Empowering Change: Navigating a Philanthropy Roundtable
Left to Right: Jini Mahalanobish, Drexel University Student Leader; Ravi Reddy, Community Pure Water; Raj Gupta, Former Chairman and CEO of Rohm and Haas; Deepak Raj, Board Chair for India Philanthropy Alliance.
by Jini Mahalanobish
Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
The India Philanthropy Alliance launched India Giving Day, its second national campaign to promote and advance impactful giving to India, from Drexel University in Philadelphia on October 2, 2023. Among the highlights from this symposium, which was livestreamed around the country and beyond, was having student leaders Ranjini “Jini” Mahalanobish and Utsav Ganeriwala moderate panel discussions. (Please check back later this month when we plan on releasing excerpts of the symposium on our YouTube channel.)
As part of IPA’s commitment to foregrounding the voices of youth, which we articulated in the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of our youth engagement initiative, we asked Jini to contribute an article to our blog about the experience of playing such an important role in the launch event. She agreed and the article appears below. Jini is a senior at Drexel’s LeBow College of Business and a Henderson Provost Scholar.
In my role as moderator of a recent philanthropy panel discussion at Drexel University, which marked the exciting announcement of the 2024 India Giving Day, I had the honor of diving headfirst into the world of charitable giving. This unique journey not only allowed me to soak in invaluable wisdom from a diverse group of panelists entrenched in the philanthropic realm, but it also provided a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving nature of altruism.
Leading up to the panel, I devoted weeks to delving deep into the vast landscape of philanthropy. Despite my longstanding engagement in social work since my formative years, I recognized this as a golden opportunity to learn from seasoned experts who had dedicated a significant portion of their lives to this noble cause. To ensure I was well-prepared, I embarked on an extensive exploration of various facets of philanthropy, encompassing historical trends and present-day challenges and opportunities. Additionally, I immersed myself in the backgrounds of our esteemed panelists – the likes of Mr. Ravi Reddy, Mr. Raj Gupta, and Mr. Deepak Raj. I delved into their inspiring philanthropic journeys and familiarized myself with their extensive bibliography of books and articles. A highlight of my preparation was the privilege of gaining insights directly from Mr. Raj Gupta, the author of Eight Dollars and A Dream: My American Journey, which added a layer of depth to our discussions on October 2.
Our panelists brought a rich tapestry of perspectives to the table, stemming from their diverse backgrounds as seasoned philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and social entrepreneurs. What struck me most was their unwavering dedication to driving positive change in society. Each panelist shared a unique life narrative, unveiling distinct approaches to philanthropy and the personal odysseys that had led them to their current roles. For instance, Mr. Ravi Reddy's unrelenting mission to provide clean water to every Indian village spoke volumes about the transformative power of philanthropy.
When the conversation turned to empowering young students to make a meaningful impact, Mr. Deepak Raj delivered an articulate and compelling response. He encouraged aspiring changemakers to embrace volunteering opportunities, no matter the scale, and emphasized the importance of connecting with educational institutions and actively participating in college organizations. Alex Counts, IPA’s executive director who spoke earlier in the symposium, shared an inspiring anecdote about reaching out to a mentor through a heartfelt letter during his college days – a mentorship that continues to thrive over three decades later. He also underscored the transformative potential of forgoing a single coffee to donate a modest $5 to a cause that resonates with one's values, thereby igniting the process of philanthropic impact.
Mr. Ravi Reddy highlighted the paramount importance of collaboration within the philanthropic sector. He eloquently articulated how partnerships between nonprofits, foundations, and businesses could amplify the impact of their collective efforts, a notion that resonated deeply with our attentive audience, underlining the necessity of unity when addressing complex societal issues.
Mr. Raj Gupta shared a personal account of his family's journey in establishing a philanthropic foundation. He recounted how his daughters, who are also leaders in advancing social justice, continue to serve as ongoing sources of inspiration. His narrative beautifully illustrated the transformative potential of personal experiences in galvanizing individuals to contribute to the betterment of their communities. It was a poignant reminder that philanthropy can be both a strategic endeavor and also a profoundly personal one.
In the aftermath of the panel, I engaged in a period of introspection, realizing the breadth of knowledge I had acquired about the intricate nature of philanthropy. It became increasingly apparent that philanthropy extends beyond the mere act of writing checks or making donations; it encompasses informed decision-making, collaboration, and the profound influence of personal experiences on one's philanthropic journey. The panel discussions also underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of philanthropy. These insights solidified the significance of equipping tomorrow's leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in our world. Moderating the philanthropy panel was an enriching experience that not only deepened my understanding of this dynamic field but also reinforced the idea that philanthropy is an ever-evolving concept. It thrives through innovative approaches, collaborative endeavors, and the profound impact of personal narratives. Moreover, it reaffirmed my belief in the pivotal role of education and awareness in empowering individuals to become effective and compassionate philanthropists. I am grateful to the university’s leadership for giving me this opportunity.
I am now starting to plan how I will join with others at Drexel University to observe India Giving Day on March 1, 2024.