Our story
Born from a belief that every child's potential is equal
Suraj Charitable Trust was founded on a simple conviction — that where a child is born should never determine how far they can go.
How we began
A single classroom. A lifetime of impact.
In 2005, our founder Ramesh Suraj began tutoring six children in a single room in rural Maharashtra. He had no funding, no organisation, and no guarantee of success — only an unshakeable belief that education was the most powerful tool for change.
Word spread. Families who had never imagined secondary school for their children began to hope. Local donors stepped forward. Within three years, Suraj Charitable Trust was formally registered, and the first cohort of scholarship recipients sat their board examinations.
Today, nineteen years on, we have supported over 4,200 children across 38 communities. Our scholars have become teachers, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs — and many return to support the next generation.
What drives us
Mission, vision, and values
Our Mission
To provide underprivileged children with access to quality education and the resources they need to reach their full potential.
Our Vision
A India where every child — regardless of economic background — has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
Transparency
We publish full audited accounts annually and maintain open communication with every donor and beneficiary.
Dignity
We treat every child and family with respect, never reducing them to statistics or objects of charity.
Accountability
We measure outcomes rigorously and report honestly — including when programmes need to change.
Community
We work with communities, not for them. Local educators, parents, and leaders shape every programme we run.
Founder & chairman
Mahant Varun Sharma
Mahant Varun Sharma is the chief priest (Mahant) and Founder-President of the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir Trust at the historic Marghat Wale Baba Hanuman Temple in Jamuna Bazar, Delhi
After completing his own education and working for a decade in the development sector, Shri Varunji returned to his roots with a clear purpose: to be that teacher for as many children as possible. Suraj Charitable Trust is the result of that commitment.Varu
"I was lucky. I had one person who believed in me. Every child deserves that — and we intend to be that person for as many as we can reach."
— Mahant Varun Sharma
The people behind the work
A dedicated team of educators and changemakers
Suraj Charitable Trust is run by a lean, committed team of full-time staff, field educators, and volunteers — many of whom are former scholarship recipients themselves.
Abhay Varshney
Pawan Kumar
Mayank Kumar
Ankur Shivaji
Registered, audited, and accountable
Registered Trust
Registered under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950
80G Exemption
Donations eligible for income tax deduction under Section 80G
Annual Audit
Accounts audited by independent chartered accountants every year