CEOs working to build a better world
Some of them donate their time and money, others set up trusts and still others grow vegetables. Just read on.
By Nikhil Menon, TNN |
CEO philanthropy on a grand scale is something that we’re used to seeing in the West. Business leaders such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have taken generosity and charity to a whole new level. However, not many CEOs in India have been featured in the popular media for their acts of munificence. This doesn’t mean that they are any less conscious about society than their counterparts in the West. The truth is that many of them shy away from publicity, working quietly behind the scenes in various ways. Some of them donate their time and money, others set up trusts and still others grow vegetables... and if you don’t really believe that, read on!
Jimmy Mistry heads Della Tecnica, a fast-growing design solutions company that he started in 1996. He also started the Parsi Resource Group (PRG), an organisation for the benefit of the Zoroastrian community. Mistry wanted to bring together all sections of his community together for a common vision: that of creating a better tomorrow for young Parsis and Zoroastrian priests. But even before he started PRG, this motorbike fanatic wanted to do something for his people. So he adopted and renovated two agiaries (Parsi fire temples), and donated a fully-equipped ambulance service for the community. The setting up of PRG on 27th December 2005 was a watershed in his life and symbolised the beginning of an organised initiative to help others. Mistry admits, “It’s never been an easy journey. Looking back, I doubt if I could do it all over again.” But he derived strength from his religious parents and his upbringing that taught him to ‘give something back’ to the community.
Today PRG consists of the world’s largest association of Parsi priests – numbering over 550. It also guides and finds jobs and mentors for young Parsis. Mistry, who believes in hands-on involvement in the group’s everyday activities, adds, “The biggest challenge still is finance; but I have a vision and the results will come. We want to take PRG national and collect more data on Indian Parsis, especially the youth.”
Reaping goodwill
Radhika Shastry (Director, Global Business Group- India, RCI India Pvt. Ltd.) has been working with senior citizens for the past twelve years. Initially it started with just basic things such as donating clothes and food. However, when Shastry and her husband bought a piece of land, the dynamics began to change.
“We thought it would be a good idea to grow something there and give it to charity rather than keep it lying idle. The return that I get is far more fulfilling than anything materialistic,” Shastry comments. After being struck by this idea, Shastry – literally – began digging around in the dirt, growing vegetables and fruits and donating them all to the senior citizens home.
“Folks at home have been very supportive of this. They like the idea that I donate the vegetables and fruits to charity and some senior citizen gets a wholesome and nutritious meal. The entire family is involved in this activity. One just needs to sensitise oneself to the needs of the lesser privileged and you will find many ways of reaching out to them,” says Shastry. She plans to continue working for senior citizens in the future. “They certainly deserve a lot more respect in their sunset years,” she says.
All for a good cause
The chairman of the Supertex-Sarex group, probably fits the definition of ‘one man army’. Mahavirprasad Saraf heads five trusts through which he contributes towards fields like education, rehabilitation, health and welfare. Over the past forty seven years, he has participated in numerous activities and funded several welfare initiatives.
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From starting colleges, old age homes, gymnasiums and more, to donating sewing machines, books, chairs and other items, this man has done it all. In Mumbai, many of the famous and ubiquitous pink RCC railway platform benches and water coolers were sponsored by Saraf. Not for nothing did the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai name an area in Malad East ‘Ghanshyamdas Saraf Chowkh’ (after his father). The full list of his achievements through the trusts he oversees has to seen to be believed. “For me, both business and social work go hand in hand,” says Saraf, adding, “I receive a lot of support from my family.” He refuses to specify which one of his projects is closer to his heart than the rest. “I’m proud of all the social work that I have undertaken,” he beams. And what does he derive from his continued acts of kindness towards the community? “I feel really blessed when I see an underprivileged person benefiting from my actions,” he concludes.
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