In the evolving world of social entrepreneurship, few individuals manage to combine their expertise across diverse fields and create a lasting impact in the community. One such remarkable individual is Prof. Anandajit Goswami, a visionary social entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist. As the Director of the TOHRI Foundation, Prof. Goswami has dedicated his life to bridging gaps in healthcare, education, mental health, child rights, and environmental sustainability. His professional journey and the TOHRI Foundation’s work stand as a testament to the transformative power of social change, driven by a deep sense of empathy and purpose.
Background: From Humble Beginnings to Leading Social Change
Prof. Anandajit Goswami’s journey is an inspiring narrative of overcoming challenges, embracing innovation, and always staying true to the goal of empowering those in need. Born and raised in a refugee colony, Goswami’s early life was marked by limited resources and living in challenging circumstances. However, rather than allowing these hardships to define him, they became the driving force that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. With no shelter or financial capital, he was determined to create a better future for himself and others around him. This tenacity, honed in the face of adversity, has propelled him towards both academic and social success.
Goswami’s educational background is as impressive as his entrepreneurial spirit. He holds a Ph.D. in Energy Policy from TERI School of Advanced Studies and a Master’s in International Trade and Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University. His academic journey has seen him lead pivotal projects supported by renowned international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and UN Conference on Trade and Development. His role as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as Ashoka University and IMPRI has allowed him to impart his wealth of knowledge to future generations.
In addition to his academic roles, Goswami has been instrumental in guiding national and international policy, particularly in the areas of energy transition, sustainability, and socio-economic development. His contributions have been recognized by numerous global organizations, such as the United Nations, Niti Aayog, and WWF India, with him playing a key advisory role in shaping policy decisions on various issues including climate action, child rights, and human rights.
However, it is his TOHRI Foundation that truly reflects the essence of his commitment to social empowerment. The foundation, founded in June 2021, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising startups in the social impact space, earning recognition for its work in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, and 17.
The Birth of TOHRI Foundation: A Vision to Empower Communities
The TOHRI Foundation was born out of Prof. Goswami’s desire to create direct, tangible change in the lives of vulnerable communities. Through the foundation, Goswami has set out to address issues such as lack of healthcare, food insecurity, inadequate shelter, and the mental health challenges faced by children. In his own words, the foundation’s mission is to “connect and impact people directly through healthcare, food, shelter, care, empathy, and partnerships.” The foundation’s activities extend beyond the provision of basic needs—it also focuses on reskilling initiatives that help individuals build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.
While many organizations aim to address societal issues, what sets TOHRI Foundation apart is its holistic approach, integrating healthcare, education, and social care into a unified framework of social impact. The foundation’s emphasis on empathy and partnerships creates a network that fosters collaboration across sectors, allowing them to solve problems more efficiently and sustainably.
With a focus on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace and Justice), the foundation’s work has already made an undeniable impact in several underserved areas. Notably, the foundation’s work in the realm of child rights, human rights, and animal rights has gained considerable recognition. Prof. Goswami’s anti-tobacco campaign as an ambassador for the NADA Foundation and his contributions to climate action movements like Extinction Rebellion further amplify his deep-seated belief in protecting both people and the planet.
Overcoming Struggles: The Path of Perseverance
Like many entrepreneurs, Prof. Goswami has faced significant struggles along his journey. He refers to these challenges as an “educational school” for entrepreneurs, acknowledging that problems are inevitable but are best viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles. One of his most formative challenges was the absence of financial capital early on in his career. However, he transformed this limitation into a spur for innovation. He learned to operate with limited resources and developed a mindset that thrived on experimentation and creativity.
His lack of capital didn’t discourage him; rather, it forced him to think outside the box and find unconventional solutions. Prof. Goswami’s ability to find opportunity in adversity is one of the key factors that sets him apart as an entrepreneur. In the absence of traditional resources, he leveraged his expertise, partnerships, and unwavering determination to pave the way for his professional success. His journey from humble beginnings in a refugee colony to becoming an internationally recognized thought leader is proof of the power of perseverance, hard work, and vision.
Key Learnings and Entrepreneurial Wisdom
Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Prof. Goswami has internalized some important lessons that continue to guide his actions both personally and professionally. His top piece of advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Don’t sleep and don’t allow your dreams to sleep.” He believes that constant vigilance and staying aligned with one’s goals is essential for achieving success. Perseverance, a vision for the future, and the ability to build strong teams are crucial ingredients for any entrepreneur’s success, according to Goswami.
For him, the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship is the ability to create lasting change and empower people directly. His entrepreneurial success is not measured by profits or accolades but by the real difference he makes in the lives of others through his work at TOHRI Foundation. Human rights, animal rights, and child rights are core to his work, and his commitment to climate action further elevates his holistic approach to solving the world’s most pressing issues.
Recognition and Awards
Prof. Anandajit Goswami’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious awards for both his work in fiction writing and his contributions to social empowerment. He has won four times for best fiction writer, and the TOHRI Foundation has been recognized twice for its social impact. His advocacy for human rights, child rights, and climate change has earned him accolades from organizations such as CRY, WWF, and the National Human Rights Council. He was also chosen as the brand ambassador for the NADA Foundation due to his unwavering commitment to raising awareness on anti-tobacco initiatives and the importance of a healthy campus environment.
Furthermore, his book “A Green Day” published by Hachette India has been trending as the #1 book in climate and environment since its release in 2024, showcasing his ability to communicate complex issues surrounding climate action and sustainability in an accessible and engaging way.
A Vision for the Future
The story of Prof. Anandajit Goswami and the TOHRI Foundation exemplifies the power of social entrepreneurship to create sustainable change. His journey from a refugee colony to leading one of India’s most impactful social enterprises demonstrates that with the right mindset, anyone can overcome their challenges and use their talents to uplift others. As TOHRI Foundation continues to expand and reach more people, its future looks brighter than ever, with plans to scale its initiatives in healthcare, education, and sustainable development.
The vision of Prof. Goswami is clear: to continue being an agent of change, making a difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and the planet. His ability to connect people through empathy, partnerships, and a shared commitment to social good ensures that his entrepreneurial journey is not only one of professional success but also one of profound societal impact.
