A born asthmatic and forced to miss school in the early part of his life, Amritraj knows a thing or two about the struggle and the journey thereafter.

Now, many years after the struggle, Amritraj is keen to make the journey and the world for the many, who need help, a better place to live in. That process took shape during his tenure as the United Nations Messenger of Peace. "I have seen the suffering that exists around us. The more I saw the more it became obvious that something had to be done to help the millions who continue to succumb to disease and tragedy," Amritraj, here for the Bangalore Open, said.

The result of it was the birth of the Vijay Amritraj Foundation (VAF). The mission of the VAF is to provide assistance to the forgotten and in support of charities in India. Launched in November 2006, VAF, which has former American president George W Bush on its Advisory Board, has funded 12 charities in India.

One of the beneficiaries of the VAF is Mitra Jyothi (Bangalore), which improves the life of the disabled. Sri Poorna Mahameru Trust (Chennai), St Vincent's Home for Aids patients (Kochi), NAZ Foundation (Delhi) are some of the other charities reaping the benefits. "That is my greatest gift," Amritraj said about helping families in need and see a smile on the faces of the people in distress.

"VAF is India-centric," Amritraj said.