Prof. Anandajit Goswami, an accomplished academic, researcher, social philanthropist, and passionate entrepreneur, stands as a testament to this philosophy. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a change-maker in the field of social philanthropy reflects his deep-rooted commitment to social justice, sustainability, and human rights. Through his organization, TOHRI Foundation, Prof. Goswami is making tangible impacts on society and striving to address the world’s most pressing issues, including healthcare, education, and child rights.
A Journey of Change and Purpose
Prof. Anandajit Goswami is not your typical entrepreneur. With over 12 years of experience in academia, research, and policy-making, his professional journey has spanned diverse domains, from energy policy to human rights advocacy. Holding a PhD in Energy Policy from TERI School of Advanced Studies, Goswami has worked with prestigious organizations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Asian Development Bank, and World Bank. He has also been a consultant to NITI Aayog, WWF India, and the Government of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
His diverse professional journey, combined with a deep commitment to solving societal problems, has been the driving force behind the founding of the TOHRI Foundation. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the lack of access to essential resources such as healthcare, food, and shelter, Goswami felt compelled to act.
The idea of starting TOHRI Foundation emerged from his desire to directly impact the lives of people and bring about meaningful change through education, healthcare, partnerships, and empathy. Goswami’s philosophy has always been rooted in his belief that entrepreneurship is not just about creating wealth but about creating solutions that address societal challenges.
The Inception of TOHRI Foundation
Founded in 2021, TOHRI Foundation operates with a mission to provide holistic support to communities in need, focusing on issues such as child rights, education, healthcare, mental health, and gender equality. The foundation’s core objectives include addressing the gap in reskilling opportunities for underprivileged communities, creating sustainable and scalable solutions for healthcare, and providing shelter and food to those in need.
Operating from its headquarters in Greater Faridabad, Haryana, TOHRI Foundation has already made significant strides in its short existence. The foundation has been recognized for its work in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, and 17. It has been chosen as one of the 20 best startups of 2023 for its remarkable impact in the social empowerment space.
TOHRI Foundation’s approach is rooted in collaboration, and it has partnered with several organizations and government agencies to amplify its impact. By creating a direct connection with people and focusing on empathy and care, the foundation ensures that its interventions are sustainable and meaningful.
Addressing Social Issues through Social Philanthropy
At the heart of TOHRI Foundation’s mission is its unwavering commitment to solving key social issues. The foundation focuses on areas such as child rights, mental health, healthcare, and gender equality. In a world where millions of children suffer from violence, abuse, and neglect, TOHRI Foundation strives to protect and empower them. By providing access to healthcare, education, and shelter, the foundation directly impacts the lives of children who are often the most vulnerable members of society.
Additionally, mental health is a significant focus of the foundation’s work. In a country like India, where mental health issues are often stigmatized, TOHRI Foundation provides much-needed support through counseling, therapy, and awareness programs. By addressing the mental health needs of children and adults alike, the foundation is helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting holistic well-being.
The foundation’s impact also extends to providing reskilling opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities, empowering them with the skills needed to secure stable employment. This, in turn, helps to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable livelihoods.
Impacting the Market and Society
TOHRI Foundation’s direct engagement with communities has been a key factor in its success. The organization’s impact on society goes beyond financial donations or charity; it is about creating lasting, positive change. By focusing on healthcare, education, and partnerships, the foundation is solving the root causes of many social issues, such as poverty, violence, and discrimination.
One of the unique aspects of TOHRI Foundation is its ability to forge partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental entities. This collaborative approach allows the foundation to scale its efforts and reach a broader audience. By working alongside key stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and international organizations, TOHRI Foundation is able to amplify its impact and create long-term, sustainable solutions for the communities it serves.
The foundation’s work in healthcare has been particularly impactful, as it provides critical services to underserved communities that would otherwise have little to no access to medical care. Through mobile health clinics, vaccination campaigns, and awareness programs, TOHRI Foundation has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of thousands of people.
The Challenges and Struggles
Like any entrepreneur, Prof. Goswami faced numerous challenges in building TOHRI Foundation. However, he views these struggles as essential learning experiences rather than obstacles. According to him, struggles are an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey, and overcoming them is what ultimately shapes an entrepreneur’s path.
Coming from a refugee colony with limited resources, Goswami faced financial hardships early in his career. However, instead of viewing these challenges as setbacks, he saw them as opportunities for innovation. His lack of capital forced him to think creatively and experiment with new ideas. This innovative mindset, combined with perseverance and determination, helped him build a successful career and lay the foundation for TOHRI Foundation.
One of the biggest lessons Goswami learned as an entrepreneur is the importance of collaboration and building strong teams. He believes that no entrepreneur can succeed alone, and the ability to work with others towards a common goal is crucial. His experience in building teams and forging partnerships has been instrumental in the success of TOHRI Foundation.
A Vision for the Future
TOHRI Foundation is on a trajectory of growth and expansion. As the foundation continues to scale its impact, Goswami envisions reaching even more marginalized communities and addressing critical issues such as mental health, child rights, and sustainable development. The foundation is constantly exploring new ways to create lasting solutions that can benefit both current and future generations.
Looking ahead, Goswami plans to expand TOHRI Foundation’s reach through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. His vision includes a future where every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment, and where communities are empowered to lead sustainable lives.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked about his advice to budding entrepreneurs, Goswami emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience. “Never give up,” he says. “The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but the key is to keep moving forward and never lose sight of your mission.”
He also stresses the importance of keeping dreams alive and never allowing them to “sleep.” For Goswami, entrepreneurship is not just about business; it’s about creating a positive impact on the world and leaving behind a legacy of change.
Recognition and Awards
Prof. Anandajit Goswami’s contributions to literature, social empowerment, and sustainability have not gone unnoticed. He has won several prestigious awards for his work as a fiction writer, including the award for Best Fiction Writer for his novels. His foundation, TOHRI Foundation, has also been recognized twice as the most promising organization for social empowerment.
In addition to these accolades, Goswami has been honored by several organizations, including the National Human Rights Council, CRY, and WWF, for his efforts in the areas of human rights, animal rights, and child rights. His work on raising awareness about tobacco and drug use in campus environments earned him recognition as an ambassador for the NADA Foundation’s anti-tobacco campaign.
Prof. Anandajit Goswami Receiving Award at Blindwink India Business Awards 2025 by Actress Bipasha Basu
Prof. Anandajit Goswami’s journey as an entrepreneur is a shining example of how one individual’s vision and determination can create a ripple effect of change. Through his work with TOHRI Foundation, he is making a profound impact on society, addressing issues that affect millions of people worldwide. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses—it’s about creating a better, more equitable world for all.
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