Strengthening
Samaaj

In the continuum of samaaj (society), bazaar (market) and sarkaar (government), only a strong society can keep markets and the state accountable to the public good. We cannot be mere consumers of good governance, we must be participants; we have to co-create it.


Aligns
Sarkaar

The philanthropy looks to support ideas, individuals and institutions doing ground-breaking work that enables a strong samaaj with ethical leadership, a sense of urgency and the courage to learn. This, we believe, will lead to the revival of communities and help build their capacity to fulfil their functions and duties for their own betterment.


and
Bazaar

As a funder, we recognise that supporting such change requires collaboration, risk, agency, and empathy. We do this by leading with curiosity and trust, and by being co-travellers with our partners. Guided by the trust-based philanthropic approach, we have embraced unrestricted, organisational support grants, committed to a higher quantum of capital and increased our risk appetite and patience to see change happen in the long run


Samaaj, Sarkaar, Bazaar - A Citizen-First Approach
This book is an invitation to thinkers, researchers, writers, civic leaders, and all citizens to join the important public discourse around the changing role of these three sectors. I also hope it energises citizens to rethink our role in creating an equitable and resilient society.
— Rohini Nilekani
Collaborative Funding
Philanthropy is an Act of Empathy.
Collaboration is Change in Action.
PHILOSOPHY
Openness
As a philanthropy, we have held that the underlying idea of “openness” offers an opportunity to creatively harness energy and interest across ecosystems — to create public value by addressing societal challenges innovatively.
Each of us has the power to create open public resources and digital public goods. We must embrace “open”ness of four kinds.
Intellectual
Seeing the resources created as public goods are aligned with the necessity of such openness, in which organisations do not require permission as a prerequisite for reuse.
Technical
Adhering to common standards without using proprietary formats that preclude access.
Legal
Ensuring resources are legally licensed for use and adaptation by all, whether commercial or not.
Financial
Providing access at no cost or at no more than a reasonable reproduction cost.