Raj P. Seekri and Raj K. Seekri

The Ram Lal Seekri Endowed Scholarship is a tribute to my father, Ram Lal Seekri, whose life was a blessing to his family and the communities in which he lived, both in India and the United States. In addition to the financial support that this endowed scholarship provides, we would like for the recipients of the award to know something of my father’s legacy of service and respect for education. His dedication of service to others and his respect of education for all live on through his children, grand-children, and others who were touched by my father’s generosity and wise counsel. Our wish is that these values – generosity, service to others, and education for all – will also live on through the recipients of this scholarship.

While raising his family in India, my father was a highly respected community leader and counselor. Everyone, near and far, knew and respected my father, and his widespread reputed ability to counsel was regularly sought by others in the community. He gave generously of his time, support, and wisdom. His esteem of education was unique in his community in early 20th-century India. When he migrated to the United States, he continued serving others in the community of immigrants.

Although my father’s accomplishments were those of a wise father and leader, he can best be described as a gracious and humble servant. It is in honor of his gracious humility that we have established this scholarship. It is hoped that my father’s legacy will extend through those who are helped with this gift, and that they will continue his legacy of uplifting and empowering others.

“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another” – G. K. Chesterton (1874 – 1936)

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela