A graduation ceremony at North Carolina State University turned into a life-changing moment for hundreds of students after Indian-origin philanthropist Anil Kochhar announced that he would fully pay off the remaining education loans of 176 graduates from the university’s Wilson College of Textiles. The unexpected announcement was made during the commencement event held at Reynolds Coliseum, leaving students and faculty deeply moved.
Kochhar, who served as the commencement speaker, said the initiative was a personal tribute to his late father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, who had migrated from Punjab, India, to Raleigh many decades ago in pursuit of education and opportunity. He explained that the gesture was meant to honor his father’s journey and the values of determination and learning that shaped his life.
Addressing the graduating class, Kochhar shared that his father arrived in the United States with limited resources but strong ambition, eventually building a meaningful academic and professional path in textile engineering. He noted that his father studied at NC State University in the mid-20th century, completing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in textile manufacturing.
The philanthropist announced that, in recognition of that legacy, he and his wife would cover all outstanding final-year education loans incurred by students graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles in the 2025–2026 academic year. The announcement was met with surprise and emotional reactions from graduates and attendees.
University officials confirmed that the Kochhars worked closely with administration and financial aid departments before making the commitment. Leaders at the institution praised the contribution as a transformative act that would significantly ease financial pressure on new graduates and support the university’s mission of making education more accessible and affordable.
Dean David Hinks expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that it directly aligns with the college’s long-standing goal of reducing the cost burden on students while ensuring academic excellence. He highlighted that such contributions play a crucial role in shaping the future of graduates as they transition into professional careers.
During his speech, Kochhar reflected on how his father’s journey from India to the United States in the 1940s laid the foundation for a life dedicated to education, industry, and global opportunity. He described how his father could not have imagined that his academic path at NC State would one day inspire a gift that benefits future generations of students.
The university emphasized that Prakash Chand Kochhar’s legacy in textile engineering and his global professional experience continue to inspire initiatives centered on education, community development, and opportunity creation. The surprise donation has since been widely appreciated as a powerful example of giving back to one’s alma mater and honoring family heritage through meaningful action.
