In a world often driven by self-interest and economic gain, there emerge a few souls whose entire mission is anchored in service to humanity. One such remarkable individual is Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation, the social impact arm of the QI Group. With over three decades of experience in education and non-profit leadership, she is not merely leading an organisation — she is spearheading a movement that is reshaping lives, rewriting narratives, and restoring hope across continents.
At the heart of this movement lies the powerful philosophy behind the Foundation’s name — RYTHM, an acronym for Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. It’s not just a slogan; it’s a commitment. A way of life. A calling that Santhi Periasamy has answered with relentless passion and purpose.
Santhi: The Vision Behind RYTHM Foundation
Headquartered in Malaysia but with a global footprint, including significant operations in India, RYTHM Foundation focuses on three pivotal pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Environment. These pillars are not just concepts but deeply entrenched commitments, with programs designed to address the systemic roots of poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic opportunities.
Under the leadership of Santhi Periasamy, the Foundation has transcended traditional philanthropy. Her approach is community-driven, grassroots-focused, and anchored in sustainability. She believes that true empowerment happens when communities are included in the process, not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of their futures.
Impactful Initiatives that Spark Transformation
The journey of Santhi Periasamy RYTHM Foundation is lined with initiatives that bear testimony to its commitment and impact.
1. Safer Cities for Girls – Delhi
In partnership with Plan India, this initiative addresses a critical and often overlooked issue: the safety and empowerment of adolescent girls in urban settlements. By transforming public spaces in Delhi into safer environments and empowering young girls with knowledge, tools, and leadership training, the project is nurturing a generation that refuses to live in fear.
2. Foundational Literacy in Rural North Bengal
Education is a birthright, yet in many parts of rural India, it remains a distant dream. In collaboration with the Parinaama Development Foundation, RYTHM Foundation is changing that. By enabling foundational literacy and numeracy, this project ensures that children in rural North Bengal can dream beyond their limitations. It’s not just about reading and writing — it’s about giving children a chance to rewrite their destinies.
3. Women’s Empowerment Across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Orissa
In areas often weighed down by generational poverty and patriarchy, the Foundation is providing women with vocational training in fields like mushroom farming, textile production, soap-making, and financial literacy. These aren’t just skills — they are lifelines, bridges to independence, and tools for transformation.
4. Ending Generational Gender Discrimination
The battle for equality begins in the mind. Through community dialogues and workshops on gender roles and mutual respect, the RYTHM Foundation is shifting mindsets that have long been entrenched.
Santhi: An Award-Winning Commitment to Change
In recognition of its exceptional efforts, RYTHM Foundation, under the stewardship of Santhi Periasamy, was honored at the CSR & Sustainability Awards 2025 in New Delhi. Winning in the categories of women’s empowerment and rural education, these awards were not merely accolades — they were affirmations.
As Santhi herself puts it, “The awards reaffirm our commitment to driving social change through these and other projects. We share this recognition with our dedicated partners and the communities we serve, whose resilience and determination make our work possible.”
A Heart That Beats for India
Though based in Malaysia, Santhi Periasamy’s connection to India is deeply personal. As a Person of Indian Origin, her roots remain a driving force in her mission. “India holds a special place in my heart,” she says, “and working towards its social development, particularly in empowering women and advancing education, feels like a way of giving back to my roots.”
Her professional life may span countries, but her values remain grounded in community, compassion, and contribution. Through RYTHM Foundation, she has found a way to make that connection tangible and profoundly impactful.
Redefining Education for Future Generations
If granted the power to create a paradigm shift in India’s education system, Santhi envisions integrating life skills, critical thinking, and value-based education into the curriculum. In her view, education must go beyond textbooks and tests.
“Education should build socially responsible, emotionally intelligent individuals,” she asserts. By incorporating leadership, gender sensitivity, emotional resilience, and financial literacy into the classroom, she aims to empower students — especially those from marginalised communities — to break free from generational cycles of disadvantage.
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