany School in Haripad, eventually did a Masters in Chemistry. The following year she taught Math and Science in boarding school Bishop Moore Vidyapith, Mavelikkara and these experiences sufficiently made it clear to her that "education paves way for an individual's independence". However, the universe has its ways and she found herself with a coveted bank job in State Bank of Travancore in Bangalore in the early 80s. As with all things with her, she deeply applied herself to workings of the bank. She realised "money is a fluid that needs to keep moving and can't be held on to". She not just managed money matters for herself, but a whole lot of people who found a way to reach her. In 2012, along with her sister Nitya, Thangam founded the Vidya Shakti program - a means to empower the girl child with education. Initally, they individually supported a handful of underprivileged children known to them. Soon the word spread and the Vidya Shakti program started getting more and more requests for education help. Nitya expanded vastly by reaching out to friends her community. Thangam, by her nature, was always ready to support the underdogs.

She financially supported many daily wage vendors especially women in her local community. As her name implies, she had a heart of pure gold. She was an unassuming person who was genuinely kind and compassionate. She has never said a “No” to anyone who comes for help. Thangam passed on 11th July 2021 in the same unassuming manner that she lived life in. We miss her a lot! We are committed to continue her passion and grow the seed she planted into an everlasting tree providing nourishment to many more children and families. Thinking back, Thangam's life can be highlighted in 3 pharases - love for education, using money to pave paths and finally, a desire to be of value to the community.

Nalini, pillar and champion of Zandig Knowledge Foundation

Always smiling, cooking, cleaning, helping, my mom's kindness had no bounds. Anybody who came home left with a full heart and stomach. Helping the needy and volunteering was just in her nature. My mom did not wait till she had all the money in the world to help family and friends in need. Growing up with limited income, I still remember my mom helping the families in need. I remember she would pack an extra lunch every day for my friend when I was in school. It was the little things that made a difference to somebody's life. All her good deeds were paying off and my family was doing much better financially, and both my parents dedicated themselves to volunteering through Lions Club. They ran several blood donation camps and eye camps in villages, organized mass wedding events, setting up homes for new married couples. They adopted a Government School in Ulsoor Bangalore where my mom studied when she was a little girl, improved the infrastructure, provided school supplies and technology, got jobs for several teaching assistants. She focused on empowering women to have their own source of income, help them jobs.

Also she advise them about finances.The list Is endless. With a dimple smile and kind words she has made a difference in so many lives. She has taught me the only ingredient to make the world a better place is the desire to help. My mom has been a part of Vidya Shakti since 2018, identifying students and families in need and providing guidance. She did not have the opportunity to continue her studies when she was 16 but she made sure I got a great education so I can be independent. She also made every effort to encourage families to send their daughters to school and get a good education. She met several Vidya Shakti students based out of Bangalore, encouraged them to work hard. We will forever miss her smile and guidance.

~ Aruna Munikrishna, Co-founder of Vidya Shakti Foundation