NRI Teen Uses Rs 2 Lakh Prize Money To Transform Grandpa's Dilapidated Govt School In Tamil Nadu

16-year-old Krithik Ramesh of Indian origin who lives in Denver, decided to do something a little offbeat on his vacation to India. He came with the intention to visit the government school at Deviyakuruchi near Attur in Tamil Nadu, where his grandfather had completed his education.

But what he saw shocked him! The school was utterly dilapidated and Krithik couldn't bear to see it in that condition.

“My image [of the school] was shattered when I stepped [inside]. It was unclean and did not have adequate amenities. [The] schoolteachers there said this was the state of many government schools in India. That’s when I decided to do something,” he told Times of India.

With help from his father and grandfather, Krithik decided to start 'Empowering Rural India Foundation', a non-profit organisation, with the aim of uplifting government schools across the country.

Funding seemed to be a major issue for Krithik. But he had a backup plan!

Few months ago at the international science fair in Pittsburgh he had earned $3,000 (Rs 2,11,305) worth of prize money. He decided to donate that and another $3,000 - a total of Rs 4,22,610 from his savings to equip the government school with essential amenities.

Once he had the funding he helped resolve the electricity problem in the school by installing solar panels. His father, Ramesh, stated that they intend to put in place sustainable and renewable energy systems that will serve schools across India for a long time and will pave the way for improved academic success through self-sustaining solutions.

“I will participate in more science fairs, will get more money and contribute something to government schools in India,” added Krithik.

*Originally published in Times of India*