The Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) is a Liechtenstein-based charitable organization founded by the late UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh. Aligned with UNESCO’s mission of “building peace in the minds of men and women,” MSF plays a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, tolerance, and non-violence.
A key initiative of the foundation is its financial support to the all chapters of South Asia Foundation (SAF), an active network in SAARC countries that offers scholarships for higher education. These scholarships empower young students by providing access to quality education, thereby strengthening cross-border understanding and collaboration.
Beyond education, Madanjeet Singh Foundation funds the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, recognizing individuals and organizations that champion these values. The foundation also supports various UNESCO-related projects, furthering its commitment to global peace, cultural exchange, and humanitarian progress.
Trustees of Madanjeet Singh Foundation
Mrs. France Marquet is Principal Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and South Asia Foundation Representative to UNESCO.
Mr Narasimhan Ram is President and Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation. He is an Indian journalist and a prominent member of the Kasturi family that controls The Hindu Group of publications. Ram was the managing-director of The Hindu since 1977 and its editor-in-chief since 27 June 2003 until 18 January 2012.
Prof. Salima Hashmi is Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and also Director, UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU). She is an artist, curator, art historian, and activist, known for her work in contemporary art and her activism, including her opposition to nuclear weapons and advocacy for women’s rights. She is also the eldest daughter of the renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
Dr.Syeda Saiyidain Hameed is Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and Trustee South Asia Foundation India.She is a prominent Indian social activist, writer, and educationist, known for her work on women’s rights, social justice, and education, having served as a member of the Planning Commission and the National Commission for Women.
Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey is Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and also is Chairman, South Asia Foundation Nepal. He is Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), a premier think-tank of Nepal. He was Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he worked for 8 years (1998-2006). He was also Advisor to the National Planning Commission for the tourism and civil aviation sectors in 1996-97. He was also task force member to draft the ninth five year plan of Nepal Government
Dr Armin Dobler is Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and is Partner, Lawyer at Marxer & Partner Rechtsanwälte
Mrs. Vidya Ram is Trustee of Madanjeet Singh Foundation and active journalist. She is Vidya Ram, based in London, GB, is currently a London Correspondent at The Hindu. Vidya Ram brings experience from previous roles at Forbes.com, Business Line, Hansard Society and ePolitixPlus. Vidya Ram holds a 2006 – 2007 M.S. in Journalism @ Columbia University – Graduate School of Journalism.