The Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF), founded by Novak Djokovic, is a charitable organization that has been making a significant impact in the field of early childhood education and development since its inception in 2007. A prominent member and contributor to the NDF recently passed away, and it took everyone by surprise, particularly Jelena Djokovic.
Padma Rajan was one of the foundation’s most ardent supporters. She was an Indian-origin entrepreneur and philanthropist, who had been actively involved in various charitable causes, especially in the field of education in Serbia. Recently, the sad news of Ms. Rajan’s demise reached Jelena. She immediately took to Twitter to share her condolences.
Novak Djokovic’s wife offers condolences upon Padma Rajan’s death
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Rajan’s passion for helping others and her unwavering belief in the power of education as a tool for change aligned perfectly with the Novak Djokovic Foundation’s mission. Although she was primarily involved in projects focusing on children from underprivileged communities in the US during her initial years as a philanthropist, her fandom for Djokovic made her contribute to the development of children in Serbia.
She was also one of the top contributors to the Novak Djokovic Foundation, focusing on Early Child Education (ECE) and Early Child Development (ECD). Having practiced her activism at NDF for more than 10 years, the news of her demise was indeed a shock for everyone associated with the foundation.
After the news broke, Jelena tweeted, “I remember Padma very well. What a beautiful soul she is! Usually, when people hug me, they say how tiny I am. But I remember hugging her and feeling how gentle, almost fragile she is! How much love I felt and kindness in our few encounters.”
My condolences to the family, to her two children she loved and cared for very much. I am really sad and heartbroken to learn about her passing. Whole @novakfoundation loved her enthusiasm and passion for ECD and we valued her support over the years. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏻
— Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) July 28, 2023
Knowing how valuable Padma was for not only the Novak Djokovic Foundation but for the entire tennis community, tennis fans also paid their respect to the beloved soul.
Tennis fans pay their heartfelt tributes to Padma Rajan
After Jelena conveyed her tributes to Padma, many fans joined the conversation. One of the Twitter users wrote an emotional message, “I remember you wrote about meeting her at the USO 2021. Must have been wonderful for you both. She was a lovely woman who touched the lives of everyone she met.”
I remember you wrote about meeting her at the USO 2021.
Must have been wonderful for you both. She was a lovely woman who touched the lives of everyone she met ❤️
— Tennis Puneet 🎾 📚 (@TennisPuneet) July 28, 2023
One Twitter user also appreciated Jelena by saying, “This is a great gesture from Jelena.”
This is a great gesture from Jelena https://t.co/AFzXe6fQpo
— Srihari (@srihariravi_12) July 28, 2023
Another one joined to pay their condolences as well by adding, “Rest in peace, Padma.” A Twitter user also wrote pleasant words for Padma by commenting, “What a gentle soul she is.”
What a gentle soul she is… https://t.co/wP2arrU0Gu
— Purwa (@purwzz) July 28, 2023
Jelena and Novak’s fans were also very appreciative of the message Jelena wrote. One of them added, “What a beautiful tribute Jelena. Wish I had the opportunity to hug her as well. Thank you so much for your kind words. May she rest in peace.”
One Twitter user responded, “Completely shocked to hear this. One of the most beautiful and kindest souls I’ve come across so far – may she rest in peace – deepest condolences to her family.”
Completely shocked to hear this 💔
One of the most beautiful and kindest soul I’ve come across so far – may she rest in peace – deepest condolences to her family 🙏🏻🤍
— Prachi 😊 (@PrachiKudale) July 28, 2023
After the shocking news left Twitter users shocked, people continued to add comments for the kind soul that Padma was.
Padma emanated kindness with her entire being, we'll miss her 💔
— Mikikant (@mikikant_liber) July 28, 2023
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One of them wrote, “Padma emanated kindness with her entire being, we’ll miss her.”
Another one added, “Angel of nolefam. She touched every life she was a part of. Still in disbelief.”
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When the world loses a soul like Padma, it is certainly news that takes time for everyone to absorb. We hope the fans of Novak and Padma’s well-wishers overcome this sad loss soon.
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