Widely acclaimed for its work in supporting underprivileged students, Tamil film star Suriya’s Agaram Foundation has now been hailed by senior CPM leader and former Kerala Health minister K K Shailaja, who praised its efforts and extended her warm wishes. In a Facebook post, Shailaja described the foundation’s work as “exemplary and truly commendable”.

The appreciation comes in the wake of Agaram Foundation’s 15th anniversary celebrations, held recently. During the emotional event, Suriya, the foundation’s founder, was visibly moved—an image that quickly made headlines across the South.

Agaram was launched on September 25, 2006, when Suriya was 35 years old, with the aim of supporting the education of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, the foundation is largely led by former beneficiaries themselves—an achievement Suriya highlighted with pride during the event.

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was the chief guest at the anniversary function.

K K Shailaja’s Facebook post

Shailaja wrote that Agaram Foundation’s efforts to uplift underprivileged students through education are both praiseworthy and inspiring. She pointed out that in India, a huge number of students are forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship.

“What makes Agaram remarkable,” she added, “is its ability to identify such students and help them complete their education.”

According to her post, the foundation has already supported 51 students who went on to become doctors—each from rural Tamil Nadu and the first in their families to receive higher education. In addition, nearly 1,800 students have become engineers through Agaram’s initiatives.

What began with just 160 seats has now grown into a network that reaches over 6,000 students, offering them access to education and a brighter future.

“An educated generation is the foundation and wealth of a progressive society,” Shailaja concluded. “My heartfelt wishes to Suriya and his incredible mission.”