Mr. Chandrakant Koticha
Visionary Behind Project ‘Life’ in Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Area of Intervention
A diverse range of impactful initiatives, encompassing poverty alleviation, the establishment of high-quality blood banking facilities, advocacy for gender equality, the revitalization of educational infrastructure, promotion of health and wellness campaigns, awareness programs to prevent genetic blood disorders like Thalassemia, and dedicated efforts towards environmental conservation.
About
Mr. Chandrakant Koticha is a widely esteemed humanitarian and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to making a difference. In 1978, he founded Project ‘Life,’ and as its Executive Trustee, he embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation that has touched the lives of countless individuals in Gujarat and beyond. Despite being 74 years old, Mr. Chandrakant Koticha continues to work tirelessly, putting in 18-hour days, exemplifying the true spirit of philanthropy and humanitarianism.
Over the past four decades, he has pioneered a range of invaluable initiatives, including poverty alleviation, the establishment of high-quality blood banking facilities, advocacy for gender equality, the revitalization of educational infrastructure, promotion of health and wellness campaigns, awareness programs to prevent genetic blood disorders like Thalassemia, and efforts to conserve the environment. His impact has extended to over 6 million lives, making him a beacon of hope for countless communities.
Throughout his journey, Mr. Chandrakant Koticha has received numerous awards and honors. Notably, in 2011, Shri Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister, bestowed upon him the prestigious “Sherdil Award” for his outstanding contributions to the blood donation movement in Gujarat. Similarly, the Government of Gujarat recognized his unparalleled dedication to women’s empowerment in the same year. These accolades only scratch the surface of his many noble endeavors.
One of his groundbreaking initiatives has been the empowerment of women below the poverty line and widows. Through vocational training programs, he has empowered more than 8,000 women, providing them with skills and opportunities for a brighter future.
Mr. Chandrakant Koticha has also been a steadfast advocate for yoga and alternative therapy, positively impacting over 300,000 people, including women, children, and even prisoners. His Universal Healing Project has brought hope and healing to hundreds of individuals. Additionally, his commitment to environmental conservation is evident through the Life Greenfield Centre, which has distributed 260,000 grown-up trees for re-plantation, contributing significantly to the preservation of our planet.
Recognizing his global reach and international collaborations, the Government of Gujarat extended Project ‘Life’ the honor of hosting one of the six Non-Resident Gujaratis Centres.
In a bold move, Mr. Chandrakant Koticha and his spouse, recognizing the backlog of eye surgeries due to the lack of free quality services, converted their private hospital into a charitable one on April 1, 2001. They relinquished their thriving practice and private income in their 30s, becoming devoted servants of the Ophthalmic Mission Trust. Since then, their services have expanded exponentially, garnering support from local, national, and international organizations. Their dedication and hard work have enabled them to perform over 15,000 free surgeries annually at Drashti Netralaya, with around 75,000 patients receiving eye examinations at the base hospital and during outreach programs, all without compromising on quality.
Remarkably, despite being located in an economically disadvantaged area, all patient records are meticulously computerized, and the hospital boasts world-class instruments and technology—a testament to the founders’ forward-thinking approach.
The relentless and selfless efforts of this dynamic duo have not gone unnoticed by national and international organizations, which have repeatedly acknowledged their outstanding contributions.
Besides the several awards and honors they have received on their incredible journey, they also have the remarkable achievement of conducting over 150,000 surgeries.
