DES MOINES, IOWA (Diya TV) — 16-year-old Kathir Kalyanaraman from Johnston High School in Iowa has spearheaded an initiative to refurbish and distribute hundreds of laptops and electronic devices to refugees and immigrants across the state. Recognized as one of the Des Moines Register’s People to Watch in 2024, Kalyanaraman is breaking stereotypes by showcasing the profound impact even a teenager can have on a community.
Kalyanaraman, a robotics and software enthusiast since first grade, is not just excelling academically but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Serving as the president of the HOSA-Future Health Professionals club at his school and actively involved in various extracurricular activities, Kalyanaraman has taken his passion for technology a step further.
Beyond the walls of his academic and extracurricular commitments, Kalyanaraman devotes his time to refurbishing electronic devices, giving them a new lease on life. These revitalized devices find their way to organizations assisting individuals in need, particularly among immigrant and refugee communities in Iowa. His personal commitment goes beyond just repairs; he even established a nonprofit named Tech Gift Foundation to streamline his efforts.
Having witnessed the technology gap among newly arrived immigrants in Des Moines, Kalyanaraman decided to bridge this divide through Tech Gift Foundation. His initiative not only helps recipients access education and job opportunities but also fosters connectivity with their home countries.
Olena Hubkova, a Ukrainian immigrant in Ames, attests to the transformative power of a simple computer. The laptop she received from Kalyanaraman facilitated her job search, online education, and staying connected with loved ones in Ukraine. The impact of such gestures extends beyond immediate necessities, allowing individuals to pursue personal interests and skills development.
Kalyanaraman’s initiative gained momentum when his father’s business, Cerebral Group, upgraded its technology, leaving a surplus of laptops and phones. Rather than letting them go to waste, Kalyanaraman connected with various organizations like Des Moines Refugee Support, United We March Forward, and Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, amplifying the reach of his mission.
Despite being recognized as a People to Watch, Kalyanaraman remains grounded, expressing gratitude for the heartfelt thanks received from those he has assisted. With a vision to expand his impact beyond Iowa, the teenager with a big heart and technical prowess plans to create a footprint in various cities, fostering connections with nonprofit organizations and leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and innovation.
