At Startup Thiruvizha 2024, Sujith Kumar, a seasoned HR professional and six-time TEDx speaker, shared powerful insights into how empathy drives his social entrepreneurship efforts through Maatram Foundation. With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Sujith has seamlessly balanced his full-time job, public speaking, and the work of his foundation, which provides full scholarships to over 3,400 underprivileged students. His journey began with a deep sense of empathy, a value he believes is key in creating lasting social impact.
Empathy and Social Responsibility
During his talk, Sujith highlighted how society often lacks empathy towards those in need. He shared a thought-provoking example of how some people view suffering through a distorted lens. “If you see a person cleaning the road,” Sujith explained, “the worst possible comment you can make is to say that it’s their previous birth’s karma.” This kind of mindset, he emphasized, fails to recognize the structural inequalities that perpetuate poverty and struggle.
A Journey Sparked by Empathy
Sujith’s empathy was ignited during a career counseling session in Madurai, where he met a young girl who desperately needed help funding her education. Her story inspired him to establish the Maatram Foundation, an organization that has since provided free higher education to thousands of students from economically weaker sections. His mission is to change lives through education, and he believes that empathy should be at the heart of every social initiative.
How Maatram is Changing Lives
Through Maatram, Sujith and his co-founder Punitha Anthony have tied up with over 35 engineering colleges to offer free admissions, tuition, food, and hostel facilities to students from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation’s meticulous five-stage vetting process ensures that only the most deserving students benefit from these scholarships. In addition, Maatram equips students with soft skills to prepare them for the job market.
Balancing Multiple Roles
One of the most inspiring aspects of Sujith’s journey is how he balances his demanding career at Infosys, public speaking engagements, and his work at Maatram Foundation. He spoke about how his professional experience, public speaking, and social entrepreneurship complement each other, driving him to continually amplify potential—whether in the corporate world or through social impact.
Empathy, as Sujith believes, is a driving force that can transform not just individuals, but entire communities. Learn more about how the Maatram Foundation is helping underprivileged students achieve their dreams: Maatram Foundation.
