Born from Pain, Built with Purpose:
A Journey to Uplift Every Forgotten Child
Shankar, the founder of Katral, grew up witnessing the struggles of children in his village who were forced to leave school due to financial hardship and lack of support. His own family was not spared—his younger brother dropped out in 8th grade, and his sister was married young, cutting short her education.
Determined to break this cycle, Shankar began tutoring children through an after-school program by AID INDIA. This experience fueled his passion for education, leading him to work full-time in rural and urban communities in Tamil Nadu, helping young students overcome barriers to learning.
It was during this journey that he met Aravind Raj, and Lakshmi, a like-minded changemaker. Together, they founded Katral—a movement dedicated to empowering children with education, skills, and mentorship while also creating opportunities for women through livelihood skills training. By equipping women with sustainable income-generating skills, Katral helps improve family financial stability, ensuring that children can continue their education without interruption.
Today, Katral stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, every child can build a brighter future and break free from the chains of poverty.
Meet Our Team
