Encouraging heroes in all spheres

Our deepest inspiration is the life of Shri Himanshu Roy, whose courage, integrity and compassion set an incredibly high standard for public service. Through the Foundation we try to live his values every day by honouring heroes, uplifting children, and nurturing music and compassion. Himanshu was also inspired by ordinary people doing extraordinary things quietly, without seeking recognition. 

To honour his legacy in the best way his wife Bhavna Roy and immediate family set up this foundation. This Foundation is truly a familial effort, shaped by the love and memories everyone shares of the gigantic, magnanimous personality lovingly known as Himanshu da. His close friends from all walks of life, his mentors, and many many well-wishers who believed in the vision even before it became real have all deeply supported us.
Institutional partners, advisors and our Board have given us the guidance and confidence to build responsibly for the long term.

The biggest challenge was translating a very personal grief and legacy into a structured, accountable institution. We also had to design programmes that genuinely serve health, education, art, the environment, and animal welfare without spreading ourselves too thin. We overcame this by being patient, listening to experts, and letting our four pillars guide every decision.

The inaugural Himanshu Roy Legacy Awards ceremony, held on his birth anniversary, was an incredibly moving moment for all of us. Seeing heroes from national security, medicine and Indian classical music stand together on one stage felt like his vision coming alive. Equally special are the quiet moments, a child feeling seen, an artist supported, an animal cared for, where impact is visible in someone’s eyes.

Our vision is to carry forward Himanshu ji’s legacy by building a culture of courage, compassion, dignity and excellence.Through SAMMAN, SWABHIMAN, SARITA and SAMVEDNA, we want to create programmes that make a tangible, measurable difference on the ground. Ultimately, we hope the Foundation inspires many others to serve, in their own fields, with integrity and heart.

Taking a page directly from Himanshu's life, you don’t have to wait for the “right time” or a perfect plan to start serving; you can begin with one act of courage or kindness. Legacy is not about scale alone, it is about consistency – showing up for people and causes year after year. If you anchor your work in clear values and humility, the right collaborators and opportunities will slowly find you.

This path is demanding and emotional, but it feels like the most authentic way to honour Himanshu's life and spirit. Every awardee, partner and beneficiary reminds us that the effort is worthwhile and urgently needed.
There is still a long way to go, but we feel grateful that our work and values now speak the same language.

By Jamuna Rangachari