Arvind Khanna’s roots lie in Punjab. His family was a victim of the Partition and started from scratch after they came to India in 1947. His mother is the daughter of Maharaja Bhupendra Singh of Patiala and has worked for decades for the welfare of society. Deeply influenced by his family’s philanthropic initiatives, Arvind nurtured the desire to do something for the people of Punjab since childhood.

After studying in Delhi till the age of 14, Arvind left for England for his higher education and studied in Millfield, the reputed public school in Somerset. Later, he moved to the US to pursue an undergraduate degree. He returned to the United Kingdom and worked in his family business for a few years before moving back to India.

Arvind could have easily led a luxurious life, considering his family wealth and what he would inherit one day. Instead, he decided to create a legacy of his own - a legacy that his sons would be proud to inherit. Despite a flourishing career as an entrepreneur, Arvind realised that the only thing that gave him joy was serving the people. Thus was born Umeed, an NGO that works for the uplift of underprivileged people in Sangrur district, in 1997. Fifteen years on, Arvind has given the people of Punjab a healthier and financially-secure present and future. Arvind had to sacrifice a lot to ensure a better life for Sangrur residents, but he has no regrets as he continues to work hard to make a difference in grassroots Punjab.