The Bhoodan Movement of the 1950s is a great example. People donated millions of acres of land to benefit the landless. Growing up in India, many of us witnessed how village communities would unite to plant trees, add classrooms to the local school, or establish a community library.
This deeply ingrained tradition of collective action for social benefit holds valuable lessons for modern philanthropy.
Individual philanthropy in India has gained significant visibility in recent years. The growth of family businesses into professional organisations has led to the creation of large foundations and extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives. The Tata Trusts, established in 1892, along with foundations like the Azim Premji Foundation and the Shiv Nadar Foundation, are among many making substantial social impact across India.
But as India's economy grows and creates new wealth beyond the ultra-rich segment, a new generation of philanthropists is emerging. These successful professionals and entrepreneurs may not have billions to give individually, but they are eager to find meaningful ways to contribute to society. In my interactions with many such individuals, I have observed a growing interest in collaborative approaches to giving, a model where people pool their resources, expertise, and governance capabilities to create a more significant impact. This is where collaborative philanthropy holds immense promise.
The Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children (SRCC) in Mumbai is a great example. It began in 1948 when Fathema Ismail, a social worker and one of independent India's earliest champions of children's healthcare, recognised the desperate need for paediatric care in the newly independent nation. Her three-year-old daughter's polio diagnosis was the catalyst - but her vision was universal. With support from volunteers and the government, she established SRCC on government-leased land in Mumbai.
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Financial Express Lucknow.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Financial Express Lucknow.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A middle-class meltdown
Economic shift, stagnating real income post Covid weigh on spending on daily items
Shyam Benegal cremated with full state honours
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of India’s parallel cinema movement, was cremated with full state honors on Tuesday.
Champions Trophy: India to play Pakistan on Feb 23
INDIA WILL PLAY all their matches of the Champions Trophy in Dubai with the marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled on February 23, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
Net gains: Secured Virat, cautious Rohit gear up
INDIA GOT A chance to bat in the nets on fresher pitches on Tuesday, their last day of training as Christmas day is a rest day for them.
Local satellites push draws 30 aspirants
The applicants for INSPACe's latest effort in this regard include startups such as Google-backed Pixxel and Baring Private Equity-backed SatSure, as well as larger entities like Tata Group's Tata Advanced Systems.
₹2-cr fine on Deloitte Haskins for Zee audit
In September 2018, the chairman of ZEEL, who is also the promoter of Essel Group of Companies, issued a letter to Yes Bank, and committed ₹200 crore of fixed deposit (FD) of ZEEL as a guarantee for the loans given by the bank to group company Essel Green Mobility.
Labour-intensive exports: Gains likely to be short-lived
India's textile export growth is likely to be short-lived despite a recent surge, driven by factors such as a volatile rupee and instability in neighboring Bangladesh. While this presents opportunities, long-term gains require competitiveness and product diversification.
Economists for FTAs, land & labour reforms
RCEP was signed by the group of countries in November 2020 except India.
Uniting for greater good
COLLABORATIVE PHILANTHROPY IS not a new idea. History has many examples of communities coming together for the common good.
EAM in US to boost bilateral ties
IN WHAT IS expected to be the first high-level contact between the incoming Trump 2.0 administration and the Indian government in its third term, external affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet the new Trump team in the US.