Indian-Origin Donor Clears Loans of 176 Graduates

Indian-origin individuals have not only proved to be successful in the information technology sector but also in giving donations to people in other countries.

Indian-origin philanthropist Anil Kochhar announced that he would pay off all final year education loans for 176 graduates of Wilson College of Textiles, affiliated to North Carolina State University.

The students were shocked when the announcement was made during the graduation ceremony at Reynolds Colliseum in Raleigh. Anil said that the announcement was meant to honour the journey of his late father — Prakash Chand Kochhar, a NC State alumnus, from Punjab to Raleigh.

The announcement received a standing ovation from the students and families. On hearing to the announcement, many of the students were shocked as it not only provided relief but is also life-changing.

“It is my privilege to announce today that, in honour of my father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, Marilyn and I are providing a graduation gift to cover all the final-year education loans incurred by Wilson College graduates during the 2025-26 academic year,” wearing a red NC State cap, Kochhar told the class of 2026.

“Marilyn and I hope that all of you leave Reynolds Coliseum today not only with a degree but with greater freedom to pursue your goals, take risks and build the lives you’ve worked so hard to achieve,” Kochhar added.

The Kochhars spoke to the school leadership and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before making the announcement.

Wilson College of Textiles Dean David Hinks said he could not be more grateful to Anil and Marilyn for the extraordinary investment in their newest Wilson for Life alumni.

Anil recalled that his father Prakash Chand Kochhar travelled thousands of miles from India to Raleigh 80 years ago with hope and determination. In 1946, he travelled from Punjab to study textile manufacturing at NC State, earned his bacheor’s in 1950 and master’s in 1952.

Then he worked as a sales service coordinator at Industrial Rayon in New Yor City, launched a career in the industry. Now, it is a family legacy spanning three generations, Anil said.