The Telegraph | Rohini Nilekani urges philanthropists to embrace risk, patience for lasting social change

The third edition of ‘Setu: The Bridging Gap’ brings Kolkata’s grassroots changemakers into focus, with attendees pledging around Rs 13 crore towards social development

Philanthropic capital is the “best risk capital”, said author and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani, urging donors to embrace risks and remain patient when supporting social causes. She stressed that meaningful and sustainable social change can take 10 to 15 years and requires long-term investment and commitment.

Nilekani was addressing delegates at Taj Bengal on Friday evening, during the third edition of ‘Setu: The Bridging Gap’, organised by SVP India.

The event brings together donors, NGOs and social-sector leaders to raise awareness on philanthropy and fundraising, while highlighting stories of communities overcoming challenges and bringing a meaningful change.

Nilekani, who is the founder of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies began her keynote speech by congratulating the organisers and attendees, praising the commitment SVP has been showing by supporting for a ‘civil cause’.

She said that to get a better understanding of social responsibility, one must be aware of the privilege they had grown up with. Reflecting on her life story and journey, the former journalist also said that one cannot simply stay ideal and keep on complaining about the injustice.

Over the past 25 years, the speaker said their work had expanded across areas including water, justice, the environment and livelihoods.

At the heart of this work was a belief in the importance of samaj, or civil society. They argued that citizens should be considered the “first sector”, because a strong society forms the foundation on which both the state and markets function.

She said, “We have to invest constantly in making our societies and our communities better, more fair, more transparent, more just, more healthy, more joyous, and much, much better, every day.”

However, Nilekani also pointed out several challenges a social cause might face and how social leaders must learn to stay alert to face them.

“Ageing population, unemployment among young graduates, climate change, livelihoods and the need to build more resilient and empathetic communities are some of the challenges India faces at every step.”

Nilekani concluded her speech on an optimistic note, describing hope as her ‘new religion’.

“The future will not change automatically and that citizens must work together to create the society they want future generations to inherit,” she said.

Urging the audience to help the civil society organisations, so that they can be confident enough to create “webs of equity, justice, love, harmony, peace, and prosperity.”

The event also saw the participation of SVP India leaders and partners, including Raj Chhajer, chairperson of the SVP Kolkata chapter, Ambuj Kumar, CEO of SVP India, and Ravindra Chamaria, chairman and managing director of Infinity Group and an SVP India partner since 2018.

The event put the spotlight on four Kolkata-based nonprofit organisations — Ek Tara, VAANI Deaf Children’s Foundation, Udayan Kolkata and Young Men’s Welfare Society (YMWS). The organisations work across education, disability inclusion, healthcare, rehabilitation, livelihoods and community development.

Ek Tara works with disadvantaged children, particularly girls, on education, life skills and community-based learning. VAANI Deaf Children’s Foundation works with deaf and hearing-impaired children and their families on early identification, education, communication support and inclusion.

Udayan Kolkata supports children and young adults from leprosy-affected families through residential care, education and vocational training, while Young Men’s Welfare Society works with children, women and communities in South Bengal, including through its Khelaghar programme for early and primary education.

The event raised around Rs 13 crore, with attendees pledging to work across different social groups for development.

First Published in The Telegraph