Nandan Nilekani’s donation is expected to accelerate the growth of IIT-B and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership. File photo | Photo Credit: PLD
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and Chairman of Infosys and the founding Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has donated ₹315 crore to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
Empowering Education
Nandan Nilekani’s deep-rooted belief in the power of education as a catalyst for social and economic progress has been a driving force behind his philanthropic efforts. He recognises that education has the potential to transform individuals’ lives, empower communities, and drive innovation and growth. To further this belief, Nilekani has made substantial contributions to educational institutions, with a particular focus on his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
Nilekani’s recent donation of Rs 315 crore ($38.5 million) to IIT Bombay serves as a testament to his commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education. Adding his earlier contribution to the institution, his total contribution amounts to Rs. 400 Crores. This significant contribution not only reflects his gratitude for the institution that played a pivotal role in his own journey but also showcases his dedication to creating opportunities for future generations of students.
The funding provided by Nilekani will have a transformative impact on IIT Bombay, enabling the institute to bolster its research efforts in emerging areas of engineering and technology. Research plays a critical role in driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and addressing complex challenges faced by society. By supporting research initiatives, Nilekani’s donation equips students and faculty members with the necessary resources to push the boundaries of knowledge, develop groundbreaking solutions, and contribute to societal progress.
The infusion of funds into IIT Bombay will facilitate the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and infrastructure. These resources will not only enhance the learning experience for students but also attract top-tier faculty members and researchers, fostering a dynamic intellectual ecosystem. Moreover, the funding will provide scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education and the opportunity to excel.
Digital Inclusion and Aadhaar
As the former chairman of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), Nandan Nilekani has played a pivotal role in the creation and implementation of Aadhaar, India’s unique identification system. Aadhaar has been a game-changer in India’s journey towards digital inclusion, revolutionising access to government services, banking, and welfare programs for millions of people, particularly those from marginalised communities.
Nilekani’s vision for a digitally inclusive India stems from his understanding of the transformative power of technology and its potential to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots. Recognising the barriers that individuals from marginalised backgrounds often face in accessing basic services and opportunities, Nilekani championed the creation of Aadhaar as a means to empower them with a secure and portable identity.
Aadhaar, with its unique identification number linked to biometric and demographic information, has transformed the way individuals interact with the government and avail essential services. It has streamlined processes, eliminated bureaucratic red tape, and reduced corruption by enabling direct transfers of benefits and subsidies to eligible recipients. Through Aadhaar, individuals can easily access government schemes, including social welfare programs, healthcare services, education, and financial services, without the need for cumbersome paperwork and intermediaries.
Healthcare Initiatives
Recognizing the significance of accessible and affordable healthcare, Nandan Nilekani has expanded his philanthropic efforts to make a positive impact in this crucial sector. He firmly believes that quality healthcare is a fundamental right and plays a vital role in the overall well-being of society. Nilekani’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes is evident through his active involvement in initiatives such as the EkStep Foundation, which aims to leverage technology to transform education and healthcare. In FY21, Nilekani contributed a total of Rs. 138 Cr for Societal Thinking, which is responsible for grants to EkStep Foundation among other initiatives.
Nilekani understands that healthcare services are often limited or inaccessible for marginalised communities, leading to disparities in health outcomes. To address this gap, he has been actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, nonprofits, and technology experts, to develop innovative solutions and bridge the divide in healthcare services. By leveraging his expertise and resources, Nilekani seeks to enhance the quality of care and improve health outcomes for underserved communities.
One of the key aspects of Nilekani’s healthcare initiatives is the utilisation of technology to drive innovation and efficiency in healthcare delivery. He recognizes the transformative power of technology in overcoming geographical barriers and enhancing access to healthcare services. Through the adoption of telemedicine, digital health platforms, and remote monitoring solutions, Nilekani aims to expand the reach of healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. These technological advancements facilitate timely and cost-effective healthcare interventions, empowering individuals to seek medical advice and support regardless of their physical location.
Nilekani’s contributions to healthcare initiatives extend beyond technological interventions. He also emphasizes the importance of preventive healthcare and health education. By promoting awareness about healthy living, disease prevention, and the importance of early detection, Nilekani aims to empower individuals to take charge of their own health. Through initiatives that focus on community engagement and health education, he strives to create a culture of proactive healthcare, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall population health.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Nandan Nilekani’s understanding of the transformative power of entrepreneurship has led him to actively support and empower young entrepreneurs, particularly in the technology sector. He recognizes that entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and social change, as it fosters innovation, job creation, and the development of new solutions to pressing challenges.
Beyond providing financial assistance, Nilekani goes the extra mile by offering guidance and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from his own experience as a successful entrepreneur and business leader, he shares his knowledge, insights, and lessons learned to help nurture and shape the next generation of innovators. Through his mentorship programs and initiatives, Nilekani empowers young entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools, skills, and support they need to succeed.
By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, Nilekani is not only empowering individuals but also driving broader social and economic change. Through their ventures, these entrepreneurs have the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and address societal challenges. Nilekani’s mentorship and support contribute to the growth of a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation, nurtures talent, and fosters collaboration.
Nilekani’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs extends beyond his direct involvement. He also recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive. Through his advocacy and engagement with policymakers and industry leaders, he advocates for policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, remove barriers, and provide support to budding entrepreneurs. Nilekani understands that a favorable ecosystem, encompassing access to capital, supportive regulations, and a culture of risk-taking, is essential for entrepreneurs to flourish and create lasting impact.
Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Change
Nandan Nilekani’s philanthropic endeavors serve as a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring others to make a difference in their own capacities. By leveraging his resources, influence, and expertise, Nilekani has initiated transformative projects and initiatives that address systemic issues and improve the lives of millions of individuals.
Through his philanthropic contributions, Nilekani demonstrates the profound impact that one person can have on society. He recognizes that philanthropy is not solely about monetary donations but also about actively engaging and driving change. Nilekani’s philanthropic efforts are guided by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create a positive and lasting impact on society.
By tackling pressing challenges in education, healthcare, digital inclusion, and other domains, Nilekani’s philanthropy addresses fundamental issues that hinder progress and limit opportunities. His initiatives aim to create systemic change, promoting access, equity, and empowerment for those who are marginalized or underserved. Nilekani’s contributions are not just band-aid solutions but strategic interventions that seek to transform the root causes of societal issues.
Moreover, Nilekani’s philanthropy serves as an inspiration and call to action for others. His exemplary efforts demonstrate that anyone, regardless of their background or resources, can contribute to building a better society. Nilekani’s philanthropic journey showcases the power of collective action and the ripple effect that individual contributions can have in creating positive change. Nandan and Rohini Nilekani together have left a mark in Philanthropy by joining ‘The Giving Pledge’, thereby committing over half of their wealth to philanthropy.
