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Havrvard University. Image courtesy: Gemini
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From Indian roots to global impact |
Thirty years ago, a bright-eyed graduate in Zoology from SD College, Alappuzha, dared to dream to go and study in America.
For a young graduate in 1980s India, the dream of studying in America was a whole different ball game. Forget about researching universities online – back then, the internet was a distant future. Fax machines and in-house telephones were luxuries few possessed. Back then, learning about US universities wasn't as easy as it is today. Information sessions were only held at US foreign affairs offices in India.
S. Raj made multiple visits to the US consulate office in Chennai, actively seeking information. He became a member of the local US library, attending presentations by US university representatives whenever they visited. Taking initiative, S. Raj utilized study materials used by students preparing for GMAT and TOEFL exams at training centers in Chennai. Through his dedication, S. Raj secured a full scholarship for his MBA studies at the University of South Dakota. All he needed to cover was his airfare. In 1995, his unwavering determination led him to America, where he could finally pursue his lifelong dream.
Dr. Raj's educational journey didn't stop there. He went on to pursue another master's degree in Canada, even gaining experience working in their International Department. However, as he boarded the plane back to India, his focus shifted. His new mission? Empowering Kerala's youth.
Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between Kerala and international opportunities, Dr. Raj knew exactly what he wanted to do. Even while abroad, he had already chosen the name for his future venture: Fair Future. This company would serve as a helping hand, guiding Kerala's young people towards a brighter future through international education.
" A better future is the goal of anyone who goes abroad. My only wish was to support it. That is why the organization was named Fair Future. That's what we did then and still do today," said Dr. S Raj, sitting at the Fair Future corporate office in Ravipuram.
Charting his own course
Dr. S. Raj's journey began at home. His father, a lecturer at SD College, recognized the importance of English language proficiency. To nurture this skill in his young son, he subscribed to The Hindu newspaper. Little did they know, this daily ritual would spark a remarkable turn of events.
One day, a small advertisement in The Hindu caught Dr. Raj's eye – a study abroad seminar at the US Consulate. This seemingly ordinary event ignited a spark in him, prompting his very first trip to Chennai, a stepping stone on his path to America.
Dr. S. Raj achieved the remarkable feat of studying, working, and immigrating to Canada, paving his own way forward. "My experiences studying and working in the US and Canada inspired me to launch an Overseas Education Consultancy in Kerala. We were among the first to guide Malayali students on their journeys to Canada for higher education. Our hard work paid off! We started in a rented space in 2010, and by 2016, we were proud to move into our own building,” said Dr.Raj.
The journey
Dr. S. Raj's journey began by helping students pursue their studies in Canada. Over time, Fair Future has broadened its reach, now guiding students to universities and colleges across the globe. This includes prestigious institutions in the US, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and Switzerland.
Their commitment to quality education is evident in their focus on government universities and colleges. With over one lakh students successfully placed abroad, Fair Future has established itself as a trusted resource for international education.
Expansion
Fair Future has partnered with Mathrubhumi newspaper on a comprehensive project to provide valuable guidance for students aspiring to study abroad. "Our aim is to send 5 lakh students for higher education in Canada in the next ten years. I feel that the possibilities are endless for the next 15 years in Canada,” Raj said.
Apart from its corporate office in Kochi, Fair Future also has an office in Dubai. His son Vignesh S Raj, who followed Dr. S Raj into the field, has been serving Fair Future for nearly 12 years. Lydia V Benney, the company's chief operating officer, is now leading its expansion. Fair Future’s office will start functioning in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur within a month and a half. The office at Kozhikode will function from the Mathrubhumi office. An office will also be opened in New York in two years.
Fair Future's commitment to helping students abroad extends beyond their Kochi headquarters. They've established a presence in Dubai to better serve students in the region.
The company is poised for further growth under the leadership of his son Vignesh S Raj, who has been serving Fair Future for nearly 12 years and Lydia V Benney, the Chief Operating Officer. Within the next month and a half, Fair Future will open new offices in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, making their services more accessible across Kerala.
Their collaboration with Mathrubhumi newspaper deepens in Kozhikode, where Fair Future will operate from a dedicated space within the Mathrubhumi office. Looking ahead, their ambitious plans include opening an office in New York within two years, demonstrating their commitment to a global reach.
