Dear Alumni and Friends of Kodaikanal International School:

Welcome to the website of Kodai Friends International, Inc. ("KFI")!

Since the time of its formation in 2006, KFI has existed to support Kodaikanal International School ("KIS") in India and to further the interests of its worldwide Alumni. Although KFI is still a relatively young organization, it carries on a rich legacy left to us by prior generations of Alumni who, like all of us, were privileged to attend our truly unique School nestled in the beautiful Palani Hills of South India.   The experiences we shared in our youth living, and learning in India, have indelibly branded us for life and forged camaraderie with fellow KIS Alumni that cannot be shaken—no matter the passage of time.

KFI fulfills its mission first by managing endowed as well as unrestricted funds contributed to it by a number of missions, earlier foundations and many individuals from prior decades.   Proceeds from this inheritance have been used in the past, and are continuing to be used, to support the faculty and programs at KIS, including grants for scholarships, resettlement grants for international faculty, and, more recently, restoration of the KIS Archives and Museum.   KFI is a non-profit Section 501(c)(3) organization, which makes it possible for Alumni and friends in the United States to make gifts that are tax deductible.

KFI also exists to support KIS Alumni interests. Most recently, the KFI Alumni Association was revived (or brought back to life) to focus on ways of enhancing the historically positive relationship between KIS and its Alumni.   This will be accomplished by (i) encouraging local Alumni Chapters to sponsor educational events and visitations by representatives from KIS, (ii) helping recent Alumni coming to North America to pursue higher education, (iii) assisting with the recruitment of international staff and students for KIS, and (iv) helping KIS establish KFI like organizations in Asia, Europe and Australia.

This year KFI facilitated the acquisition of a pipe organ to replace the old one in the Kodai School Chapel. Some of you have contributed to the fulfillment of this project that will enhance the music program at KIS and bring joy to the whole congregation that worships at the Chapel. This was accomplished in the spirit of community and giving which has been an integral part of the bond we all have with KIS and each other.

Getting involved with KFI, either by participating in sponsored events and/or as a donor, is one of the best ways for you to stay connected with KIS.   As Alumni and friends of KIS, it has been our good fortune to be associated with a great institution in India that has a wonderful legacy. I have just returned from Council meetings at KIS, and can tell you that the general atmosphere among faculty/staff and students is the BEST I have seen in the past 4 years.

This year we bid farewell to 2 members of the KFI Board of Directors who were term limited and also welcome 3 new members. I am blessed to be working with an excellent team to promote KFI in the service of KIS.

Now, we hope you will agree, is our opportunity to both preserve and promote our School for many generations to come.   We invite you to join us in this noble endeavor!

All the best-

Jeetu Nanda, Class of 1983

KFI President

02 October 2014