Uncommon Ground – Lessons From Below
Microfinance rests on mutualism. This is very different from the individualism of free markets. Looking for models of financial prudence and sustainability? We don’t have to look very far. Tucked safely away from the scorching heat of the meltdown, at least so far, is the vastly distributed microfinance sector in India, which offers us fascinating […]
Uncommon Ground – Rediscovering Wonder
Most species are individually stupid but collectively smart. Humans are the opposite. It is remarkable what happens when you suspend judgement and disbelief for a while. You rediscover wonder. A little bit of this rediscovery happens every weekend in cinema halls across the country. But I was very lucky to have my own awakening of […]
Uncommon Ground – Davos discussions
Looking back at my notes on earlier WEFs, I have to say there has always been healthy debate in the corners about structural fault lines in globalized capitalism. On my way up from Zurich to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), I marvelled again at how clear the road remains in spite of […]
Uncommon Ground – The Culture of Giving
It will be a pity if, just when the second wave of philanthropy was | taking root, it gets deracinated and scattered. In the jaw-dropping exposes about Satyam, there was only an occasional story about the impact on the social initiatives of the Raju family, such as the Byrraju Foundation, the declared goal of which […]
Uncommon Ground – A CULTURE OF ENOUGH
Recently, Arghyam, a foundation I have set up to fund initiatives in water and sanitation, needed to hire for a senior position. We put out an ad on a mainstream jobs site, in addition to using development sector channels. To our great surprise, we were absolutely flooded with enquiries. View PDF
UNCOMMON GROUND – Rohini Nilekani – Debuts 2 Jan 2009
UNCOMMON GROUND – Rohini Nilekani. A fortnightly column at the intersection of the corporate and social sectors, with personal experiences, observations and the many questions that arise about moving towards a more equitable India. Debuts 2 Jan 2009. View PDF
Talk at Seventh Anniversary of Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Environment and Development, Bangalore
This is a talk Rohini gave at the Seventh Anniversary of Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Environment and Development, Bangalore on 19th August, 2008. “Going forward, my job is to ensure that a lot of people know about the organizations I support, working for environmental issues, especially CISED, with its inter disciplinary approach. And to […]
One Common Issue – Two Uncommon Minds – Uncommon Ground
Writer and philanthropist, Rohini Nilekani anchors an electrifying episode of UNCOMMON GROUND, fuelling dialogue between industrialist Anand Mahindra and social activist Medha Patkar on the land rights issue that challenges India. View PDF
Philanthropy, old and new
Just societies cannot be built merely by the distribution of surplus wealth. With a plethora of the newly wealthy in India setting up trusts and foundations recently, it is a good time to reflect on the value of strategic philanthropy. When it comes to giving in …,dia, we have traditionally upheld that feeling of empathy […]
Moment Of Glory – Kittur Rani Chennamma awards
Akshara Foundation’s Rohini Nilekani and actress Jayamala are among those felicitated with the Kittur Rani Chennamma awards on Saturday. View PDF
