Uncommon Ground – A Conflict Of Paradigms

May 7, 2009
Article

Share

The demand for limited fresh water has brought the issue to the centre of the debate on development.
At summertime, thoughts turn naturally to water. For millions of citizens, especially women, it is a time of extreme shortage, and for ever more creative coping mechanisms. Many states have improved access to lifeline water, but there is still a long way to go.
In terms of total availability of fresh water, things are not going to improve. Even though water is a renewable resource, it is finite, and per capita availability of water in India has gone down from 6,008 cu. m. in 1947 to 1,820 cu. m. in 2001—it will dip further over the next 30 years.

You may also want to read

September 25, 2025
Article

IDR | The limits of AI in social change

– Gautam John, CEO, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies More actors—from grantmaking to service delivery—are exploring the use of AI. However, the excitement around scale and efficiency often overshadows a critical question: What does it mean[...]

August 7, 2025
Panel

Purposeful Capital for a Livable Future | AndPurpose Forum, Bengaluru

At the AndPurpose Forum held in Bengaluru in July 2025, Gautam John (CEO, RNP) spoke about how philanthropic capital and collective action can drive systemic change. The panel included Shobha[...]

July 17, 2025
Article

Alliance Magazine | What if we funded justice differently?

Justice has often been philanthropy’s stepchild. In numerous donor forums I’ve attended, we’ve eagerly rallied around education, health, and livelihoods. However—when the conversation turns to justice, ensuring people can access[...]