Desi philanthropist pays off student loans for 176 graduates in the US

Students of North Carolina State Univer­sity’s Wilson College of Textiles received a life-changing surprise during their graduation ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum. 

Anil Kochhar, an Indian-origin philanthropist and the commencement speaker, announced he and his wife, Marilyn, would pay off all final-year education loans for the 176 bachelor’s degree recipients.  

Kochhar, the son of alumnus Prakash Chand Kochhar, dedicated the gesture to his father’s memory. The elder Kochhar travelled from Punjab to Raleigh in 1946 with little more than hope to study textile manufacturing. He earned his bachelor’s in 1950 and a master’s in 1952, launching a career that supported three generations of his family.  

“Marilyn and I hope that all of you leave Reynolds Coliseum today not only with a degree but with greater freedom to pursue your goals,” Kochhar told the class of 2026. The announcement applies to the 2025-26 academic year and was coordinated with the university’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Dean David Hinks expressed deep gratitude for the “extraordinary investment”, noting that making the college affordable is a primary goal. The Wilson College of Textiles remains the only institution in North America devoted entirely to the field.  

The relief is especially impactful for students like Alyssa D’Costa, a fashion and textile management major. D’Costa, a daughter of immigrants, said the money would help her family significantly. Kochhar concluded by telling the graduates that his father found an opportunity at the university that allowed him to build a successful life and a legacy that will never stop. The ceremony also saw 26 master’s students graduate alongside the bachelor’s recipients.  –Agencies