Bollywood star Katrina Kaif has forged a highly successful acting career, but her mother, Suzanne Turquotte, has dedicated over 15 years to a different calling. In 2008, Turquotte relocated from London to rural Tamil Nadu, India, to focus on humanitarian work, establishing a grassroots non-profit.
Relief Projects India: A Journey of Community Development
Suzanne Turquotte's impactful journey began with the founding of Relief Projects India (RPI). This non-profit organization primarily serves children and families in villages surrounding Usilampatti in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Initially, RPI established free evening tuition centers for children attending government schools, aiming to provide crucial educational support.
The scope of RPI's work quickly expanded beyond tuition. Inspired by efforts to aid vulnerable children, including a home for unwanted baby girls, the organization broadened its focus to encompass wider community development programs, education, and social awareness initiatives.
Mountain View School: Educating Future Generations
A significant milestone for Suzanne Turquotte and RPI was the co-founding of Mountain View School in 2015. Starting as a small nursery for fewer than 30 children aged three to five, primarily from economically disadvantaged farming families, the school has seen remarkable growth. Today, Mountain View School operates as an English-medium nursery and primary institution, educating 305 students from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to Grade 5.
Katrina Kaif has previously spoken about her mother's hands-on involvement at the school, where Suzanne teaches, develops curriculum, and trains teachers. RPI plans further expansion to enable children to continue their education beyond primary grades.
Comprehensive Community Support
Relief Projects India now extends its reach across 25 villages, impacting over 14,000 individuals through its diverse programs. Beyond formal schooling, RPI focuses on critical areas such as health awareness, life-skills education, women’s empowerment, and child protection.
- The organization continues to run 10 free evening tuition centers.
- RPI collaborates with government departments, healthcare facilities, schools, and local organizations to maximize its impact.
- Health initiatives include haemoglobin testing, eye camps, TB and HIV screening, and cervical cancer awareness programs.
- Support is also provided to girls at risk of dropping out of school or entering early marriage, emphasizing the importance of continued education and protection.
Katrina Kaif's Support for Her Mother's Mission
Katrina Kaif has often shared insights into her mother's dedicated yet challenging lifestyle in rural Tamil Nadu, noting that Suzanne sometimes manages without electricity and internet connectivity for extended periods. Despite her own global success, Katrina financially supports her mother's initiatives, while Suzanne remains steadfastly committed to her work on the ground.
Katrina has also said that her mother’s charitable work influenced the way she and her siblings grew up.
Suzanne Turquotte's unwavering commitment highlights a profound dedication to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities, a journey far removed from the glitz of Bollywood but deeply impactful nonetheless.