Published By: Sayan Paul

Sonu Sood's Birthday: The School of Sood - How His Scholarships and Education Drives Are Changing Lives

Got big dreams but short on money? Sonu Sood’s got your back.

Social media has said it best about Sonu Sood: “reel mein villain, real mein hero.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, he emerged as a true savior for countless migrant workers. And he didn’t stop there. From arranging transport and shelter to medical help and job support, he did many things the government should have but didn’t. However, once things returned to normal, the actor realized his work was far from over. Because India’s problems run deep, and the need for help comes in many forms. That’s when he decided to keep going and keep giving, not only in times of crisis, but every single day. Today, he stands tall as one of the country’s most impactful social workers. Among all the things he does, what he is doing for students stands out. Because he believes that students are the future of society. And if a child dares to dream but doesn’t have the means, he is ready to step in. Through scholarships, education drives, and career support, Sonu Sood is changing lives and how!

Today, on the hero's (one even Batman might take notes from) 52nd birthday, let's learn about that.

Why Education? A Personal Turning Point

For Sonu, the pandemic was a mirror that reflected the harsh truths of inequality. As he helped thousands return home or access healthcare, he realized the painful truth that a lack of education left people helpless and stuck.

In a 2021 interview with News18, he said, “I realized that true change comes when you empower someone with knowledge. Education is the only way to break the chains of circumstance.” That belief had actually been nurtured over the years. Sonu grew up in Moga, Punjab, watching his mother, Prof. Saroj Sood, teach students for free. Her unwavering faith in education as a vehicle for transformation left a lasting imprint on him.

After COVID, Sood made a vow to never let dreams be defeated by a lack of resources. A tweet of his from that time became his mantra: “Hum aapki padhai kabhi rukne nahin denge” (We’ll never let your education stop). And from that promise, a movement began to take shape.

The School of Sood

At the heart of Sood’s educational mission is the Sood Charity Foundation, which runs a bouquet of initiatives designed to empower students from marginalized backgrounds.

One of its flagship programs is Sambhavam, launched in 2021 in partnership with the Divine India Youth Association (DIYA). Sambhavam isn’t just about free coaching for UPSC aspirants; rather, it’s a full-fledged ecosystem. There is mentorship from toppers, personality development courses, access to high-quality study materials, and most importantly, constant motivation. And to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier, the registration fee is surprisingly low. In the 2024–25 cycle alone, over 1,000 students across the country have enrolled.

(Credit: sonu sood)

(Credit: sonu sood)

Also, there’s the Prof. Saroj Sood Scholarship, named after his mother. It offers complete or partial funding for tuition, hostel fees, and other academic costs. He has also collaborated with bodies like EC-Council to launch cybersecurity scholarships worth Rs 1 crore, aiming to shape the next generation of tech defenders.

(Credit: CT University)

(Credit: CT University)

For aspiring lawyers, Sankalp provides free coaching for law entrance exams, and through Mera Bharat Surakshit Bharat, students are guided into careers in cybersecurity. Collaborations with Scholify and Sarat Chandra Academy further help ensure quality coaching reaches the most overlooked corners of India.

(Credit: Sood Charity Foundation)

(Credit: Sood Charity Foundation)

The reach is wide and growing. From UPSC to NEET and JEE, these programs are not just about clearing exams but also about giving students the courage to compete, the support to thrive, and the belief that their dreams are valid. In 2023 alone, over 10,000 students reaped the benefits.

Real Stories, Real Success

What does change look like? Ask Priyanka Yadav, a 22-year-old from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. The daughter of farmers, she dared to dream of becoming a doctor. But NEET coaching was a luxury her family couldn’t afford. Sood’s scholarship came as a savior. Free coaching, online materials, and continuous mentorship lit her path. And in 2024, she cleared NEET and secured a seat at a government medical college.

“I used to think my dreams were too big for my reality,” she said in an interview, adding, “Sonu sir didn’t just give me money; he gave me hope.”

Or take Rohan Sharma as another example, who is a youth from Bihar and a 2023-24 Sambhavam scholar. With little means to pursue UPSC coaching, he was selected into the program. Armed with mentorship from retired civil servants and access to quality coaching, he cleared the prelims in 2024. Now, he is training for the mains with confidence and conviction.

(Credit: Sood Charity Foundation)

(Credit: Sood Charity Foundation)

These stories remind us that dreams, when nurtured with the right support, do come true.

More Than Just Numbers... It’s Personal

Yes, the numbers are impressive: 10,000 students helped in one year, with a target of 15,000 in 2025. But the real strength of Sonu Sood’s work lies in his personal involvement. He doesn’t operate from a distance. Whether it’s replying to students on social media, visiting coaching centers, or personally overseeing scholarship programs, he stays deeply connected.

Take the example of his notebook distribution drive in Solapur. Over 6,000 notebooks were handed out by his foundation, with Sood personally sharing updates and encouragement online. “Education for all is my mission,” he wrote.

His programs prioritize the underserved, including students from families earning less than Rs 2 lakh a year, first-generation learners, and rural youth. Selection for Sambhavam includes merit-based tests and interviews to ensure fairness. Through initiatives like Project Srijan and Yuva Utkarsh Magazine, students also get to engage in civil service dialogue and publish their thoughts.

(Credit: sonu sood)

(Credit: sonu sood)

What makes this model different from most NGO or government efforts is its agility. It’s not stuck in red tape.

A Mission That’s Bigger Than One Man

“I was once a small-town boy with big dreams,” the actor said in an interview with Jay-Ho in 2023. “I know what it feels like to need a push. I want to be that push for others.”

His approach is very holistic. Alongside education, he has worked on campaigns like Meal@51 to tackle hunger and Kala Shakti to promote arts education. But education remains the cornerstone. It’s where he believes long-term change begins.

By joining hands with organizations like DIYA and EC-Council, he proves that collaboration multiplies impact. And by showing up, time and again, he sets an example for others in positions of privilege.

Happy Birthday, Sonu Sood!