Rev. Dr. Jegath Gaspar Raj
Founder of The Rise
A Catholic priest, broadcaster, public intellectual, and founder of The Rise — whose life's work connects generations of Tamil entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders across the world.
A Life of Service
Rooted in Purpose, Driven by People
Rev. Dr. Jegath Gaspar Raj is a Catholic priest belonging to the Diocese of Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India. He has ministered in various parishes and institutions for the last 27 years as a Catholic Priest, and currently holds various regional level assignments.
A staunch believer in democracy, equity, gender justice, and environmental peace, he fiercely resists ideologies and politics of hate and exclusion. He considers a fearless voice as a crucial instrument of fairness and justice.
He founded The Rise — a global organisation of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals — and serves as founder of several other initiatives across society, culture, education, media, religion, and politics.
Regarded and respected as a Public Intellectual by global Tamils.
Get in Touch
Contact
Address
150, Luz Church Road, Mylapore,
Chennai 600 004. India.
Leadership & Roles
Other Designations
Founder & Leadership
- The Rise Global — Founder
- Thamizhoor — Founder
- Give Life — Co-Founder
- CTACIS — Founder
- Goodwill Communications Ltd. — Chairman & MD
- EarthSmiles — Founder
- PalmyraNation — Co-Founder
Ideals
A staunch believer in democracy, equity, gender justice, and environmental peace. He fiercely resists ideologies and politics of hate and exclusion, and considers a fearless voice a crucial instrument of fairness and justice.
Scholarship
Education
Degrees
- M.A. (Political Science) — Madurai Kamaraj University
- B.A. (History) — University of Madras
- B.A. (Philosophy) — Urbaniana University, Roma, Italy
- B.A. Theology — Sacred Heart College, Poonamallee, Chennai
Additional Studies
- 8 months of Masteral Program at the University of Madras on Defence and Strategic Studies
- Schooling at Carmel Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu
Competencies
Key Areas of Competency & Special Learnings
Key Areas of Competency
- Mass Media and Communication
- Developing dynamic and creative leadership in and for social, educational, religious and political sectors
- Human and organizational networking
- Advocacy
- Strategic policy planning for society, culture, education, media, religion and politics
- Conflict resolution and consensus building
- In-depth knowledge of the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict and South Asian politics in general
- International humanitarian law / law governing war and conflicts, refugee issues
Special Learnings
- Western music, Indian Carnatic music and folk arts
- Tamil literature, from ancient to the modern
- Basic learning in classical languages — Latin, Greek and Hebrew
A Legacy of Impact
Accomplishments
- Radio Veritas Asia (1995 - 2001) — Served as Director of the Tamil department in Manila, Philippines, becoming internationally known as an accomplished broadcaster, humanitarian and human rights activist with several awards. Highlights:
- Wrote, edited and read more than 1000 world news bulletins, 200 analysis programs, and 250 magazine programs
- Organized and conducted several symposiums on media, and participated in many
- Tamil Maiyam (2002) — Founded to promote arts, culture and scholarly research in Tamil. Its first project was the historic Thiruvasakam in Symphony by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, involving more than 250 artists and technicians from Hungary, USA and India, with everything from fundraising to extremely challenging logistics coordinated by him.
- Chennai Sangamam — Co-created the biggest open festival of India.
- Project Give Life (2007) — Co-created along with Akhila Srinivasan, MD, Shriram Life Insurance, which has so far supported the education of 47,000 underprivileged children.
- Re-Green Chennai & Palmyra Nation — Envisioned these environmental initiatives.
- CTACIS — Founded the Confederation of Tamil Agriculture, Commerce, Industry and Services, today an inclusive platform of more than 500 small and medium entrepreneurs.
- The RISE — Founded the global organisation of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Founder's Message
A Vision That Connects Generations
The Rise was founded on the belief that meaningful progress begins when people come together with a shared purpose. Our mission is to connect talent, ideas, and opportunities across borders, creating a global ecosystem where entrepreneurship, leadership, and service flourish.
Continue the Journey
Be part of the movement. Be part of the conversation. Be part of The Rise.