Educate The Poor, Eradicate poverty

About Us

Higher education is not a luxury, it is an economic imperative that every family in India should be able to afford. Alas, not all families in India can afford this even if they have gifted children. HELP Higher Education Learning for Poor was formed to address this issue by providing financial aid for higher education to the poor and underprivileged. HELP is a non-profit, non-government organization duly registered as a society under the Haryana Registration & Regulation of Society's Act of 2012.

Registration No.: HR001201400355

Dated: 20th March 2014

Income tax approval 80G vide Registration No.: CHD/80G/AABTH3909C/2017-18/11132

12AA Registration No.: 12A/AABTH3909C/1128


HELP decided to work closely with All Govt. schools of Chd, punjab & Haryana as their children come mainly from poor families who cannot afford higher education after completing schooling.


Unfortunately, after schooling, many of these children are often unable to continue higher studies on account of financial constraints.


We started in 2014/15 by supporting students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidhalaya ( JNV ) , Chandigarh after completion of their class 12. Till date, we continue with yearly intake of students from this school.


Besides, students from Govt & Private schools in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali & Ambala form the core group for our selection.


For the last two years, we have supported 15 visually impaired students from SGGS College, Sector 26, Chandigarh- our initiative to empower the differently abled deserving students with college education.


We have an MOU with Govt Post Graduate College, Sector 46, Chandigarh whereby every year 5 students are selected for financial support to pursue their higher education.


Our Intake:

  • 06 students in first year 2014/15
  • 100 students in 2021/22.
  • 150 students in first 06 years. Average 25 students each year.
  • 440 students in next 06 years with an average of 73 students each year.
  • Total 590 students in 12 years 2014/15 till 2025/26.

Vision

In the next 03 years, 2026/27 to 2028/29, we aim to increase our student intake to 110 each year. In 10 years from now, we aim to spread our activities across the states of Haryana, Punjab & Himachal Pradesh.
We would like to be known as one of the leading NGOS in the field of higher education.

Members


Lalit Kapur

President. One of the founding members of HELP.

Mr Kapur has over 30 years of experience in the Aviation Industry. He retired from Air India as General Manager-Commercial. He held independent charge of stations worldwide and within India for over 25 years. This includes stint at Los Angeles, Nairobi, Kathmandu, Delhi and Bengaluru. Mr Kapur is an LL.B from Punjab University, Chandigarh and MBA from University Business School (UBS), Punjab University, Chandigarh. He is actively involved with social work for last 22 years as member of Peoples Welfare Society, a registered NGO at Ambala City, Haryana. Post retirement, his focus is to serve the society and HELP gives him the opportunity to fulfil that passion. Hobbies include golf, swimming and yoga. He resides at Amravati Enclave, Panchkula.


Mr Avnindra Berry

Vice President

Highly Accomplished Power Engineer has more than 45 years of progressive experience in Power Sector in India and East Africa. He retired in 2012 as Chief Engineer from Uttar Haryana BijliVitran Nigam holds B.E. (Electrical) with Honors & PGDBM. Post retirement worked as consultant with BSES Rajdhani, New Delhi, Sterlite Power, Hindustan Power Exchange,. Currently associated as Advisor with E&Y, and Arbitrator with Haryana Government. He loves travelling and is keen golfer.


Raj Prehar

Gernal Secretary. One of the founding members of HELP.

Holds a B.Sc. (Chem), M.B.A.from (UBS, Punjab University, Chandigarh). A successful businessman, and is a leading authority in document security in India. Specialises in products which prevent counterfeiting. He is also a co-inventor of a highly regarded and successful anti-counterfeiting product for which he co-holds a world wide patent. He was also one of the pioneers in manufacturing flexible packages in India. Avid golfer and reader. He lives in Chandigarh.


Sanjeev Checker

Treasurer

Completed schooling from MLN Higher Secondary School, Yamunanagar (1973), followed by a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala (1978). Began his career as a Project Engineer at Punjab Tractors Ltd., Mohali, during its expansion phase, and later worked in the corporate sector for 14 years before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey. Founded a private limited company in Chandigarh engaged in the power electronics business, and also manages the Delhi Global Senior School, a middle school based in Panchkula. An active member of the Rotary Club, Chandigarh since 1994, having held several leadership roles including President and Assistant Governor. Also a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Chandigarh. His wife, Mrs. Nipun, retired as Senior Lecturer from PEC, Chandigarh.


CA. Baldev Garg

Joint Secretary

CA. Baldev Garg is a qualified Chartered Accountant in practice under the firm name of M/s Baldev Kumar Co. Since 1994. He served as Secretary for 2007-08 and Vice-Chairman during 2009-10 of Northern India Regional Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He remained Director of State Bank of Patiala (now State Bank of India) for the period December 2014 to March 2017. Contributing to nation building by making efforts to literate economically weaker students having potential to transform self and society.


Veerji Mattoo

Executive Member since 2020. One of the founding members of HELP.

Mattoo has been a banker and has retired from banking service at a senior position after putting in 35 years of service. He is a thorough banker having worked in different senior positions in various locations in India and has extensively travelled to most of the Asian countries in connection with his Job. He has been associated as a senior Faculty with Institute of Finance Banking and Insurance (IFBI) a Pan India Organization. He has travelled extensively in connection with his association with IFBI. He loves travelling and is a keen Golfer.


Ravinder Lakhanpal

Executive Member

Graduation in Economics / Masters in Marketing Management. Thirty Years of experience in Consumer's products such as - Coca Cola, Pepsi, Parles at various positions India and Overseas. Last Assignment CEO - Coca Cola Yemen, Middle East. Two years as CEO - Real Estate Group - Ramprastha, Gurgaon. Presently doing High Tech Farming. Twice Achieved Highest Revenue per Acre Award and from CM - Haryana, Best Flower Grower Award From Agriculture Minister Haryana.


K.B. Khullar

Member. One of the founding members of HELP

Mr Khullar has over 35 years of experience in the Textile industry, in India, South Africa & Nigeria. He retired in 2012 as Director/CEO Daraju Industries, Lagos, Nigeria. Mr Khullar holds a Bachelor of Technology in Textiles from TIT&S, Bhiwani and MBA from University Business School (UBS), Punjab University, Chandigarh. At, present, he is a non executive Director in Pee Vee Textiles, a large composite textile unit near Nagpur, Maharashtra. Mr Khullar practises yoga, meditation and has a keen interest in religious and spiritual discourses. He resides at Panchkula, Haryana.


Pratul Bhandari

Member

Highly accomplished Management Executive having 36 years of work experience with Usha International Ltd in Product Management Marketing, Sales & Distribution, Organized Retial, Procurement, International Business, SBU Head of Home Appliances and International Business Verticals. Mr Bhandari had travelled extensively across the globe for business development. He is a B.Com, MBA from university Business School, Punjab University, Chandigarh. Certified Export Management, IIFT. Presently, working as Business Consultant in areas of strategy, planning, exports and retail initiatives with different companies. Mr Bhandari resides at Gurgaon, Haryana.


Mohan G Joshi

Member

Highly accomplished Management Executive, Mohan Joshi offers an impressive global experience of over three decades in Specialised Glass and Pharmaceutical Industry. He holds a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from BITS, Pilani & a Management Graduate from University Business school, (UBS) Chandigarh. An active Rotarian & President of the 60 year old rotary Club of Bombay West. He resides at Mumbai, Maharashtra.


Arvind Walia

Member

Management Professional with 33 years of experience in the Automotive Industry. Mr Walia worked as Managing Director, Gabriel India Ltd from 2006-11, an industry leader in the Automotive Component Industry at Rs 12 billion with 6 plants employing 3000 persons. Mr Walia is a Science Graduate from Delhi University, MBA from University Business School (UBS), Punjab University, Chandigarh and Chartered Accountant (Articled with $M/S$ S.N.Dhawan & Co Delhi). Presently working as a Consultant with AMBIT, Oxigin Ltd & Anand Group. Hobbies include reading, golf, squash and chess. Mr Walia resides at Delhi.


Sanjeev Bajaj

Member

A product of LA Martiniere College, Lucknow, BITS, Pilani and MBA from UBS, Punjab University, Chandigarh. Mr Bajaj has an experience of over 35 years in Civil Construction Business mainly for the Defence services in and around Lucknow. He has completed several prestigious works including New Operation Theatre Complex at Base Station, Lucknow, Central Command Officers Mess and many Married Accommodation Projects. Hobbies include closet writing for blogging site Sulekha and has also published two short stories for periodical Femina. A voracious reader and a huge fan of Bill Bryson and Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Mr Bajaj resides at Lucknow, UP.


Anita kapur

Member

Kashmiri Pandit, by birth, Anita Kapur spent her childhood in Srinagar. Her schooling & college education was in Chandigarh. She did her Masters in Political science. ​She comes from a family with significant contribution to education, social reforms & activism. Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb is deeply ingrained in her thought process & value system. As a home maker, she has excelled in all roles - daughter, wife, mother & sister. Her opinion & advice is much sought after by family & friends. A binding & unifying force, indeed! Essentially a Giver who prioritises Others First. As a founder member, she has remained in the background & expresses her viewpoint through her spouse, Lalit Kapur, who has been actively involved in the decision making process.


Rajeev Gupta

Member

I am MCom from PU, Chandigarh 1979 batch. Started Synergy Metals Pvt Ltd Mohali in 1980. Now we are 100 EOU unit. During my college/university days, I was actively involved in extra curricular activities & social projects. I have continued with my passion for social work. Presently, I am President of NGO Parivartan Society. Our main focus is improving infrastructure in various Govt Schools in Mohali Distt. We have upgraded infrastructure in 7 schools & work is ongoing in 2 schools. I was General Secretary of Mohali Industries Association for 6 years. & now hold the position of Senior Vice President for the last 3 years. Besides, I was Director, CITCO, Member of Chandigarh Labour Welfare Advisory Board, ESIC Regional Advisory Board, Member Central Excise & Income Tax Grievance Committees. I am a resident of Chandigarh since 1965.


Kunal Raheja

Member

Kunal Raheja is the co-founder of Finbucks Financial Management, a boutique Wealth and Investment advisory based out of Chandigarh. He is a hands-on and seasoned financial advisor. His area of expertise includes having key strengths in Wealth Management and Financial Planning. Having worked with Indian and MNC Banks for more than a decade, he brings key market dynamics, industry insights & professionalism to his approach in a structured format.He is empaneled with Indian Army to deliver lectures on financial management and retirement planning.


Girish Trehan

Member

A postgraduate in Mathematics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, with a rich professional background in public and private sectors. Served in the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, followed by an 11-year tenure (2008–2019) as Project Head at Shakun’s Infrastructure Developers Ltd., Solan. Currently, actively engaged in stock market trading and investments. A passionate traveler who enjoys exploring new places and spending quality time with family and friends. Resides in Sector 2, Panchkula


Rashmi Kapur

Member

I, Rashmi R Kapur, pursued higher learning and did Post Graduations in English and Education besides 1 year Diploma for teaching Dyslexic. Certificate course in Urdu. Continuing learning spread education in its entirety for nearly 3 decades. Represented Haryana in Asiad 1982 to be with then Prime Minister Madam Indira Gandhi. Now helping society with Numerology and Reiki.


Anil Kumar Jindal

Member

Highly accomplished Civil Engineer with over 40 years of progressive experience in civil engineering. Retired in 2015 as a Superintending Engineer from PUDA, he holds an M.Tech in Structural Engineering from PEC, Chandigarh. He has extensive experience in the supervision of building and road projects, including Aerocity and Eco City One. Currently, he is an active member of the Rotary Club, contributing to various social initiatives. He has a passion for traveling and is an enthusiastic golfer.


Ashima Tarun Kathuria

Member

Ms. Ashima Tarun Kathuria is an accomplished English educator and academic leader with 35 years of teaching experience, including 15 years as the Head of the English Department at Maharaja Agrasen Model School, Delhi. She holds a Master’s degree in English and a B.Ed., with expertise in curriculum planning, faculty mentoring, and organizing major events such as literary festivals, debates, and Model United Nations (MUNs). Dedicated to creating an inclusive, student-centered learning environment, she focuses on nurturing critical thinking, effective communication, and a strong appreciation for literature. Outside academia, she enjoys reading, traveling, creative writing, painting, and exploring diverse cultures.


Amit Chahal

Member

Post Graduate in Finance and having Progressive Work experience in banking and financial sector since 2002 . Worked 12 yrs in Investments banking ( CITI Bank ,Bank and HDFC Bank ) . Presently having an Investment Consultancy Firm in the name of Swastik Financial Experts at Panchkula .Member of Arya Samaj Sec 9 Pkl , Rotary Chandigarh Uptown and keenly interested in the upliftment of society through education.