Voices of Change

Teach for India U.S.
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Join us in uncovering stories of changemakers and innovators redefining global philanthropy- illuminating the path to a brighter, empowered India for ALL our children.

Episodes

  1. 06/24/2025

    Giving as a Habit: Mukund Padmanabhan

    For Mukund, giving isn't a decision, it's a way of life. As the founder of the Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF) that has supported 300+ projects in India and and the US, his philanthropy is guided by a simple yet profound belief:  "If you can reduce human suffering, then you should." For over 15 years, GKF has supported transformational change across the development sector. Mukund's approach is hands-on and long-term, focused on forming deep partnerships rather than transactional giving. An unwavering believer in education as the door to dignity and opportunity, Mukund recently visited a Teach For India classroom in Chennai to see the impact of GKF's grant to TFI U.S. firsthand—and walked away surprised. Read full transcript of the discussion.  "It was not what I expected. The kids were much bolder... they actually wanted to know about things outside of the environment they live in." He describes the space as one where students were confident and fearless—encouraged to explore and discover their own abilities, reminding him of a Montessori-style classroom adapted for middle school in a low-income community. He was equally moved by the TFI Fellow's approach to teaching. It was a radical shift from the traditional rote learning model that prevents "independent creative thinking" to a dynamic, student-centered environment: "It was not so much about a book... the teacher's interaction was more as a friend rather than as a teacher... the kids were much more independent and confident in their abilities." Mukund's support is built on rigorous due diligence and a deep understanding of what shapes educational excellence. "The person delivering the education has to do a good job... for teachers to do a good job, they have to be very dedicated... it needs sacrifice. It is very difficult to find such people." Through GKF's partnership with Teach For India U.S., Mukund is empowering the very movement that identifies and uplifts these educators and students alike—nurturing not just literacy, but also leadership, empathy, and voice—skills critical to succeeding in the 21st century and enabling India's youth to: "Compete on the global stage... to improve the nature of the life that we live and the future." In Mukund’s quiet leadership lies a powerful truth: philanthropy rooted in humility and conviction can spark a generational multiplier effect—one Fellow, one classroom, hundreds of transformed children at a time. Thank you, Mukund and The Guru Krupa Foundation, for letting us #DreamBigger. To learn more about The Guru Krupa Foundation, recognized by The South Asian Times as the Organization of the Year 2024, visit the Foundation’s website.

    Giving as a Habit: Mukund Padmanabhan
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Join us in uncovering stories of changemakers and innovators redefining global philanthropy- illuminating the path to a brighter, empowered India for ALL our children.

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  • Creator
    Teach for India U.S.
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2026 Voices of Change
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    Voices of Change