Empower  ·  Transform  ·  Sustain
ERA Foundation · Tamil Nadu

Empower.
Transform.
Sustain.

We fund and implement experiential learning and livelihood programmes that turn skills into dignity — for students, workers, and communities left behind.

Fund a Programme See Our Impact
Reshma Laya — ERA Foundation Pudhiya Paadhai
Latest Initiative
புதிய பாதை
Pudhiya Paadhai
Trans Entrepreneurship Eranavoor · Mar 2025 Media Covered
Empower Transform Sustain புதிய பாதை Climate Clever Children Karkei Experiential Technologies SDG 4 · 8 · 10 · 13 Tamil Nadu · India Empower Transform Sustain புதிய பாதை Climate Clever Children Karkei Experiential Technologies SDG 4 · 8 · 10 · 13 Tamil Nadu · India
About ERA Foundation

Learning that lives in the hands of those who need it most.


ERA Foundation is a registered nonprofit based in Tamil Nadu. We exist to close the gap between formal education and the real-world skills that create economic dignity — for students in government schools, workers in ITIs, and communities too often excluded from opportunity.

We partner with Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd as our technology partner, deploying projection-based AR and spatial interactive learning modules. We co-implement livelihood programmes with Shrradha Trust and align with state institutions including the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women.

We are early-stage and intentionally lean. Every rupee you invest goes directly to impact — not legacy overhead.

01
EmpowerEquip learners with skills they can use immediately
02
TransformChange how learning happens — spatial, tactile, real
03
SustainBuild systems and habits that outlast any single programme
Founding Principle
"We do not need to be big. We need to be undeniably real."
ERA Foundation implements programmes using Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd as technical vendor — a separate private limited company. Common founder, disclosed in all proposals and governance documents. Arms-length vendor agreement in place.
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Inaugurated by Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women
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Co-implementing with Shrradha Trust
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Technology: Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd
Elango Raghupathy — Founder, ERA Foundation
Founder · ERA Foundation
Elango Raghupathy
Founder, ERA Foundation  ·  Founder, Karkei Experiential Technologies
"Respectfully disruptive."

Elango Raghupathy is a filmmaker, immersive learning builder, and climate storyteller — and the founder of ERA Foundation. He has spent over two decades working at the intersection of story, technology, and social change across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

He built Karkei Experiential Technologies — a startup developing projection-based AR and spatial interactive learning modules for ITIs and schools. He created Legacy International Tambaram (LIT) — a leadership academy where children run the meeting. He drives Pudhiya Paadhai — a trans entrepreneurship programme that put Reshma Laya behind a tea shop counter in 24 hours.

His films and climate stories have been screened internationally. His method is always the same: make the experience real, make the learning stick, make the dignity non-negotiable.

Experiential Learning Social Impact AR Technology Trans Inclusion Youth Leadership Tamil Nadu
elangoraghupathy.com ↗ LinkedIn ↗ Instagram ↗
ERA Foundation — Registered nonprofit · Experiential learning & livelihood programmes
Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd — AR-based spatial learning platform
Legacy International Tambaram (LIT) — Leadership academy for children & youth
Pudhiya Paadhai — Trans entrepreneurship initiative with Shrradha Trust
₹0 → Tea Shop in 24 Hours  ·  Reshma's Story
100 Students Who Didn't Wait  ·  Earth Day
Girls Who Play to Escape  ·  Hockey TN
Success Story  ·  புதிய பாதை  ·  ERA Foundation × Shrradha Trust
One day.
One dream. Done.
Reshma Laya wanted a tea shop. We asked our friends. In 24 hours, the money was there. On March 20, 2025 — the Tamil Nadu Women's Commission Chairperson came to cut the ribbon. This is what ERA Foundation does.
March 20, 2025 Eranavoor, Chennai Inaugurated by TN Women's Commission Chairperson
1
Day to Fund
Mar 20
Opening Date
Media
Covered
01

The Introduction

Sowndharya Gopi — a transwoman dedicated to uplifting her community — introduced us to Reshma Laya. A filmmaker known for Yaar Payithiyam, Reshma had one dream: a tea shop near her home in Eranavoor where she could live on her own terms.

02

One Day. Done.

We believed in her dream. We reached out. In a single day, the required funds came together. No committees. No delay. Just people choosing to act — proof that when hearts unite, change happens.

03

The Grand Opening

A.S. Kumari, Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women, presided over the inauguration. Media covered it. "This shop is more than a business — it's a symbol of courage, dignity, and empowerment."

04

The Gratitude Circle

Made possible by Anitha Vinayagam, Narthana, Srilatha, Kavitha, Logasundari, Leeny Elango, Pro Sakthi Saravanan and co-implementer Shrradha Trust.

"Here's to new beginnings, courage, and a future filled with possibilities."
ERA Foundation · Pudhiya Paadhai Initiative

Support the Next Reshma
⤢
Reshma pouring first tea
Reshma pouring the first tea — opening day, Eranavoor
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Lamp lighting
A.S. Kumari lighting the inaugural lamp
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Ribbon cutting
The ribbon cutting — a new chapter begins
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Pudhiya Paadhai board
புதிய பாதை — A new beginning to endless possibilities · ERA Foundation & Shrradha Trust
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A.S. Kumari reviewing plan
A.S. Kumari reviewing Reshma's business plan
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Book gifting
Reshma — filmmaker, author, entrepreneur
Newspaper coverage
In The News

"When creativity meets entrepreneurship — Transwoman filmmaker takes a new path"

Made possible by
Sowndharya Gopi· Anitha Vinayagam· A.S. Kumari (TN Women's Commission)· Narthana·Srilatha· Kavitha·Logasundari· Leeny Elango·Pro Sakthi Saravanan· Shrradha Trust
Earth Day  ·  Rajavva Academy, Chennai  ·  April 2025
They didn't wait
for adults to act.
100+ students. Handmade placards in Tamil and English. Speeches no one wrote for them. ERA Foundation walked into a school on Earth Day — and a movement walked out.
Climate Clever Children's Club — Now Launched
April 22, 2025 Rajavva Academy, Chennai 100+ Students · Club Launched
100+
Students
SDG4
Education
SDG13
Climate Action
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Students with Tamil placards
"Cleanliness brings purity — use it and grow" · Rajavva Academy students
1 litre = 20000 drops
"1 litre of water = 20,000 drops" — student-made placard
Girl with mic
First voices of the Climate Clever Children's Club
Elango speaking
Elango Raghupathy, Founder ERA Foundation — introducing Climate Change to students
Earth is so tired
"Earth is so tired because forests are fired" — a child's truth
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Full march
The awareness procession — students marched with purpose · #SaveOurEarth · Rajavva Academy · April 22, 2025
100+
Students Participated
1
Club Launched
SDG 4
Quality Education
SDG 13
Climate Action
01

The Session

Elango Raghupathy introduced Climate Change in a way that sparked genuine curiosity. Ms. Leeny Elango, Co-Founder of ERA Media, led a conversation on becoming future-ready Climate Warriors.

02

The Procession

Students made their own placards in Tamil and English and marched — "Save the Earth, Secure the Future." The speeches they gave were entirely their own words.

03

The Club Launch

The Climate Clever Children's Club was formally launched — an ERA Foundation initiative to equip students with climate resilience tools and inspire community action.

04

The Partners

Organised with Ms. Elakkya (Director), Ms. Vijaya Vijaykumar (Principal), and Mr. Vijayakumar (Correspondent) of Rajavva Academy. "Education can ignite change."

Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan  ·  Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu  ·  ERA Foundation
Girls from villages
who play to escape.
Mrs Anitha Vinayagam visited hockey grounds across Tamil Nadu — meeting girls from remote villages and underprivileged backgrounds, with sticks in hand and fire in their eyes. ERA Foundation stood beside them.
Tamil Nadu · 2025 Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu Chennai Corporation Schools Initiative
🏑
Olympian Backed
TN
Hockey Unit
ERA
Backing Talent
01

Why Hockey

Sport is the oldest experiential classroom. For girls from remote villages with no access to formal enrichment, the hockey field is where they learn discipline, teamwork, resilience — things no textbook teaches. ERA Foundation recognised this early.

02

An Olympian on the Field

Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan — one of India's finest hockey players — stood alongside Mrs Anitha Vinayagam on these grounds. When a girl from a remote village shakes hands with an Olympian, something shifts in her. ERA Foundation made that moment possible.

03

The Partnership

ERA Foundation is building a talent identification programme with the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, supported by Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan, targeting girls from Chennai Corporation Schools — the students least likely to be scouted, most likely to be overlooked. Sport as the pathway. Dignity as the destination.

04

What's Next

This programme is currently in active discussion. ERA Foundation is seeking CSR partners who believe that a girl from a village with a hockey stick in her hand deserves exactly the same chance as anyone else. If that is you — let's talk.

"Sport is not a reward for children who have everything. It is a lifeline for those who have almost nothing."
ERA Foundation · Hockey Talent Initiative

Partner This Programme
ERA Foundation greeting hockey teams
ERA Foundation on the field — Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan (orange) leads the greeting of the Coimbatore Hockey Association team
Greeting yellow team players
Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan (blue) and Mrs Anitha Vinayagam greeting the yellow team players
Memento presentation
Mrs Anitha Vinayagam receiving a memento from the Hockey Unit, with Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan (blue) looking on
Video ERA Foundation · Hockey Talent Programme · Tamil Nadu
Award ceremony on field
Anitha Vinayagam receives a memento alongside Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan — ERA Foundation × Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu
Programme Status
Active Discussion · Olympian Mr Thirumalvallavan·Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu · Chennai Corporation Schools · Mrs Anitha Vinayagam · ERA Foundation · CSR Partners Welcome
LIT — Legacy International Tambaram
An ERA Foundation Initiative
Legacy International Tambaram  LIT
Leadership Empowering Global Academy for Children & Youth
IG FB in G
LIT · Leadership in Action

LIT is ERA Foundation's programme for the next generation. Every alternate Sunday, children gather — not as students, but as leaders. The meeting is conducted by kids, for kids, and to kids. Elango Raghupathy and the LIT team give children the stage, the microphone, and the mandate to lead.

Through engaging workshops on communication, dynamic public speaking, leadership activities, and memorable presentations — LIT builds children who don't just speak in rooms, they command them.

📅
Regular Schedule
Every Alternate Sunday
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon · Tambaram, Chennai
By kids  ·  For kids  ·  To kids
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Child Personality Enhancement
Building tomorrow's leaders — today
Open to children & youth across Tambaram & Chennai
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Communication Competency

Clear, confident expression in any room

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Leadership Development

Real skills for real responsibility

🎯

Public Speaking

Dynamic sessions that build stage confidence

📊

Presentation Skills

Memorable speeches and structured delivery

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Holistic Personality

Poise, character, and presence — end to end

LIT Coordinators
Elango Raghupathy · Leeny Elango · Srilatha · Kesavan
ERA Foundation
Our Programmes

Four programmes. One purpose.

View Funding Options
⚙

Spray Paint AR Training

Projection-based AR module teaching industrial spray painting in ITIs — a vocational skill directly linked to employment in automotive, manufacturing, and construction.

ITI StudentsIndustrial SkillsEmployment-linked
Fund this programme
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Experiential School Curriculum

Spatial, hands-on learning aligned to NCERT curriculum. Concepts taught through projection, movement, and making — not memorisation.

Grades 5–10Govt SchoolsNEP 2020
Fund this programme
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Trans Entrepreneur Skills Sprint

8–10 session livelihood programme for trans entrepreneurs — vocational skills, business basics, and digital tools through the Karkei experiential method.

Trans CommunityEconomic InclusionSDG 10
Fund this programme
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Hockey Talent Identification

Identifying and nurturing sporting talent in Chennai Corporation Schools in partnership with the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu — sport as the experiential classroom.

Corp. SchoolsHockey TNUnder Discussion
Express interest
KARKEI
Technology Partnership

Powered by Karkei —
learning you can touch.

Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd is our technical partner — a startup developing projection-based AR and spatial interactive training modules that make learning physical, immersive, and genuinely experiential.

ERA Foundation funds and implements. Karkei designs and delivers the technology. Together we bring India's ITIs and schools something genuinely new.

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Karkei Experiential Technologies Private LimitedTechnology vendor · Formal vendor agreement in place

Spray Paint AR

Skill training on virtual surfaces before real equipment

Curriculum Modules

Spatial experiences for school curriculum concepts

Skills Sprints

Short-format livelihood modules for adult learners

Projection AR

Classroom-ready, infrastructure-light deployment

The Relationship

ERA Foundation is a registered nonprofit. Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd is a private limited company. Both share a common founder — disclosed in all proposals and governance documents. ERA signs the MoUs. Karkei delivers the technology on a formal vendor agreement.

Why It Works for Funders

Your CSR funds flow through ERA Foundation with full 80G compliance. Karkei's technology gives you genuine innovation — not generic delivery. Every rupee is tracked, reported, and independently auditable.

Transparency Commitment

We disclose the founder relationship proactively in every proposal. We report honestly — what worked, what did not, and what we changed. Authentic impact over vanity metrics, always.

CSR & Funding

Real programmes.
Clear outcomes.

We offer structured CSR packages — not open donation buckets. Each has defined beneficiaries, deliverables, timelines, and a published impact report. Your CSR spend becomes a story you can tell your board.

₹5–8L
Karkei Cohort

Single School or Sprint

3-month experiential learning at one school, or a 2-month Trans Entrepreneur Skills Sprint cohort.

  • 60–80 school children or 20–30 entrepreneurs
  • Karkei AR modules deployed and facilitated
  • Pre/post assessment and impact documentation
  • Utilisation certificate and CSR report
₹10–15L
Karkei Skills Sprint

ITI or Dual Cohort

3-month Spray Paint AR at one ITI, or combined school and entrepreneur cohort.

  • 40–60 ITI students or 100+ dual beneficiaries
  • Full AR module deployment with trainer orientation
  • Employment-linked outcome tracking for ITI
  • Quarterly progress reports for CSR committee
₹20–25L
Expansion Seed

Multi-Site Full Year

Full-year programme across 2–3 schools and one ITI, with documentation and evaluation.

  • 200+ beneficiaries across sites
  • Replication manual for future scale
  • External programme evaluation
  • Annual impact report and board presentation
Compliance
Ready
12A
Tax exemption for ERA Foundation
80G
50% tax deduction for CSR donors
DARPAN
NGO Darpan registered · NITI Aayog
Get Involved

Let's build something real together.

Whether you are exploring CSR partnership, want to understand our programmes, or simply want to connect — we respond to every message personally.

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Location
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Technology Partner
Karkei Experiential Technologies Pvt Ltd

Start a conversation