The Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation was established in 1995 by Dr. Anant Anantaraman in memory of his wife, Bhawani, and his two daughters, Aruna (aged 15) and Rupa (aged 11), who died in the Air India bombing ten years earlier. After spending several years supporting various organizations with donation and volunteer efforts in their honour, Dr. Anantaraman decided to focus his efforts by setting up a foundation to promote studies in music, as well as general education among children, particularly the disadvantaged.

As both of his daughters were gifted violin players, Dr. Anantaraman made an early commitment to fostering musical talent in young performers, establishing several scholarships and bursaries in the strings category. Ultimately, he opened a school in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, India, to provide quality education to all children in the area, regardless of their financial status.

Guided by the motto, "progress through creative education," the Bhawani Memorial School started out with a one-room class of seven students, operating out of a rented house. It has since become a sprawling educational compound on land Dr. Anantaraman purchased nearby, with nine teachers teaching close to 100 children from kindergarten to grade nine. Isolated atop a 5,000-foot mountain overlooking the Shevroy Hills and surrounding valleys near Salem, India, the school is the only free educational facility available to local children. Building on the 13-room school that already includes a dining hall, Dr. Anantaraman has plans for an auditorium, library and laboratory facilities in the near future.

"I believe it is the birthright of every child to receive a first-class education, regardless of his or her background" says Dr. Anantaraman. "The vision of our foundation was based on that principle from the very beginning. " Early efforts to spread his message have proven successful as the school was recently visited by 100 delegates from Europe who are now holding fundraising events and providing sponsorships. Canadian schools have also offered support by sending books and equipment.

In 2010, however, Dr. Anantaraman found himself struggling with how best to ensure that the legacy he created as a tribute to his precious family would continue after his lifetime. On a referral from a Community Foundation Board member and donor, he approached the organization to determine if it could provide a solution by managing his estate when the time comes. "As soon as I met with the staff at the Foundation, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. Now I don't have to worry. I know everything is taken care of and that support for my life's work can continue after I'm gone."

Through the Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation, Dr. Anantaraman continues to provide numerous musical scholarships to deserving Ottawa students, awarding its 13th to double-bass player Andrew Lawrence at a ceremony in April 2011. As a former chemistry professor at the University of Ottawa and musician himself, Dr. Anantaraman has a strong belief in the connection between learning and music.

He also believes in the importance of recognizing and respecting every child's natural intelligence and individual talents. "I take a very Gandhian approach to life," says Dr. Anantaraman. "I believe in stewardship and taking care of those we are entrusted with.

This was also the type of spirit I felt was at work when I came to the Community Foundation of Ottawa. I feel confident that my family's legacy and my life's work are in good hands."

To learn more about the Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation, visit www.bamf.uottawa.ca.