Learning, Trust & Empowerment

We remain open and curious instead of certain and learn from the processes we help facilitate with our partners. Our work is guided deeply by the idea that we have to embrace change, accept failure, and learn from it. We believe that we can create lasting systemic change through this iterative process of exploration and learning. We aspire to be a catalytic funder—one that helps grantees find their voice, amplifies their impact and connects them.

OUR BOARD

Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson - Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

Rohini Nilekani is an author and philanthropist and has been a strong influence in the Indian social sector over the past three decades. Her philanthropic work spans different sectors of Indian civil society. She founded Arghyam, a foundation for sustainable water and sanitation, and co-founded Pratham Books, nonprofit enabling access to reading for millions of children. Currently, she is the Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a nonprofit education platform. Rohini and her husband, Nandan Nilekani are signatories to the Giving Pledge, pledging to give away half of their wealth to philanthropy.

Rohini’s first book, “Stillborn”, a medical thriller, and her second, “Uncommon Ground”, were published by Penguin Books India. She is also the author of 16 books for young children.

Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson - Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

Rohini Nilekani is an author and philanthropist and has been a strong influence in the Indian social sector over the past three decades. Her philanthropic work spans different sectors of Indian civil society. She founded Arghyam, a foundation for sustainable water and sanitation, and co-founded Pratham Books, nonprofit enabling access to reading for millions of children. Currently, she is the Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a nonprofit education platform. Rohini and her husband, Nandan Nilekani are signatories to the Giving Pledge, pledging to give away half of their wealth to philanthropy.

Rohini’s first book, “Stillborn”, a medical thriller, and her second, “Uncommon Ground”, were published by Penguin Books India. She is also the author of 16 books for young children.

Nihar Nilekani, Board Member

Nihar Nilekani is a PhD student at Birkbeck University studying philosophy. He has a Masters in Philosophy from Milwaukee University and a Masters in Bioethics from New York University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yale in Physics and Philosophy.

Nihar Nilekani, Board Member

Nihar Nilekani is a PhD student at Birkbeck University studying philosophy. He has a Masters in Philosophy from Milwaukee University and a Masters in Bioethics from New York University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yale in Physics and Philosophy.

Nihar Nilekani, Board Member

Nihar Nilekani is a PhD student at Birkbeck University studying philosophy. He has a Masters in Philosophy from Milwaukee University and a Masters in Bioethics from New York University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yale in Physics and Philosophy.

The team

Abhishek Das

Portfolio Lead

Abhishek Das

Portfolio Lead

Gautam John

Chief Executive Officer

Gautam John

Chief Executive Officer

Natasha Joshi

Associate Director - Portfolio

Natasha Joshi

Associate Director - Portfolio

Sahana Jose

Associate Director - Communications

Sahana Jose

Associate Director - Communications

Suresh Ponnappa

Chief Financial Officer

Suresh Ponnappa

Chief Financial Officer