Podcast Summary: "Revealing Indian Philanthropy"

Podcast: LSE: Public Lectures and Events
Date: June 10, 2013
Host: LSE Film and Audio Team
Event: Book Launch for "Revealing Indian Philanthropy"
Notable Guests: Lord Nicholas Stern, Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Dr. Ruth Kattumuri, Gautam Kumar, Dweep Chanana

Episode Overview

This episode marks the launch of the book "Revealing Indian Philanthropy" at the London School of Economics. The event brings together editors, contributors, and key figures from the academic, financial, and philanthropic sectors to discuss the history, evolution, and future of philanthropy in India. The discussions highlight India's rich tradition of giving, the roles of prominent philanthropist families, the current landscape, and future potential, offering insights from both institutional leaders and practitioners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Book’s Purpose and Themes

- Motivation behind the Book

• The book gathers first-person perspectives from individuals engaged in or organizing philanthropy in India, exploring motivations, philosophies, and impactful experiences.
• There is a deliberate attempt to dispel the notion that India lacks a strong tradition of philanthropy, highlighting its historical and contemporary relevance.

- India’s Distinct Philanthropic Landscape

• An emphasis on sustainable giving and trusteeship, connecting acts of philanthropy to long-standing cultural and historical values.
• Contrast with Western models, noting the understated nature of philanthropic work in India due to modesty and cultural norms.

“Reading it, we find real inspiration from the example, from the modesty and from the humanity. And after all, philanthropy is driven by an understanding of our common humanity.”
— Lord Nicholas Stern [00:51]

2. Historical Context of Indian Philanthropy

- Ancient to Modern Practices

• Dr. Ruth Katamuri recounts the roots of Indian philanthropy from the Harappan civilization, the Mauryan Empire, to colonial and modern business families like the Tatas and the Birlas.
• References to scriptures and statecraft treatises emphasize that social welfare and giving are embedded in Indian traditions.

"In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness, in their welfare, his welfare."
— Dr. Ruth Katamuri quoting the Arthashastra [11:30]

- Family Legacies

• The Birlas and Tatas are cited as nation-building families, setting up enduring educational and social institutions.
• The Tata Trust, for instance, holds 66% of the Tata group and has played a pivotal role in educational and poverty alleviation initiatives.

3. The Role of Business and Generational Shifts

- Professionalization and Modernization

• Dweep Chanana discusses how business families and new entrepreneurs are modernizing the sector, building on traditions while introducing professionalism.
• Examples include the Aditya Birla Center running government programs and Dr. Reddy's Foundation managing welfare initiatives.

“Family businesses... are now again bringing in a lot of professionalism into the sector... foundations set up by businesses are actually serving to run government services because the government either cannot or feels can’t do as good as a job.”
— Dweep Chanana [18:00]

- New Profiles of Philanthropists

• A generational change is underway; new entrepreneurs and executives without inherited wealth are increasingly active, bringing dynamism and innovation.

4. Philanthropy in Context: India’s Social Needs

• India’s large underprivileged population and absence of comprehensive social security heighten the necessity for philanthropy.
• The need for giving has expanded with economic challenges and diminishing state capacities.

“In India, almost one third of its population lives below the poverty line. People in India do not have any adequate form of Social Security unlike Western and European countries. So therefore it is important for the affluent people to engage in philanthropy...”
— Mrs. Rajashree Birla [26:23]

5. Impact Assessment, Accountability, and the Future

• Emphasis on the need for transparent, professional, and impact-driven philanthropy.
• Suggestion for clearer performance metrics and better communication between all stakeholders (beneficiaries, NGOs, donors).
• Recognition of the Indian government’s new push for corporate social responsibility (CSR), requiring businesses to allocate 2% of net profits.

“A professional and institutionalized approach is increasingly becoming a characteristic of the Indian philanthropic scenario… I feel it is very important to have performance assessment metrics that establishes the philanthropic impact.”
— Mrs. Rajashree Birla [28:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Giving is living.”
  — Phrase highlighted by Lord Nicholas Stern from Mrs. Birla’s chapter [02:43]

• On Philanthropic Role Models:
  "People would recognize the Birla family, they would recognize the Tata family, but if you ask them who is your role model, they would talk about Rockefeller and Carnegie, and that was including Indians. So this didn’t sit very well with us."
  — Dweep Chanana [17:08]

• On Philanthropy’s Mission:
  “My dream is an India free from poverty. An India of inclusive growth. An India where every person realizes his or her optimal potential. An India where every human being lives a life of dignity. An India that can hold a head high in the hegemony of nations.”
  — Mrs. Rajashree Birla, sharing her vision [31:00]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:31 — Introduction: Lord Nicholas Stern praises the book, discusses Indian philanthropy’s philosophy, and highlights Mrs. Birla’s contributions.
• 04:54–09:49 — Gautam Kumar introduces UBS’s involvement, the scale and history of Indian philanthropy, and the importance of local role models.
• 10:18–15:24 — Dr. Ruth Katamuri presents a historical overview, connects ancient and modern traditions, and considers the future of philanthropy in India.
• 15:51–22:28 — Dweep Chanana (UBS) outlines the motivations behind the book and describes the diversity and evolution of Indian philanthropy.
• 24:30–31:38 — Keynote: Mrs. Rajashree Birla details the Birla family’s approach, current challenges, trends, and her vision for India.

Conclusion

The episode provides a rich, multi-perspective exploration of Indian philanthropy, moving from history and family legacies to modern practice, professionalization, and societal impact. The central message is one of continuity and change: built upon ancient traditions, Indian philanthropy is now marked by modernization, professionalism, and an urgent sense of social responsibility, poised to play an ever greater role in India’s future.

Memorable Last Words:
“Each of these contributors, along with thousands of others, are working to best leverage philanthropy so as to contribute significantly towards building a stronger nation.”
— Mrs. Rajashree Birla [31:38]