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Bengaluru billionaires are changing Indian philanthropy. Old-style CSR is out

Bengaluru's Billionaires: Pioneering a New Era in Indian Philanthropy

In the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru, a quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape of Indian philanthropy. Gone are the days when corporate social responsibility (CSR) was merely a box-ticking exercise, often limited to superficial initiatives like building a school here or donating to a charity there. Today, a new breed of billionaire philanthropists—many of them self-made tech moguls—is driving a paradigm shift. They're not just giving away money; they're investing in systemic change, leveraging data, technology, and long-term strategies to tackle India's most pressing social issues. This transformation is not only changing how wealth is redistributed but also inspiring a broader cultural shift in how India's elite view their role in society.

At the forefront of this movement is Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro and one of India's richest individuals. Premji has long been a trailblazer in philanthropy. In 2019, he made headlines by pledging a staggering $21 billion to his Azim Premji Foundation, making him one of the world's most generous donors. But what sets Premji apart isn't just the quantum of his giving—it's the depth. The foundation focuses primarily on education, aiming to improve the quality of public schooling across India. Rather than scattering funds thinly, it invests in teacher training, curriculum development, and policy advocacy. Premji's approach is rooted in the belief that philanthropy should be professionalized, much like running a business. He has often emphasized that effective giving requires rigorous metrics, accountability, and a willingness to address root causes rather than symptoms. This model has influenced many others in Bengaluru's tech ecosystem, where data-driven decision-making is second nature.

Another key figure is Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and a pioneer in India's digital infrastructure through projects like Aadhaar. Nilekani, along with his wife Rohini, has channeled their wealth into the EkStep Foundation, which harnesses technology to enhance learning outcomes for millions of children. Their philanthropy extends beyond education; they've supported urban governance initiatives and environmental causes. Nilekani's philosophy underscores the limitations of traditional CSR, which is often mandated by law in India (companies must spend 2% of profits on social causes) but frequently results in fragmented, short-term projects. Instead, he advocates for "societal platforms"—scalable, tech-enabled solutions that can be adopted nationwide. For instance, EkStep's open-source digital public goods have been integrated into government programs, demonstrating how private philanthropy can amplify public efforts.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the biotech entrepreneur behind Biocon, represents another facet of this evolving philanthropy. As one of India's few self-made female billionaires, she has focused her giving on healthcare and science education. Through the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation, she has funded cancer research, affordable healthcare access, and STEM education for underprivileged youth. Mazumdar-Shaw critiques the old-style CSR as being too compliance-oriented, often driven by tax benefits rather than genuine impact. Her initiatives, like partnering with global institutions for medical innovation, show a preference for collaborative, high-impact ventures. She has also been vocal about the need for philanthropists to address gender disparities, supporting programs that empower women in science and technology.

This Bengaluru-led wave is part of a larger trend where tech wealth is fueling innovative giving. The city's ecosystem, home to unicorns like Flipkart and Byju's, has produced a generation of donors who view philanthropy through the lens of venture capitalism. They treat social problems like startups: identify pain points, invest seed capital, scale solutions, and measure returns—not in profits, but in social impact. Organizations like the India Philanthropy Initiative and the Centre for Effective Philanthropy are emerging as hubs that guide these donors, offering frameworks for strategic giving. Unlike the traditional industrialists of Mumbai or Delhi, who often focused on religious institutions or family legacies, Bengaluru's philanthropists are more secular, data-oriented, and global in outlook.

One striking example is the work of the Infosys Foundation, chaired by Sudha Murty, wife of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. While technically a CSR arm, it has evolved into a powerhouse of grassroots initiatives, from rural development to disaster relief. Murty's hands-on approach—visiting remote villages and directly engaging with beneficiaries—blends empathy with efficiency. The foundation has built thousands of toilets, libraries, and hostels, but its real innovation lies in sustainability: ensuring projects are community-led and self-sustaining. This contrasts sharply with the "chequebook philanthropy" of the past, where donors would fund a project and walk away, leaving it to falter without ongoing support.

The shift away from old-style CSR is also evident in environmental philanthropy. Billionaires like Kris Gopalakrishnan, another Infosys co-founder, have turned their attention to climate change and conservation. Through the Pratiksha Trust, he supports brain research and ecological projects, recognizing the intersection of technology and sustainability. Bengaluru's philanthropists are increasingly funding think tanks and research institutions to influence policy on issues like water scarcity and urban pollution—problems acutely felt in the water-stressed city itself.

What drives this change? Part of it is generational. Many of these billionaires amassed their fortunes in the post-liberalization era, building global companies from scratch. They see philanthropy as an extension of their entrepreneurial spirit, not a moral obligation. The influence of global models, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Warren Buffett's Giving Pledge, has been significant. In 2019, Azim Premji became the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth. This has encouraged others, with Nilekani and Mazumdar-Shaw following suit in spirit, if not formally.

However, challenges remain. Critics argue that while these efforts are commendable, they sometimes overlook grassroots voices, imposing top-down solutions that may not align with local needs. There's also the question of scale: India's social problems—poverty, inequality, healthcare deficits—are immense, and even billions might not suffice without government partnership. Yet, Bengaluru's model is fostering collaborations. For instance, the Azim Premji Foundation works closely with state governments to reform education systems, proving that philanthropy can complement, not replace, public welfare.

The impact is already visible. In education, initiatives like those from Premji and Nilekani have reached millions, improving literacy rates and digital access. In healthcare, Mazumdar-Shaw's contributions have advanced affordable treatments for diseases like diabetes and cancer, which disproportionately affect India's poor. Environmentally, these philanthropists are funding reforestation and clean energy projects, contributing to India's net-zero goals.

This new philanthropy is also inspiring a ripple effect. Younger entrepreneurs, like those from startups such as Zerodha or Swiggy, are setting up their own foundations, often focusing on mental health, skill development, and inclusive tech. The culture of giving is permeating boardrooms, with companies integrating social impact into their core business models.

In essence, Bengaluru's billionaires are redefining Indian philanthropy by making it more strategic, tech-savvy, and outcome-focused. Old-style CSR, with its emphasis on compliance and publicity, is indeed out. In its place is a vibrant, innovative approach that promises to create lasting change. As India grapples with its developmental challenges, this model could serve as a blueprint, encouraging more high-net-worth individuals to give not just generously, but intelligently. The city's tech titans are showing that wealth, when wielded wisely, can be a powerful force for good, bridging the gap between India's economic boom and its social inequities. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/ground-reports/bengaluru-billionaires-are-changing-indian-philanthropy-old-style-csr-is-out/2706873/ ]