EDUCATING CHILDREN OF POOR WIDOWS

Education has been at the heart of The Loomba Foundation since its inception. Inspired by the determination of Lord Loomba’s late mother, Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba—who ensured her seven children received the best possible education despite being widowed at 37—the Foundation set out to give the same opportunity to the children of poor widows across India.

Breaking the Cycle of Deprivation

Widowhood in India too often triggers a cycle of hardship: loss of income, social exclusion and the withdrawal of children from school to help support the family. With more than 15 million widows living in extreme poverty, access to education is both a lifeline and a path to long-term change.

The Foundation’s education programme was launched in 1999 at the inauguration of its India chapter by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, supporting 100 children in Delhi. This model—funding at least 100 children in each state—soon expanded nationwide.

How the Programme Works

Loomba Scholars are selected purely on the basis of need, regardless of religion, caste or gender. Scholarships are deposited monthly into bank accounts opened jointly in the names of the widow and her child, ensuring direct and transparent support. Each scholar receives ₹500 per month for a minimum of five years, often longer where higher education is pursued.

No payments are made to third parties: the support goes straight to families.

Responding to Need

The programme has grown not only state-by-state but also in response to crises. After major disasters—including the Odisha cyclone (1999), the Gujarat earthquake (2001) and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami—the Foundation established dedicated scholarships for children who had lost their fathers or both parents. These initiatives ensured that the most vulnerable could continue their education even in the most extreme circumstances.

A National Impact

By 2006, the Foundation had exceeded its original target of supporting 100 children in each of India’s 29 states. With the backing of generous partners and donors, including the Hinduja Foundation, Rotary India Literacy Mission and many individual supporters, more than 10,000 children of poor widows have now received Loomba scholarships—positively impacting over 60,000 family members.

The programme also extends to improving school environments. In 2006 the Foundation co-funded the full renovation of the Government Senior Secondary School in Dhilwan, Punjab—reinstating its historic façade and providing modern sanitation, drinking water and facilities for its students.

Lives Transformed

Many former Loomba Scholars have gone on to complete university degrees and build successful careers, supporting their families and communities. Their stories—from engineers and IT professionals to graduates now working in commerce and industry—reflect the transformative power of education and the long-term impact of the programme.

The Loomba Foundation remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for the children of widows, ensuring every child has the chance to learn, grow and build a brighter future.