Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Rohini Nilekani Calls for Patient, Risk-Taking Philanthropy in India
Rohini Nilekani spoke to people who support charities and social causes.
She said donors should be willing to take risks with their money.
She also said they should wait patiently because lasting change can take 10 to 15 years.
Her work has included water, justice, the environment and livelihoods.
She said citizens and communities are important for building a fair society.
She highlighted challenges such as climate change, unemployment and an ageing population.
Four nonprofit groups from Kolkata presented their work at the event.
The event raised about Rs 13 crore for development projects.
Rohini Nilekani urged philanthropists to treat giving as risk capital and support social causes patiently.
She said meaningful, sustainable social change can require 10 to 15 years of investment.
Nilekani highlighted water, justice, environment and livelihoods as areas of philanthropic work.
The Setu event showcased four Kolkata-based nonprofits working in education, disability inclusion, healthcare and community development.
Attendees pledged around Rs 13 crore to support development across different social groups.
- Who
- Author and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani, SVP India leaders, donors, NGOs and social-sector representatives.
- What
- The third edition of Setu: The Bridging Gap discussed philanthropy, fundraising and long-term support for social change.
- When
- Friday evening; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Taj Bengal, with participation from Kolkata-based nonprofit organisations.
- Why
- To encourage philanthropic support for civil society and highlight nonprofit work addressing social challenges.
- Speaker
- Rohini Nilekani, founder of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies
- Core message
- Philanthropists should embrace risk and remain patient when funding social causes.
- Estimated time for change
- Nilekani said meaningful and sustainable change can take 10 to 15 years.
- Event
- Third edition of Setu: The Bridging Gap, organised by SVP India
- Nonprofit organisations featured
- Ek Tara, VAANI Deaf Children’s Foundation, Udayan Kolkata and Young Men’s Welfare Society
- Funds raised
- Around Rs 13 crore
- Challenges highlighted
- Ageing populations, graduate unemployment, climate change, livelihoods and the need for resilient, empathetic communities