Sugun Thomas Foundation: Turning Loss into Legacy, Empowering Futures through Education and Mentorship

Gigy Skaria

When Jayaprakash lost his father — a teacher and the backbone of his family — his dream of becoming a doctor seemed to fade. Financial stress and emotional turmoil clouded his future. But a chance discovery of the *Petraal Thaan Pillaiya* podcast introduced him to the Sugun Thomas Foundation (STF). That moment changed his life. “I faced immense struggles in securing a government medical seat,” Jayaprakash recalls. “After my father’s death, I wasn’t ready emotionally or financially. STF stepped in with support, mentorship, and opportunities I couldn’t have imagined”, Jayaprakash told tellmystory.in . Today, as a medical intern at Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem, Jayaprakash credits his transformation to STF — not just for the financial aid, but for the mentorship, training and emotional strength that paved his way.

The Birth of a Purpose: Sugun’s Story

The Sugun Thomas Foundation was born from tragedy. In 2005, Sugun Thomas — a beloved friend, husband and father of two — lost his life during the Chennai floods. He was only 38. His untimely passing left his family and friends in deep grief, but also with a strong sense of purpose.

“What started as creating something meaningful which kept Sugun’s memory alive has become a truly transformative experience,” says Susan Thomas, Sugun’s wife and a co-founder of STF. “Seeing young people, who once struggled for basic resources — like food, education or a safe environment — now flourishing academically and building successful careers is so heartwarming.”

At the time of Sugun’s passing, Susan was Head of Group HR at the Murugappa Group — a high-stress role she chose to leave. “With two children and being single suddenly, I couldn’t cope with the stress any longer. So I resigned and joined as a full-time faculty at Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA),” she shares.

Though the loss was immense, it wasn’t financial. “If we had bread, butter and jam when Sugun was around, it probably was bread and butter when he was gone,” Susan reflects. “We missed the lavish presents he would shower on us from his numerous trips abroad. The loss was not financial. It was emotional — totally.”

Sugun Thomas: The Man Behind the Name

Born and raised in Chennai, Sugun completed his schooling at Don Bosco and briefly attended St. Xavier’s in Bombay. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, and later pursued postgraduation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.

Professionally, he began his career at the Earthmoving Machinery Division of Larsen & Toubro and went on to work with Pepsi India, L&T Audco and Burns Philp. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Country Manager for South Asia at Heat and Control Pvt. Ltd.

Empowering Through Holistic Support

Since its inception, STF has grown into a dynamic ecosystem that has supported 437 students — helping them become doctors, engineers, lawyers and professionals —spreading hope across South India.

The foundation goes beyond scholarships, offering:

• Financial Assistance: Covering tuition, skill courses, and vocational fees

• Mentorship: With dedicated professionals guiding each student

• Skill Development: Spoken English by Sukha Foundation, soft skills by Oracle, and career-readiness workshops

• Career Support: Job placements, mock interviews, and alumni networking

“Our mentors aren’t just career guides — they’re life anchors,” says a senior volunteer. “They help students navigate grief, anxiety and self-doubt.”

Importantly, STF does not limit its support to academic toppers.

“Apart from supporting bright underprivileged children, we also support students with average academic performance — those scoring 60% and above — for diploma and vocational courses such as Diploma in Nursing, BCA, Catering and Hotel Management,” says Susan Thomas.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Manikandan’s Leap from Debt to Career

The son of a lorry driver, Manikandan struggled to fund his BTech in IT. STF sponsored all four years of his education and additional IT certifications. He is now a Software Engineer at Bank of America Continuum India, his family debt-free and secure.

Pushpa’s Journey of Resilience

After losing her father, Pushpa Sagaya Rani’s dream of becoming a physiotherapist seemed distant. Her mother, a tailor and part-time beautician, could barely keep up. STF’s support gave Pushpa not just the financial means, but also mentorship that rebuilt her confidence. She is now in her 3rd year of BPT at Mohammed Sathak AJ College, Chennai.

John Douglas: From Loyola to Leadership

STF supported John Douglas through his B. Com at Loyola College and CMA training. Today, he is Assistant Manager – Finance at CPCL, Chennai. “STF didn’t just fund my education. They opened my eyes to career paths I never imagined,” he says.

A Foundation Rooted in Purpose

“Being part of STF over the years has been deeply meaningful to me,” says Susan. “It has allowed me to witness first-hand the impact of education and opportunity to change lives. It constantly reminds me of the power of service and the importance of remaining rooted in purpose.”

The Foundation’s efforts have been validated by an IIT Madras impact study, which found:

• Families experienced improved living standards

• Siblings pursued higher education

• Communities viewed STF scholars as role models

Application Process and Eligibility

STF supports students who have completed 12th or are in their 1st year of college. Criteria to apply include:

• Arts & Science: 85%+ or CGPA 8+

• Engineering/Medical: 90%+ / CGPA 8+ (Medical limited to Govt. colleges)

• Paramedical: 80–85%+, from reputed institutions

• Vocational/Diploma: 60%+, for courses in nursing, catering, BCA, etc.

To apply, students can email admin@sugunthomasfoundation.in or visit www.sugunthomasfoundation.org

Looking Ahead

As STF nears its 20th anniversary, its mission remains unwavering: empowering lives through education, mentorship and love. From personal loss emerged a movement that has touched hundreds of lives — and continues to ripple outward with every student it lifts.

“We are not just funding education — we are building lives, restoring hope and creating leaders,” Susan affirms.

To support or refer a student, visit www.sugunthomasfoundation.org. Let’s empower the next generation — one story at a time.