I’ve always believed in making a difference. I’ve always believed in shooting for the stars. During my 16-year entrepreneurial journey, I’ve been blessed with success that I never even imagined was possible.
Entrepreneurial success was my first ambitious goal. And I’ve accomplished that against all odds, despite skeptics and even in my darkest moments. But, I’ve always been a big believer in giving back and truly making a difference. My parents always reminded me, “to never forget where you came from.”
Today, I’ve formalized all of these non-profit efforts into, The Chahal Foundation, which I’m delighted to say has become a 501(c)3 organization. I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in different ways. People across the globe.
Maybe you think that’s a grandiose statement. But, again, I’ve always believed in thinking big and acting big. It’s the only way to go. It’s the only way I know how to conduct myself.
I believe there’s a common dream that we all share, a universal right: and that’s the right to happiness.
As I say this in the foundation’s mission statement: “It doesn’t matter where we live or what we look like. It doesn’t matter whether we are rich or poor. It doesn’t matter what our religious beliefs are. We have the right to live without fear. We have the right to a better education. We all have the right to a better life. These are bonds that link us all.”
This is what my core believes.
The Chahal Foundation, will expand and work in these four key areas:
■ Creating awareness of social causes
■ University scholarships and mentorships
■ Supporting disaster relief efforts
■ Improving schools in third world countries
These efforts will build on my years of support for social causes and education including scholarships at New York’s Pace University and disaster relief through organizations such as the Red Cross. We will also be working with various NGOs to improve schools — starting with impoverished youth in India and Africa.
The Chahal Foundation became the natural evolution of the BeProud Foundation which I formed in August 2012, in response to the Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting when a gunman killed six people and wounded four others.
If you share this mission and would like to help, I would be delighted to have your assistance, in any form through your time, effort and ideas. These causes need us all to play a part to whatever extent we can. If you wish to help please feel free to contact us at: foundation@chahal.com.
This is what life is all about, purpose. It’s about working together. It’s about making a difference. So, we can all have limitless dreams and limitless possibilities, and achieve what we all strive for – ultimate happiness.
Sincerely,
Gurbaksh Chahal
Founder, The Chahal Foundation
Follow our Journey on Facebook at: Facebook.com/ChahalFoundation
Follow our Journey on Twitter at: Twitter.com/ChahalNonProfit