17
Provide education for last 17 years in the rural part of India
500
Provide over 500 students with access to education
5
Launched five free of cost skill development programs
25
Godhatma support the salaries of 25 teachers
Discover Our Story
Godhatma is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization incorporated in the state of Maryland, USA. Godhatma has worked tirelessly for the last 15 years, empowering lives through education. Innovators of Godhatma are changing the world, one life at a time. Godhatma demonstrates an impressive history of growth and service; how it started is equally impressive.
Dr. Chhagan Tele, founder of Godhatma began his childhood in poverty in Thalner, Maharashtra, India. He lived with his parents, who were shepherds without formal education. Despite these unfavorable circumstances, Chhagan held high family values and cherished every moment with his large family of 40 members. He especially admired his grandmother, who served as a pillar of wisdom and inspiration. Chhagan learned the value of education from his teachers, who laid a foundation of knowledge by offering free classes in addition to school, often visiting students’ homes. Despite facing hardships, Chhagan was curious and eager to learn. As he matured, he realized the transformative power of education. At age 10, he was selected as the best student in his school and had the honor of holding the nation’s flag at an event. During this event, he spent quality time with the District Education Officer (chief guest of the event), who changed his perspective towards studies.
As per the 1960s culture, Chhagan got married at the age of 15. Despite his early marriage, he remained focused on his education. He studied under kerosene lamps due to the lack of electricity and had to walk long distances to attend school. Since his village had no higher education options, he moved to the city to pursue further studies. After leaving his hometown, he diligently pursued education through scholarships. He earned a master’s degree from Poona University and received two scholarships from the UK, enabling him to complete his PhD in natural products. To continue his research career, he was selected for a postdoctoral position at the University of Texas A&M, USA. Following his postdoc, he worked at various pharmaceutical companies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Throughout his journey, his wife played a significant role in supporting and caring for their family, enabling him to achieve great heights in education and research.
Dr Chhagan Tele, was a man who believed that education was the key to unlocking opportunities. While he enjoyed a successful career in the global environment, he always remembered his roots and the struggles kids faced due to financial constraints or lack of support. He always dreamt about the blue sky, the perfect world wherein no kid is left behind.
During his 35 years of career in scientific research in the USA and UK, he lived a modest life and saved every penny he could to support his dream. After retirement, he chose the hard path of empowerment through education instead of living a luxurious life.
Determined to make a difference, Dr. Tele established a non-profit organization, Godhatma, in 2005 to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged communities by putting down all his life savings and pension.
Through Godhatma, Dr Tele set up scholarship programs, tutoring services, and educational workshops, ensuring that no one was denied a chance to learn due to circumstances beyond their control. His organization also worked to improve school facilities and resources in underserved areas, believing every child deserves a conducive learning environment.
Dr Tele’s passion and dedication attracted support from like-minded individuals and organizations, and his non-profit grew steadily, impacting the lives of countless individuals. Today, Godhatma continues to thrive, empowering disadvantaged communities through education and giving back to society meaningfully.
Explore what we do as part Godhatma
Provide education for last 17 years in the rural part of India
Provide over 500 students with access to education
Launched five free of cost skill development programs
Godhatma support the salaries of 25 teachers
USA: 11112 Yellow Leaf Way, Germantown, MD 20876
INDIA: AT & P.O. Thalner, Taluka: Shirpur, District: Dhule, Maharashtra, 425421