Success
Professor Anandajit Goswami, a prominent academician, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has dedicated his life to creating a positive impact in society. As the Director at the School of Behavioural and Social Sciences (SBSS) and Research Director at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), he has earned a reputation for his expertise in energy policy, sustainable development, and social empowerment. However, it is his visionary work through the TOHRI Foundation that truly reflects his commitment to changing lives and empowering the marginalized.
Early Life and Motivation to Pursue Entrepreneurship
Born in a refugee colony with little to no shelter or financial capital, Professor Goswami’s journey was shaped by early struggles. Growing up under minimal living standards, he was inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that one can rise from adversity through determination and innovation. It was this background that cultivated the entrepreneurial mindset he would later embrace.
Despite the lack of material resources, Professor Goswami’s ambition was never limited by his circumstances. Instead, the absence of capital ignited his creativity and drive to explore alternative paths for success. This early experience of scarcity taught him the value of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of innovation—principles that have remained at the core of his entrepreneurial journey.
“My purpose has always been to impact people’s lives directly. Being an agent of change in my surroundings motivated me to become an entrepreneur,” says Professor Goswami. His determination to make a meaningful difference led him to create the TOHRI Foundation, a social philanthropy organization that has grown to become a beacon of hope for many.
TOHRI Foundation: A Vision for Social Impact
Founded in June 2021, the TOHRI Foundation aims to tackle pressing social issues such as poverty, healthcare access, child welfare, and education. The foundation operates with a clear mission to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and mental well-being to underprivileged communities. It also focuses on empowering individuals through reskilling programs, helping them gain the skills necessary to improve their livelihoods.
Professor Goswami’s work with TOHRI has made an indelible mark on the community. Through strategic partnerships and a compassionate approach, the foundation has directly impacted thousands of lives. It offers essential services to marginalized populations, with an emphasis on children, women, and individuals affected by violence and discrimination. By addressing core societal issues such as hunger, mental health, and violence against children, the foundation has created a sustainable model of empowerment.
In 2023, the TOHRI Foundation was recognized as one of the 20 best startups working on sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The foundation’s unique selling point lies in its direct impact on the lives of the people it serves. “The core of our work revolves around empathy, care, and forming genuine partnerships with those in need,” explains Professor Goswami. “We don’t just provide services; we create a support system that can help individuals break free from the cycle of poverty and lead dignified lives.”
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Overcoming Challenges
As with any entrepreneurial journey, Professor Goswami faced his fair share of challenges. However, his approach to overcoming these struggles has been shaped by his deep belief in learning and perseverance.
“The struggles I faced have always been an educational school for me,” he reflects. “Entrepreneurship is about understanding the root of problems, identifying the gaps, and working collaboratively to find solutions.” His ability to approach challenges with a calm, solution-oriented mindset has been a driving force behind his success.
One of the biggest hurdles was the lack of initial resources and capital to scale the foundation’s initiatives. Yet, instead of viewing this as a limitation, Professor Goswami saw it as an opportunity to innovate. He focused on building a network of collaborators and volunteers who shared his vision and could help create sustainable solutions with minimal financial investment. This allowed the foundation to expand its reach without compromising on the quality of its services.
His personal experiences of growing up in a resource-limited environment further fueled his commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all. Having witnessed firsthand the importance of education, healthcare, and mental well-being, he made it his mission to ensure that no one was left behind.
Leadership and Vision: Building a Sustainable Future
Professor Goswami attributes much of his success to his leadership approach, which centers on collaboration, perseverance, and a forward-thinking mindset. “To build something meaningful, you need the vision to see the future potential and the skills to bring people together,” he explains.
Through his work at TOHRI Foundation, Goswami has displayed exceptional leadership skills, guiding his team to make a tangible impact on the ground. Whether it’s launching initiatives to tackle malnutrition, mental health issues, or advocating for human rights, his leadership is characterized by his ability to inspire others to join the cause.
In the coming years, TOHRI Foundation plans to expand its reach further, increasing its presence in different regions of India and beyond. With the foundation’s growing recognition and reputation, Professor Goswami is confident that it will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Beyond Academia: The Multidimensional Impact of Professor Goswami
Professor Goswami is not only an academic and philanthropist but also a musician and sportsman. His musical endeavors, particularly for climate action, have found resonance in various global movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future. Through his band “Justajoo,” he has released music that has topped independent music charts, further raising awareness about the urgency of climate change and sustainability.
His contributions to literature are equally noteworthy. As an author of over 13 fiction books and 3 award-winning works, Goswami has made groundbreaking strides in Indian literature. His work, particularly his climate-centric books such as “A Green Day” (published by Hachette India), has been widely acclaimed for its contribution to raising awareness about sustainability and environmental action.
Professor Goswami has also been recognized for his advocacy work, earning awards for his contributions to human rights, child rights, and animal rights. His role as a brand ambassador for the NADA Foundation’s anti-tobacco campaign highlights his commitment to addressing public health issues.
The Legacy of Prof. Anandajit Goswami
Prof. Anandajit Goswami’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and dedication. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading academic, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur, his story is one of perseverance and purpose. Through his work with TOHRI Foundation and his involvement in various social and environmental causes, Professor Goswami continues to inspire countless individuals to believe in their potential to make a difference.
As he continues to expand his foundation’s work and champion causes such as climate action, education, and human rights, Professor Goswami’s impact will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Don’t sleep and don’t allow your dreams to sleep.” For those following in his footsteps, this mindset will undoubtedly be the key to their success.
Awards:
- 4-time award for Best Fiction Writer
- 2-time award for Foundation Activities (Most Promising Organization for Social Empowerment)
- Recognized by National Human Rights Council, CRY, WWF for contributions to human, child, and animal rights
- Brand Ambassador for Anti-Tobacco Campaign (NADA Foundation)
As TOHRI Foundation continues to expand, Professor Goswami is determined to reach more communities, providing sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.
