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 […]
Interview
Puliyabaazi Hindi: Yuva aur Ladkon ki Kya Samasyayein hai?
In this episode of Puliyabaazi, we delve into the unique challenges faced by young men and boys—from the pressures of traditional masculinity and cultural expectations to mental health and the impact of issues like addiction and migration. Natasha Joshi, Associate Director at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, talks about the various initiatives that are working on these […]
Podcast
Rethinking gender equity: Engaging boys and men and the role of philanthropy | Unusual Suspects
In this episode of the Moneycontrol Podcast, Natasha Joshi, Associate Director at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), explores how philanthropy is evolving to promote gender equity through a more intersectional and inclusive lens. She emphasizes the importance of involving men and boys—an often overlooked aspect—in addition to empowering women and girls. Natasha shares insights from RNP’s […]
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 […]
Article
The Indian Express | Rohini Nilekani writes: Vultures, now have more than carrion to feed on — plastic
With the population pressure on land and the unmanageable byproducts of our economic growth, new conflicts emerge. How can we better manage this new tension between humans and animals, between conservation and consumption? A wedding and a suggestion led to an unexpected rendezvous recently. It was an early morning in Bikaner, Rajasthan, when we set […]
