Article
The Indian Express | Rohini Nilekani Writes: Why Heat Action Plans must factor in access to ‘smart’ fabrics
Natural fibres have served India well – but climate extremes demand innovation in what we wear, especially for those who can’t escape the sun. The monsoon arrived early this year, bringing relief across the country. It may be hard to forget the record-high summer temperatures, though, when parts of Delhi felt like 54 degrees Celsius […]
Article
Hindustan Times | Rohini Nilekani writes: India’s biodiversity is a strategic advantage
Biodiversity markets are deepening, with a growing demand for high-quality carbon credits with biodiversity safeguards As India’s geopolitical future sways with the swings of the global political pendulum, it is worth reflecting on the constant in the chaos, a North Star among spinning constellations. India’s biodiversity can be that sanctuary, that bank which helps us […]
Article
The Times of India | Rohini Nilekani Writes: Silver Can Be The New Swag
In 25 years, India will have 300mn elders. It’s time for a mental reset – from making second careers possible, to recognising hours of caregiving they provide, to finding ways to keep them socially active. Recently, a parliamentary committee proposed that the age criteria for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card, the health insurance scheme for […]
Article
IDR | A question for all of us who care about change
How do we resist the pull towards control and instead lean into the messiness of connection? – Gautam John (CEO, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropries) In an earlier piece on IDR, I explored connection and abstraction as two distinct approaches to systems change. That framing was meant to start a conversation, to ask what it takes to build […]
Interview
Giving Pledge Signers On Why The 15-Year-Old Group Still Matters
Rohini and Nandan Nilekani Citizenship: India Net worth: $3 billion Year they joined the pledge: 2017 Areas of giving: Education, climate & environment, gender, mental health Nandan Nilekani is cofounder and chairman of Indian IT services giant Infosys. His wife Rohini, a former journalist, runs her own philanthropic operation separate from Nandan’s. They both support […]
Article
The Indian Express | Jan Vishwas 2.0 and 3.0 will find the ‘madhyam marg’ between trusting and punishing citizens
The current system also blurs the lines between minor infractions and serious crimes. It can award lesser punishment for serious offences and severe punishment for lesser offences… Good laws make for good societies. The recently announced Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 at the Union government level, soon to be followed by Jan Vishwas 3.0 bills […]
Podcast
Funding Hope and Wellbeing | Rohini Nilekani & Melinda French Gates
In this insightful conversation, Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Melinda French Gates, Founder of Pivotal Ventures, about the power of wellbeing to inspire welldoing. As part of The Wellbeing Project’s new series, “Cultivating Hope”, Rohini and Melinda discuss the critical role of philanthropy in supporting the wellbeing of social changemakers. Building on Rohini’s […]
Article
The Times of India | Rohini Nilekani writes: Our children have told us a wonderful story
Aser 2024 shows govts succeeded in minimising Covid impact on learning gaps. Rural kids are doing better & govt schools are teaching better than low-fee private schools. A moment comes, not too often, when a society can sense joyful satisfaction. Not elation but a quiet happiness. I believe we should savour such a moment […]
Article
IDR | Do finance and compliance in the social sector need a makeover?
Complex and changing financial rules often make it difficult for nonprofits to sustain their work. To turn finance into a strength rather than a burden, organisations need better training, peer support, and accessible tools. – By Suresh Ponnappa (Chief Financial Officer, RNP) & Shruti Sundaresan (Comms & Community Engagement Lead, RNP) In August 2024, Dasra convened […]
Keynote
India Civic Summit 2025 | Concluding Address by Gautam John (CEO, RNP)
The India Civic Summit 2025, held at the Bangalore International Centre by the Oorvani Foundation, was themed around citizen-led action for climate-resilient cities. Through discussions and workshops, speakers and participants shared experiences to explore ways to make cities more sustainable and liveable. The event also spotlighted community-driven initiatives in addressing climate and civic challenges. Gautam […]