A Profile of Kaushalendra Foundation

The Kaushalendra Foundation for Public Affairs and Professional Excellence, Bangalore established in January 1992, is dedicated to the glorious memory of Shri Kaushalendra Singh Rathore, a devoted teacher, social worker and crusader hailing from District Lakhimpur-Kheri, (UP). It intends to accomplish the purpose by carrying forward his unfinished work and pursuing the goals and dreams which were cherished by him till his end on 13th November 1991. A brief resume about him and the causes dear to him described hereunder sets the background of the objectives of the Foundation which will be the guiding factors throughout its existence.

About Kaushalendra Singh Rathore

Shri Kaushalendra Singh Rathore was born on 5th October 1918 as the third son of Shri Prabhu Dayal Singh (Rathore)-an upright and reputed lawyer of Lakhimpur-Kheri, a remote district in Tarai region of UP (then Avadh). This family (the descendents of Rathores who fought a relentless battle against the British Raj in India since 1857), under pressure from Britishers migrated to Tarai region (bordering Nepal) from central parts of UP in the aftermath of suppression of the First War of Indian independence (often called Mutiny of 1857). Despite personal hardships sufferred at the hands of British Government, the family strived to pass on the message of independence, freedom and knowledge from generation to generation. Shri Prabhu Dayal Singh carrying forward this resolve of the family embarked upon the sole mission of expanding 'education' in this backward area by opening and running educational institutions in pre-independent India. Shri Kaushalendra under the able guidance of his father took early education in the same town in Dharma Sabha Vidyalaya-an institution set up by the family itself and thereafter joined Agra University from where he obtained his Master's Degree in Political Science. Having imbibed the philosophy of his father, he had vowed not to serve the British Government and hence relinquishing an offer of appointment under State Government, decided to take to education started service as a teacher in 1938. He retired as a Lecturer in Political science from D. S. Inter College in 1979. After retirement, he engaged himself in social work, religious and devotional activities and became a prominent public figure in the district. He enjoyed high respect and regard from all concerned who came in contact with him, specially the student community which was guided and taught by him till the end of his last days. His three sons (who owe their present stations in life due to the untiring efforts and guidance of their parents-specially Shri Kaushalendra) went into Government service only after independence of the country and are presently occupying high positions at different places in the country. As and when he visited them, he acquainted himself with the local culture, customs and conventions and had understood the length and breadth of the country. His interface and interaction with the South and Southern culture started with the posting of his rted with youngest son to South and there was no looking back thereafter. The South fascinated him in all respects and a confirmed Northerner had started converting to the charms and ethos of South India. This continuous touch with the South since 1983 onwards, steeled his resolve to start some educational and cultural activities in South, particularly in Karnataka, with the clear objective of promoting and strengthening interaction and exchange of Northern and Southern cultures as manifestation of true national integration, but God had willed otherwise. In deference to his desire, the Foundation has been started in South i.e., in Karnataka and it is from here that his work, values, philosophy and message would be propagated through out the country.

Shri Kaushalendra as a dedicated teacher was not only himself unrivalled in his professional standards, but also inspired and motivated those who came in touch with him to pursue professional excellence. Once he entered public life, he was the prime mover in taking up many public causes, viz., teachers' welfare, poor students' education, setting up of primary educational institutions, marriage of girls from poor families as well as many civic matters. In his last few years, he was deeply involved in religious affairs of 'Hindu' society. He sincerely tried to bring back pride amongst Hindu masses, which has continuously suffered an erosion of self-respect during the last 1,000 years. Of course, he fondly believed in co-existence of all religions on Indian soil, and he wished that national integration. should be accorded top priority by all religions and religious groups but no religion under any circumstances should become a cause or excuse for emergence or sprouting of any fissiparious tendencies in the country, much less far advantage being taken by social, communal or political elements.

The Foundation, comprising trustees from all over India (including his sons), echoes the same ethos of national integration. Its name is truly representative of his beliefs and aspirations. The objectives of the Foundation clearly reflect his abiding faith and commitment to national integration, Indian culture, service of the poor and needy, and spread of education amongst all the people.

Thus, the Kaushalendra Foundation for Public Affairs and Professional Excellence, has been set up as a charitable trust (recognised under Sec 80 G of Income Tax Act, 1961) with the distinct aim of promoting national and emotional integration of India through propagation of cardinal principles of 'Satya, Dharma and Nyaya'. Vehicles for translating this into reality would be training, education, research in all areas of human endeavour which can result in development of professional as well as betterment of social, cultural and educational life of all people.