Philanthropy
Philanthropy
People tend to think of philanthropy as a far-off object- giving back when all other life goals have been fulfilled. But it can, and should be more than this- it’s the intentional quest to create legacy and forge impact through wealth, time, or skills.
The journey towards giving rarely starts with just surplus; it is deeply rooted in introspection, pivotal life experiences, and an ongoing search for meaning. For many, the initial spark may come from a cause close to the heart, a life-changing event, or a driving sense of gratitude toward the community or nation. But to move from inspiration to meaningful action demands honest self-examination:
What do I care about most? Where can my resources catalyze lasting change?
Finding your “why” as the true compass of your giving journey
Purposeful reflection helps determine if you want to address local needs, support systemic sectoral change, or create widespread societal transformation. This is driven by personal values, family, community, experiences, and challenges.
When Do People Start Giving?
Philanthropic behaviour often follows the same arc as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. People tend to give more freely once their own basic needs are met, allowing them to focus on belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. At these higher levels, giving becomes a way to find purpose and connection- a reflection of personal values and a desire to make a difference beyond oneself. Sometimes this generosity is deliberate and deeply aligned with one’s beliefs; other times, it’s sparked by life’s turning points- a powerful event, a personal loss, or an encounter that stirs empathy and inspires action.
But giving is also shaped by barriers: reputational pressures, social influence, tax incentives, or even fear of judgment. A clear personal “why” helps navigate and transcend these external motivators, guiding giving toward meaningful, sustained impact.
Diverse Journeys to Purposeful Giving:
A Catalyst for Healthcare Equity:
Having been critically aware of Odisha’s healthcare landscape which got deepened further upon deep, reflective interactions with compassionate institutions working in palliative care, Subroto and Sushmita Bagchi were moved to set up the Bagchi Karunashraya Centre for Palliative Care in Bhubaneswar.
In-patient care at the Bagchi Karunashraya Centre for Palliative Care in Bhubaneswar
State of the art premises of the Bagchi Karunashraya Centre for Palliative Care in Bhubaneswar
The initiative was rooted in a commitment to philanthropy and the belief that high-quality care should be accessible to underserved communities in Odisha. The Bagchi couple pledged over ₹340 crores to establish these facilities and partnered with leading charitable organizations to ensure the centers offered free care and training for local medical personnel. Their vision was not only to provide advanced clinical treatment but also dignified, empathetic palliative services for those at the end of life.
Read more about their work here.
Transforming Wealth into Scalable Impact:
When Romesh Wadhwani sold his enterprise software company Aspect Development in 2000 to i2 Technologies, acquiring a significant amount of wealth, the idea of affecting change at scale intrigued him. He also became aware of the low prevalence of philanthropy. He founded the Wadhwani Foundation with the ambitious mission to accelerate economic growth by promoting job creation and entrepreneurship, with an initial focus on India.
Romesh Wadhwani with PM Narendra Modi at IIT Bombay for the launch for Wadhwani Hub and Innovation and Translation Centre
Cut to 2025, Wadhwani Foundation is still taking up landmark initiatives such as the Wadhwani Innovation Hubs at the prominent IITs. For instance, The Wadhwani Hub and Innovation and Translation Centre at IIT Bombay is focused on advancing biosciences innovation, supporting graduate research, incubating startups, and ensuring rapid commercialization of breakthrough technologies in healthcare and bioengineering.
Read more about their work here.
Giving Back after a Life Saved:
Mirik Gogri, from Aarti Industries, launched the India Translational Research Initiative (ITRI) to bridge the big funding and gap collaboration in India’s research ecosystem which results in many innovations never reaching the public. Motivated by surviving a brain tumor through advanced medical technology, Gogri aims to unify academia, industry, philanthropy, and government to accelerate innovations in health, climate, and technology for public impact.
Mirik Gogri (on the right) signing a formal expression of interest with Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai in 2025 to jointly catalyse the construction of the Mumbai Biocluster
Through Spectrum Impact, the Aarti family office, Gogri supports over 100 climate and health organizations globally. His vision is to transform India’s innovation landscape by providing catalytic funding, mentorship, and cross-sector partnerships, ensuring breakthroughs move beyond labs to real-world solutions that benefit society. This initiative is also a way for him to give back for the life-saving technologies that shaped his own journey.
Read more about their work here.
Turning Grief into Change:
Anu Aga was prompted to become a philanthropist following profound personal tragedies, notably the sudden death of her son Kurush. After his passing in a car accident, Kurush’s humanitarian values deeply influenced Anu Aga’s perspective, motivating her to focus on social impact. This personal loss, coupled with her grounding in social work and her belief in responsible citizenship, drove her to become actively involved in philanthropy.
Anu Aga with daughter Meher Pudumjee and Pheroz Pudumjee at an event in 2018
Today, Anu Aga is most passionate about supporting primary education for underprivileged children, channeling major efforts into Akanksha Foundation—where she and her daughter Meher Pudumjee are board members—and Teach For India, both dedicated to reducing educational inequity. She also contributes to governance reforms and human rights through GiveIndia, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), and PRS Legislative Research, while advocating for corporate governance and women’s empowerment. Her philanthropic approach emphasizes both financial giving and deep personal engagement with the causes she supports, setting her apart as a hands-on changemaker in India
Read more about her journey in this newspaper excerpt.
These stories remind us that anyone can be a philanthropist, whether with vast financial resources or through sustained community giving. Everyday philanthropists—neighbors who mentor, families who share, communities that crowd-fund—also exemplify the spectrum of “whys”
Reflections
True, effective giving doesn’t just ask “how much can I give?” but “why do I give?” and “where will it matter most?” As you consider your own journey, carve out time for honest reflection. Ask yourself: If I could change just one thing in the world, what would it be, and why is this so important to me? Often, the answers to these questions don’t merely shape the causes you support; they chart the course for a purposeful, lasting legacy.
Coming Up in This Series:
The time is ripe for evidence-based collective action
With Indian philanthropy expanding, forums such as the Young India Philanthropic Pledge, Indiaspora, Social Venture Partners are increasingly becoming the hubs continuously working on the question How to effectively collectivize philanthropy, thought, and action to tackle critical social challenges?
The largest opportunity at the moment lies in strengthening collaborations through data-driven, tech-intensive models built for multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Corporates in India are already showing what’s possible when technology and purpose come together—using data, digital tools, and cross-sector partnerships to tackle challenges at scale. Yet, the real transformation will unfold when collectives of family philanthropies step into this arena with equal energy. Philanthropic giving rooted in empathy and legacy, when combined with the precision and reach of tech-enabled collaboration, could unlock unprecedented impact.
This is the moment for family philanthropy to evolve—from heartfelt intent to collective, data-powered action that redefines India’s social future.
Explore more:
A Key Opportunity: Collective intent meets purpose
A key example of evidence-based, collective action meeting purpose and catalysing philanthropy would be FUEL – Friends Union for Energising Lives, Pune –a pioneering non-profit transforming how India’s youth prepare for the future of work.
The organization was founded in 2007 by a group of friends led by Ketan Deshpande, towards the mission to bridge the education-to-employment gap. The organization has grown into a social enterprise that empowers young people, especially those from underserved communities- with career guidance, skills training, and mentoring.
Their programs equip students with future-ready capabilities in areas like data analytics, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence, ensuring that India’s next generation is not just employable but inspired to lead.
With a presence across 17+ states, FUEL has reached over a million students through more than 3,000 schools and colleges, building a movement that connects aspiration with opportunity. It nurtures confidence, connects talent to industry, and helps young people imagine possibilities beyond their circumstances.
To learn more about their work and join hands in empowering India’s youth for a brighter, more inclusive future, visit fuelfornation.com
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