Rajeev Ram, recently retired after one of the longest doubles careers of his generation, spent a day at Christel House India’s Bengaluru campus on 21 September, running a tennis workshop for Grade 11 and 12 students.
The American, a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion, two-time Olympic silver medallist and former world No. 1 in men’s doubles, is Global Ambassador for Christel House International. His session in Bengaluru covered stroke fundamentals and technique, along with the mental side of competing at the top level.
For most of the students, it was a rare chance to be coached by an elite player. Tennis remains one of the harder sports to access in India for children from low-income backgrounds, with costs for coaching, equipment and court time keeping it out of reach for many.
The visit comes weeks after Ram closed out his professional career at the US Open. He played the New York men’s doubles event 26 years in a row, the longest such streak in the tournament’s history, and signed off with a run to the semi-finals.
Ram said the visit had moved him, describing the Christel House campus as something that has to be seen in person to be understood. “These kids that have come from difficult circumstances are going to become successful professionals. I don’t think it gets much better than that,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to be here.”
Family roots in Bengaluru
The city carries personal weight for Ram. His late father, Raghav Ram, spent much of his life in Bengaluru before emigrating to the United States, and a large part of Ram’s extended family still lives there.
About Christel House India
Christel House India, founded in 2001 and marking its 25th year, offers free education and long-term support to children from underserved communities. Alongside academics, its programme covers character development, nutrition, healthcare, social services, and college and career preparation. Parents and caregivers are also brought into the programme.
Students can join as early as kindergarten and stay through Grade 12. Graduates then receive up to five further years of support through its College & Careers programme, including scholarships, academic help, counselling and job placement assistance.
The organisation runs four campuses, in Bengaluru, Atal Nagar (Raipur), Pune and Thane, with more than 2,800 students enrolled.