Suriya, Karthi, and their father Sivakumar are prominent figures in Tamil cinema. Beyond their contributions to the film industry, the Agaram Foundation, led by Suriya and his wife Jyothika, has been making significant efforts over the years to support the education of underprivileged children. Their noble initiative sets a powerful example of giving back, one that can inspire many others to take up similar causes for the greater good of society.

What is now gaining attention are Karthi’s words about Suriya, Jyothika, and his nephew and niece, Dev and Diya.

A great journey

Fifteen years after actor Suriya launched the Agaram Foundation in Chennai to support underprivileged students' education, the organisation has not only transformed thousands of lives but has also become a family-wide mission. What began with Suriya’s vision has grown with the active involvement of his father Sivakumar, wife Jyotika, and brother Karthi — and now, the next generation is stepping in.

At the foundation’s 15th anniversary event held in Chennai, many students who benefitted from Agaram’s educational support shared emotional stories of how the foundation helped change the course of their lives. Suriya was visibly moved hearing their testimonials.

Taking the stage, actor Karthi revealed a heartwarming development: Suriya’s children, Diya and Dev, have started contributing to Agaram through the Maadham 300 initiative, which funds education for the needy. Karthi shared that the two children have quietly been donating their monthly pocket money to the cause. “It really moved me and makes me so happy,” Karthi said. “It’s clear that the value of giving is being passed down through this family.”

Karthi also took a moment to appreciate the strong role played by his sister-in-law Jyotika in sustaining the foundation. “Suriya Anna always says it’s enough if these children get the chance to study and succeed in life. And whenever we face a financial hurdle, Jyotika Anni reminds us, ‘Did we start this with money? We started with love. Money will follow.’ Without her unwavering support, Anna couldn’t have come this far.”

He also recalled Jyotika’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 crisis, when she helped extend the foundation’s support to hospitals and healthcare needs — despite the foundation’s primary focus on education. “We learn from what we see around us,” Karthi added.

With Diya and Dev joining in, the Agaram Foundation’s mission continues to inspire, growing from a personal initiative into a deeply rooted family tradition of service and compassion.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Suriya was last seen in Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro, which received rather mixed reviews. Both Karthi and Jyothika have several exciting projects lined up as well.