CHAUSON FOUNDATION
Shri. Surendranath Chaugule
Co-founder & President
Chauson Education Society.
President Chauson Foundation
Transforming Education in Rural Landscapes
In the heart of India's rural and backward regions, where educational opportunities often lag behind urban centers, one individual stands out.Armed with an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), Shri Surendranath Chaugule has embarked on a transformative journey to uplift education in the backward areas of north Karnataka. He was able to understand the challenges faced by rural students in accessing quality education
and decided to dosomething about it.
Through a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, academic rigor, and social commitment, Shri Surendranath has established educational institutes for teacher education that not only fill the educational gap but also generate holistic community development.Born and raised in Mumbai and Bangalore, Shri Surendranath was fortunate to get his education from premier institutes of India like the VJTI, where he did his B.E Hons and IIMA.
Upon graduating from IIMA, he made a conscious decision to not follow the beaten path and take up a corporate job like most others graduating with him, instead, he decided to utilize his expertise to address the pressing need for educational infrastructure in rural and backward areas of north Karnataka. With this clear vision and unwavering determination, heembarked on the journey of establishing educational institutes that would serve as catalystsfor change.
Recognizing the importance of tailored approaches, he adopted a flexible model that not only provided academic instruction but also promoted critical thinking and socioeconomic empowerment.
The 15-acre Chauson Campus goes beyond academics and serves as a hub for community engagement offering various other educational and development programs by partnering with subject matter experts.
By mobilizing resources and leveraging modern technology he has overcome infrastructural barriers and reached remote areas too. Being able to shift to online mode of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic was an example of how technology could be leveraged even in a rural area. Under his able leadership, the Chauson College of Education has achieved great heights, it is the only NAAC-approved unaided college in Karnataka, and it is also NCTE-recognized and UGC-recognized u/s 12B.Till today ~5000 teachers have graduated and are successfully employed in various schools across the country, taking forward the vision and mission of the Chauson Education Society.The Chauson society is currently working on new institutes which will start in the forthcoming academic year.Through his journey from IIMA graduate to an educationist, Shri Surendranth has not only transformed individual lives but he has also sown the seeds of progress and prosperity.
Smt. Shakuntala Chaugule Ex MLA,
Social Worker, Founder of Chauson Education Society
Director of Chauson Foundation
The Indomitable Spirit of Service
In the chronicles of rural governance, one figure that shines brightly is that of Smt. Shakuntala Chaugule. Shas dedicated her life to serving her community with unwavering commitment and boundless energy. From her tenure as an MLA to her continued efforts in her golden years, Smt Shakuntala Chaugule epitomizes the essence of selfless service and tireless dedication.
As an MLA in the rural area of Chikodi, Karnataka, Smt Shakuntala Chaugule took on the mantle of leadership with a fervent determination to bring about positive change.
Throughout her tenure, she spearheaded a myriad of development activities aimed at uplifting her constituency and improving the lives of its residents. From infrastructure projects to social welfare programs, she left no stone unturned. One of her notable accomplishments during her tenure was the establishment of a teacher education college in the heart of her constituency. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in fostering socio-economic development, she set up the college for aspiring educators also enabling employment generation in rural and backward areas. Through her vision and perseverance, Smt Shakuntaka Chaugule not only created opportunities for the youth but also laid the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.
Even today, she shows no signs of slowing down. Fueled by a passion for service and a deep-seated love for her community, she continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of society.
Smt Shakuntala Chaugule's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to all who know her. Through her actions, she reminds us that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Following in her footsteps her children Dr Tanuja S Kumar and Surendranath Chaugule, have embraced the mantle of education and rural development with zeal and determination.
Dr. Tanuja S Kumar
Co-Founder Chauson Education Society
Principal Chauson College of Education
Director Chauson Foundation
Empowering Minds
In the rolling hills of North Karnataka, amidst the rustic charm of rural life, we see Dr Tanuja S Kumar, an example of educational excellence and unwavering passion.
From her beginnings as a Mathematics major in her undergraduate to her current role as the head of teacher education institutes, Dr Tanuja’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless possibilities it holds. As a young undergraduate, Dr Tanuja found solace and inspiration in the world of numbers and equations. However, it was her innate desire to impart knowledge and shape young minds that led her to pursue a Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts, USA.
There, amidst the academic rigors of a prestigious institution, she honed her pedagogical skills and gained insights that would shape her future endeavors.
Armed with her M.Ed degree, Dr. Tanuja returned to her roots with a newfound zeal to revolutionize education in rural Karnataka. Embarking on a journey of lifelong learning, she also pursued a Ph.D. in Education, delving deep into the intricacies of teaching methodologies and educational leadership. Her research focused on innovative approaches to teacher training, with a particular emphasis on rural education.
Today, as the principal of teacher education institutes in rural areas, Dr. Tanuja is living her passion every day. Through her visionary leadership and tireless dedication, she has transformed these institutes into institutes of academic excellence, nurturing a new generation of educators who are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
For Dr. Tanuja Kumar, teaching is not merely a profession; it is a calling, a vocation that fills her with purpose and joy. Over the past 39 years, her unwavering commitment to the cause of education has touched countless lives, empowering students and teachers alike to dream big and reach for the stars
Smt. Savita Chaugule
Director Chauson Education Society,
Director Chauson Foundation
Bridging Worlds:
The Journey of a Development Communication Expert in Rural Education In the remarkable journey of Smt Savita Chaugule, we witness the seamless fusion of diverse professional realms— from media and environmental education to corporate leadership and rural education. Armed with a Master's degree in Development Communication, Smt Savita embarked on a multifaceted journey that traversed the realms of media, environmental education, corporate leadership, and now, rural education and
development.
Through each phase of her career, Smt Savita has epitomized resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to driving positive change. Growing up in the shadow of her father, a distinguished founder professor of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), who was also an academician from the esteemed Harvard Institute(USA), instilled in Smt Savita a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education at a very early age. Her passion for education and communication propelled her to pursue a Master's Degree in Development communication, where she topped the University. She was now equipped with the tools to leverage media as a vehicle for social transformation. She began her career by producing educational programs for television, under UGC’s Country Wide classroom, utilizing the power of storytelling to disseminate knowledge to students.
After her successful stint in media and environment education, Smt Savita embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining a leading IT service firm. Over the course of 18 years, she rose through the ranks demonstrating exceptional leadership skills. Her corporate journey instilled in her a deep understanding of strategic planning and execution. In her pursuit of rural education, this strategic acumen equips her with the foresight to develop comprehensive plans that address the multifaceted needs of rural communities.
Drawing upon her diverse experiences and expertise Smt Savita made the bold decision to transition back to her first love of education. She commits to making a difference regardless of the challenges along the way. As Savita continues her mission to democratize education and uplift communities, she
remains guided by a vision of a more equitable and inclusive society.
Ms. Roma S Kumar
Director Chauson Foundation.
The Journey of a Young Marketing Professional
In the dynamic landscape of modern marketing, one young woman stands out with her compassion and purpose. Armed with a BBA followed by an MBA in Marketing, Roma S Kumar has charted a path that seamlessly merges her passion for business with her unwavering commitment to social impact.
Following her academic pursuits, Roma embarked on a journey into the world of e- commerce, where she lent her talents to the advertising department of a leading company where she specialized in content creation.
Her expertise in digital marketing and social media management propelled her to undertake freelance projects, where she applied her creativity and strategic acumen to elevate brands and expand their reach in the digital sphere. Whether crafting engaging social media content or optimizing online advertising campaigns Roma Kumar demonstrated a knack for driving results and captivating audiences.
Beyond her professional work, Roma has also dedicated her time and energy to giving back to society. Volunteering with NGOs focused on various causes such as old age homes, orphanages, and animal shelters, she exemplifies the spirit of empathy and compassion. She has been invited as a guest speaker at educational institutes, where she inspires students to harness the power of marketing for social good, imparting valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.
In Roma's journey, we find a powerful example of how one young individual can leverage their skills, talents, and resources to make a meaningful difference in the world.