Suresh Minhas: Championing a Brighter Future for Chennai’s Children with Poonam

1. Suresh Minhas has always stood as a beacon of hope in Chennai, where his efforts have touched the lives of countless children and families. From his humble beginnings to his current stature as a well- known philanthropist, the journey of Suresh Minhas has been one of determination, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of making the world a better place. His life’s work, built on a foundation of empathy and community service, has made a lasting impact on the underprivileged communities in Chennai, with a particular focus on helping children who face hardships. The story of Suresh Minhas is not one of individual achievement but of collective growth. He is known for his belief in the power of partnership, most notably with his wife, Poonam, whose support and collaboration have been instrumental in the success of their philanthropic endeavors. Together, they have formed a dynamic partnership that has paved the way for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and creating a brighter future for those in need. A Childhood Rooted in Community Values Suresh Minhas was born and raised in the lively city of Chennai, where his early years were shaped by the values instilled in him by his parents. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother was deeply involved in community service. From an early age, Suresh Minhas was taught the importance of giving back to the community. The values of compassion, integrity, and education were central to his upbringing, guiding him in both his personal and professional life. As a young boy, Suresh Minhas saw the struggles of those around him and began to develop a sense of responsibility toward helping others. His parents, despite their modest means, made sure he received a good education. They taught him that knowledge and empathy were the most powerful tools for uplifting individuals and communities. These early lessons had a profound impact on Suresh Minhas, influencing his future work in philanthropy and child welfare. A Passion for Sociology and Social Work When Suresh Minhas entered college, his academic focus shifted toward sociology, a subject that helped him better understand the complexities of society and the systemic issues that affect marginalized groups. His studies deepened his awareness of the socio-economic disparities that existed in Chennai, especially among children. During this time, Suresh Minhas volunteered at various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), where he had firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by underprivileged children. This period of volunteering was a turning point for Suresh Minhas. He witnessed the stark contrast between his life and the lives of the children he worked with, many of whom lacked access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and emotional support. These experiences ignited a passion in him to make a tangible difference in the lives of these children. It was no longer enough to simply be aware of the issues; Suresh Minhas was determined to be a part of the solution. Meeting Poonam: A Shared Vision of Philanthropy Suresh Minhas met his future wife, Poonam, at a community event focused on child welfare. Like Suresh, Poonam was dedicated to helping others and had a background in social work. Their shared passion for improving the lives of underprivileged children brought them together, both personally and professionally. Together, they became a formidable team, working tirelessly to address the challenges faced by children in Chennai. The partnership between Suresh Minhas and Poonam was built on mutual respect and a shared vision of philanthropy. While Suresh took on the role of strategist and leader, Poonam’s hands-on

2. approach and deep understanding of social work allowed them to create impactful programs that addressed the needs of vulnerable children. Their combined efforts resulted in the establishment of several successful initiatives aimed at providing holistic support to underprivileged children. The Birth of “Hope for Tomorrow” In 2005, Suresh Minhas and Poonam founded the organization “Hope for Tomorrow.” The goal of this organization was to provide comprehensive care for underprivileged children in Chennai, with a focus on education, healthcare, and emotional well-being. For Suresh Minhas, the creation of “Hope for Tomorrow” was a fulfillment of his lifelong dream to create an organization that would give every child the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic background. “Hope for Tomorrow” began as a small initiative but quickly grew under the leadership of Suresh Minhas. What set the organization apart was its holistic approach to child development. Suresh and Poonam understood that education alone was not enough to break the cycle of poverty. They knew that children needed access to healthcare, emotional support, and proper nutrition in order to thrive. With this in mind, they developed programs that addressed all aspects of a child’s development. Holistic Child Support: Education, Health, and Emotional Care The work of Suresh Minhas and Poonam focused on creating a holistic support system for the children under their care. One of their first initiatives was to provide educational scholarships to children from low-income families. However, they quickly realized that many of these children faced other challenges, such as malnutrition, poor health, and emotional trauma. To address these issues, “Hope for Tomorrow” expanded its scope to include healthcare programs, mental health support, and nutrition initiatives. Under the leadership of Suresh Minhas, the organization introduced regular medical check-ups for the children and partnered with local healthcare providers to ensure that the children received the medical attention they needed. Poonam’s expertise in social work played a crucial role in developing counseling programs that helped children deal with the emotional scars of poverty and neglect. Together, Suresh and Poonam created an environment where children could heal and grow, both physically and emotionally. Expanding the Reach: Bringing Education to Rural Areas As “Hope for Tomorrow” gained recognition and support from donors, NGOs, and government bodies, Suresh Minhas led efforts to expand the organization’s reach into rural communities. He understood that children in rural areas faced even greater challenges when it came to accessing education and healthcare. With his strategic vision, Suresh Minhas developed the idea of mobile education units, which brought teachers and learning materials to remote villages. These mobile units, a brainchild of Suresh Minhas, became a lifeline for children in rural communities who were unable to attend regular schools due to distance and poverty. The units not only provided education but also offered healthcare services and emotional support. This innovative approach allowed “Hope for Tomorrow” to extend its holistic support model to some of the most marginalized children in the region. The Role of Poonam: Heart of the Initiative While Suresh Minhas was the visionary driving the organization, Poonam was the heart and soul of the operation. Her personal touch, compassionate nature, and deep understanding of the needs of

3. the children made her an indispensable part of the organization’s success. Poonam introduced health and nutrition programs that ensured children had access to nutritious meals and proper healthcare, which greatly improved their overall well-being. Poonam also played a key role in fundraising and community outreach, building strong relationships with donors and partners. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level helped secure the financial support needed to expand “Hope for Tomorrow” and increase its impact. Together, Suresh Minhas and Poonam created a powerful force for good, transforming the lives of countless children in Chennai and beyond. A Lasting Legacy of Compassion Today, the work of Suresh Minhas and Poonam continues to inspire others to take action and make a difference. The organization they built, “Hope for Tomorrow,” stands as a testament to their commitment to improving the lives of children. Through their efforts, thousands of children have been given the chance to pursue their dreams, break the cycle of poverty, and build better futures for themselves and their families. The legacy of Suresh Minhas is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to helping others. His work, along with Poonam’s, has created lasting change in the lives of the children they have helped, and their story serves as a reminder that through collective action and a shared vision, it is possible to make a profound difference in the world.