Panel
Innovation in Public Spaces: Bengaluru and the Republic of Zoom
Covid-19 was in many ways the Chief Transformation Officer to a digital world. It has been no different in the public spaces for discussions, theatre, museums, galleries, films, music and more. Many Bengaluru Public Institutions innovated during the pandemic period to stay relevant and connected. This is an edited version of a panel discussion moderated […]
Article
Taking Risks in the Face of a Pandemic
2020 has been a sobering year for the philanthropy sector, not just in India, but globally. We have witnessed rising inequality even in these past 6 months, with a few of the rich getting even richer while hundreds of millions of people fell behind in the ensuing economic slowdown. There are some who had just […]
Interview
My Philanthropic Journey: How I Learnt to Stop Worrying and Embrace Failure
This is an edited version of Rohini Nilekani in conversation with Vidya Shah, Chairperson & CEO, EdelGive Foundation at EDGE 2020. They discuss Rohini’s insights from her philanthropic journey over the years. My work in philanthropy spans different spaces, from groundwater and sanitation, early learning, social justice and governance, to the arts. I have portfolios […]
Keynote
Romancing the Black Panther – Rohini Nilekani with Usha KR
This is an edited version of Rohini Nilekani in conversation with Usha KR about conservation, our connection with the environment, and her fascination with the black panther of Kabini. This was held as part of BIC’s Bangalore Literature Festival, 2020. Picture this – we are all in Kabini, waiting for Blacky, the panther of […]
Keynote
Keynote address at TiE Global Summit 2020: Scaling fast – Social Entrepreneurship in India
Rohini’s speech at the TiE Summit 2020 where she talks about Societal Platform Thinking, and the need for restoring agency to create a more resilient Samaaj. Namaste, everyone. Thank you to the TiE team for inviting me to deliver this keynote. TiE does amazing work at binding the energy of entrepreneurship to the […]
Interview
Gandhi’s timeless inspiration to Mission Leaders” with Ramachandra Guha
This is an edited version of a conversation with Ramchandra Guha and Rohini Nilekani. They discuss how Gandhi shaped his intent and life to fulfil his various goals of individual freedom and agency, a true Swarajya, and how he achieved impact at scale. Many of the choices he grappled with are relevant to us today. […]
Panel
The Post-COVID-19 Equilibrium: Philanthropy’s Role in Shaping a ‘New Normal
As COVID-19 continues to reverberate across the world, there are no guarantees that the post-pandemic equilibrium will be more equitable, just, or resilient than the world we face today. We are at a pivotal moment to deliberate on philanthropy’s responsibility in shaping this new equilibrium. In December 2020, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust […]
Article
Rohini Nilekani’s latest book is what you need to help your kids learn everything about the Moon
What’s the science behind the Moon and the changes in its shape and size? Rohini Nilekani speaks about her new book, The Hungry Little Sky Monster, that answers this question. Like every mother or grandmother, Author and Founder-Chairperson of Arghyam Foundation Rohini Nilekani told stories of the Moon to her grandson when he was three years old. […]
Article
Stewards, not Bystanders: Civil Society Creates New Opportunity to Co-Design Cities
Citizens now have more opportunities to take active part in building urban resilience This year, I have been from Bengaluru to Kabini and back several times. Every time I return from the forest and the rural countryside, my eyes and senses hit refresh, and I see my home city with a new perspective. The overwhelming […]
Keynote
Keynote address at the Belongg Library Network Launch Event
This is an edited version of Rohini Nilekani’s Keynote Address at the Belongg Library Network Launch Event. Belongg Library’s vision for inclusion and diversity is very welcome and timely. We need to find spaces and tools for people to be able to explore beyond their narrow horizons. People must be allowed the luxury of moving […]