​Building The Change

It all began with a simple yet profound belief: "True charity is not just about giving; it’s about creating lasting change." This belief was the driving force behind the creation of Smiles of India Foundation, co-founded by Karthik Raja Karnan and Manikandan Arumugam.

In the early days, Karthik noticed a common issue in the communities he visited—the lack of access to clean water in government schools. Children were hesitant to drink water from public sources because of the poor maintenance of water tanks, putting their health at risk. But what troubled Karthik even more was that many charitable donations for such causes would often be short-term fixes. The purifiers would be donated, but with no follow-up maintenance, they would fall into disrepair and become useless.

Determined to do things differently, Karthik and Manikandan took it upon themselves to address this problem in a more sustainable way. They didn’t just donate water purifiers to schools; they committed to providing lifetime maintenance for these systems. Smiles of India Foundation ensured that the filters were regularly serviced and replaced when needed, guaranteeing that clean water would remain accessible to children for years to come.

This initiative was only the beginning. Inspired by the success of their water purifier project, Smiles of India Foundation continued to grow and take on new challenges. They launched an afforestation campaign, distributing seed balls to encourage tree planting in communities. They understood that just like a single drop of water can make a ripple, every small action could lead to a bigger change.

But Karthik’s approach was unique—he didn’t just want to hand out solutions; he wanted to understand the real needs of the people. He and Manikandan personally visited underprivileged schools and community centers, listening to the people and learning about their struggles before implementing any solution. This hands-on approach ensured that all the foundation's projects were not just well-intentioned but also effective and relevant.

What truly set Smiles of India Foundation apart was its commitment to transparency. Every donor, no matter how small their contribution, had the right to know exactly where their money was going. The foundation made its financial reports and project updates publicly available, fostering trust and ensuring that donors felt confident their money was making a real difference.

Over the years, the foundation has positively impacted thousands of lives. From providing clean water and promoting environmental awareness to offering vocational training programs for youth and empowering communities with sustainable solutions, Smiles of India Foundation has become a symbol of hope and transformation.

Today, Smiles of India Foundation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets action. It’s a story of individuals who, despite all odds, decided to create smiles—not just today, but for generations to come.