Shalin Happiness Foundation Primary School
The Shalin Happiness Foundation has renovated a 150 year old school that has been deemed unfit for use in the agricultural village of Hirapur, India. The School opening was July 13, 2023, on Shalin’s birthday. The school support 600+ students (boys and girls). We are SO excited and feel blessed to be able to provide these beautiful children with the school environment they deserve so that they can focus on their education. As Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Shalin Shah
July 13, 1992 - May 16, 2015
Shalin, son of Bharati and Sanjiv Shah, spent his childhood in Califomia, USA, nurturing
a vibrant curiosity and profound love for life. From a young age, his compassionate
spirit, coupled with his drive to assist those in need, marked him as an extraordinary
personality. Having established their careers and business in Califomia, Bharati and
Sanjiv passed down a rich legacy of moral principles and virtues to Shalin, which he
embraced wholeheartedly. Since his childhood, Shalin fostered great curiosity, love and
passion towards life. Shalin loved his friends and family dearly and was always looking
to help others. Love and family were of the utmost importance to Shalin, and he made it
a priority to regularly spend time with his loved ones. He had this amazing ability to
connect with people across generations and from all walks of life.
Fascinated by the cosmos and philosophy, Shalin's kindness knew no bounds, and his
compassionate nature extended far beyond his immediate circle. He possessed an
insatiable thirst for knowledge and the exploration of the world's diverse cultures,
histories, and societies.
During his School and College, Shalin was UNICEF volunteer and worked on clean
water projects for underdeveloped countries. Following his graduation from the
University of Southern California, Shalin committed himself to humanitarian efforts,
servicing as a Community Economic Volunteer with Peace Corp. Shalin touched countless lives with his unwavering dedication to society, also finding love along the way, marrying his high-school friend, Frances.
In his lifetime, Shalin strived to bring about long-term happiness in others’ lives,
inspiring people to live fully and pursue joy, irrespective of their circumstances. He was
unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, yet faced his remaining days without
fear, embodying true courage.
In May 2015, at just 22 years of age, Shalin's brave battle with cancer came to an end.
Yet, his spirit of love and light persists, and his life's philosophy continues to influence those
around him. Shalin's final wish to effect lasting positive change in others' lives ensures
his legacy remains an enduring beacon of hope, inspiring future generations.