Bengaluru
Hello readers, I got a few interesting comments on FC 253:
Lakshmi Raman says: “True Prasanna. It's never too late to do or attempt most things. Given the convenience and services we have today, whether it's travelling to Cherrapunji or China, learning a new language, trying a new recipe (by the way, I don't like cooking, either), or making new friends. This is also more rewarding than looking before and after and pining for what is not, as the poet Shelley says. I've enrolled for a course in cancer and palliative care. One part of my mind said, ‘Why now?’ but the other said, ‘Why not?’”
Smita cracks a good joke: “Well-written piece as always. The lines on opportunity remind me of an old favourite:
Knock! Knock!
Who’s there?Opportunity!
Don’t tell lies, opportunity knocks only once!”
Peter Torre, from Perth comments: “Thank you so much for FC253. I can't emphasise the serendipitous timing of your message at the current juncture in my life. I have read it several times and will continue to read it to draw inspiration to pursue what is in my heart, to forgive someone, and to live my dream.”
Thank you, Peter. You have more than rewarded my efforts to keep FC a meaningful read.
💝Philanthropy
On the 17th of June, I was invited to a fireside chat with Amit Chandra and his wife, Archana. Amit is a thoroughbred investment banker, and I worked with him on many deals when I was the GC of Aditya Birla Group. In his next avatar, Amit established Bain Capital in India and served on the Board of Tata Sons. Blessed with a daughter, Amit & Archana founded the A.T.E Chandra Foundation, a non-CSR philanthropy. Amit is one of the founders and is a governing board member of Ashoka University and is the Chairman of Give India.
Amit & Archana have set aside a substantial portion of their net worth to serve the cause of society and have been investing their time, energy and resources in addressing society’s most pressing issues in a sustainable and scalable manner. Their motto: “We are driven by a sense of duty and purpose to our nation.”
Their inspirations range from Guru Nanak’s philosophy of ‘Kirat kar – te vand chakh’ (work honestly and give generously) to Chuck Feeney’s principle of ‘Giving while living’, which emphasises the importance of giving one’s best in both effort and magnitude.
One could sense their passion to pursue the greater interest of society and make a difference in the lives of people who struggle due to a lack of resources and opportunities. For example, Archana’s passionate involvement with the Jai Vakil Foundation in Mumbai. Its mission statement reads: “To provide holistic services delivered by well-trained staff through a recognised curriculum and an engaged parent body. The foundation aims to deliver a physical, social and cultural environment compatible with greater learning and growth for individuals with intellectual disability.”
Amit and Archana live an unpretentious and modest lifestyle, staying rooted in their simple living comforts. In fact, during the talk, they were asked if their daughter would mind them giving away their wealth to philanthropy. We were told that the daughter has been privy to all the discussions about the Foundation and is quite happy with the ‘giving away’ and is content with whatever she may inherit.
Archana & Amit reminded me of Smt. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of The Aditya Birla Community Initiatives, who does not believe in chequebook philanthropy, but makes tremendous efforts to ensure that the benefits flow to the intended end beneficiary. You will be mesmerised by the work that is being done by the Aditya Birla Group. Please see for yourself, 🔗Aditya Birla Group | Community initiatives.
I'm also reminded of the philanthropy of Rohini and Nandan. Unassuming, self-effacing, both of them keep giving back to the society. Please visit 🔗rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org to know more.
It was a morning well spent with Amit & Archana. Their other partner, Anuj Bhagwati, lends support from the US of A, where he is based. The one profound aspect of the foundation is that it does not accept funding from anyone. If you wish to know more about the foundation and the work it does, please visit 🔗www.atecf.org
The fireside chat with Amit & Archana was hosted by another long-time friend of time, Jacob. It was in a fine setting at the Muzumdar Shaw Auditorium, part of MAP (Museum of Art & Photography). If you haven't been there yet, please do. It is right opposite the Venkatappa Gallery, on Kasturba Road, Bangalore. Map-india.org
The key takeaway for me was that you don’t have to be super rich to be able to help the community at large. In fact, during the talk, it transpired that only a percentage of the HNI (High Networth Individual) community ‘gives while living’. Of course, there are many HNIs who maintain humility and self-effacing demeanour and give back to the society without any fanfare. More power to them!
Charity and philanthropy are both acts of giving and helping others, but they differ in their approach and scope. Charity typically refers to the immediate assistance provided to individuals or groups in need, often addressing their immediate needs such as food, shelter, or medical aid. It is often driven by empathy and compassion, aiming to alleviate suffering and provide relief.
On the other hand, philanthropy is a broader concept that involves strategic and long-term efforts to address societal issues and bring about positive change. Philanthropy often involves the donation of significant resources, such as money, time, or expertise, towards initiatives that aim to tackle the root causes of problems and create sustainable solutions. In a nutshell, charity focuses on immediate relief, philanthropy aims to create lasting impact and systemic change.
Given this distinction between charity & philanthropy, one can conclude that we, as ordinary people, can undertake charitable initiatives within our means, whereas there are men like the late M S Ramiah who will be remembered as a true philanthropist. The institutions that he has created stand as testimony to his desire to bring about systemic change and create a lasting impact. I urge you to browse this website to understand the impact he has had in all walks of life. 🔗Our Journey - Ramaiah India. Many such noble souls have made a difference to society.
Philanthropists naturally embrace charitable giving, but do so in a structured and targeted way, and they consider their giving to be a ‘social investment’ where a tangible ‘social return’ is expected. Feeding a person or helping that person in any way is a charitable act, but philanthropy is an enduring engagement. It involves investing time, resources, and knowledge to create systemic change and also overcome frustrating hurdles along the way.
I am a Freemason, and I wrote about Freemasonry in 🔗Filter Coffee #235. If you missed it, please read. Charity has been at the core of Freemasonry since inception, reflecting the fraternity’s commitment to make a difference to someone in need. Charity is integral to the Masonic ethos, with members dedicated to helping others and improving the surrounding community. Freemasonry encourages its members to actively participate in charitable work, fostering a culture of giving and community service.
I invite readers to share instances of charity and stories of philanthropy that have made a difference to people around them. The proverb ‘charity begins at home’ underscores the overriding demand to take care of one’s family before caring for others. Home is where the heart is, and so follow your heart and extend a helping hand when you see another hand outstretched. Now, in a lighter vein:
A Sunday school teacher posed a question to her class, “If I were to sell my house, car, donate my possessions to charity, and give all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?”
The children unanimously replied, “No.”
Perplexed, the teacher asked, “Well, then how can I get into heaven?”
A quick-witted five-year-old boy replied, “You have to be dead first!”
Dear readers, if we were to say something harsh, it is considered uncharitable, but if we say something good, it is a compliment and not a ‘charitable comment’. Wonder why? Views welcome. Until next week, take care and be safe. Ciao!
Thanks Pras! So nice to read about Amit and Archana. Can't help but respect and admire them, and people like them, who give back so humbly. Makes one believe in goodness and hope in a world, otherwise, full of greed and selfishness.
Whether charity or philanthropy, too often it begins at home and ends at home. Businesses set up charitable foundations that help their own ilk with a little something going to those in need, to justify their existence. I may sound cynical but I have come across instances of these.
One foundation to note for its remarkable work in north Karnataka is the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra set up by the royal Ghorpade family in north Karnataka. They work among the Lambani community, equipping women with skills for livelihoods, reviving art and craft and promoting entrepreneurship. The products that are made are finding wider and wider markets. I've met some staff from here and plan to visit the centre one of these days.