Transformation at grassroots
Philanthropy in India has undergone a transformative shift, moving from traditional charity to a more strategic, impact-driven approach. This evolution marks the transition from a giving-back model to one of philanthropic investment, where donors apply an evidence-based strategy that is aligned with the rise of impact investing.
The impact investment approach by philanthropists towards rural areas allows for systemic change of a particular vertical and an integrated approach. “Take for example the challenges of water and sanitation. The systemic change approach will work on an end-to-end solution to improve this segment through capacity building, harvesting, and sanitation along with behaviour change communication (BCC). The integrated approach will address the ripple effect of inadequate WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) in an area augmenting it with programmes to address the health fallout due to poor hygiene and in turn low school attendance or productivity etc. This holistic approach is also a game changer. The methods adopted by philanthropists may differ but the strategic long-term commitment to rural transformation is what ensures a more comprehensive and sustainable growth across India’s diverse landscapes,” explains Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & Founder CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) and Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA).
Whether it is education, healthcare, livelihood, water, and sanitation, development issues cannot be addressed in isolation. To achieve sustainable and equitable development in rural India, it is important to be cognizant of the interconnectedness of various factors. “Education receives most of the philanthropic funding in India, accounting for 40 per cent of such investments (as per the India Philanthropy Report 2023). However, for a child to benefit from this investment, several other conditions need to be met. The child must be healthy enough to attend school, the parents need to have stable livelihoods to support their education. Furthermore, patriarchal norms and gender inequities also play a crucial role. Thus, like education initiatives, all segments need a holistic approach for rural India to reach its full potential,” reasons Panda. That is why the BIPF adopts an all-encompassing model, addressing various aspects of rural life. She aims to establish an environment where education, healthcare, livelihoods, and basic amenities mutually reinforce each other, leading to a more sustainable and impactful change.
The power of Self-Help Groups
For a model to truly be sustainable, it should have community participation and ownership. This means mobilising them, building their capacity, creating networks, providing support through advocacy, and enabling them to participate in decision-making. A notable example of this in India has been the Self-Help Groups (SHGs). With approximately 10 million women-led SHGs in India, it is not just a way to turn half our society from beneficiaries to contributors, it is one of the most successful ways to promote women-led development in rural communities.
BIPF’s flagship initiative, Unnati is an integrated approach towards financial and social inclusion. It focuses on revitalising inactive SHGs and driving economic empowerment for women through credits, savings, livelihood, skill-building and financial linkages. The objective is to enable the lives of these women through life skills, to take ownership of their future. The three-year capacity-building programme under project Unnati encompasses sustainable agriculture, healthcare improvement, and strengthening women’s participation in local governance. “The impact of Unnati is evident: a 33 per cent increase in family income among participants, a 27 per cent decrease in illness due to enhanced health practices, and 7 per cent of women gaining roles in local Panchayati Raj Institutions,” explains Panda.
Another initiative that BIPF has initiated is the Kanya Express that is a targeted programme aimed at improving anaemia and malnutrition which affect 59 per cent of Indian girls. The programme operates through a customised mobile health unit, reaching out to remote villages to offer crucial health services like haemoglobin testing and BMI evaluations. In addition to medical assessments, Kanya Express also emphasises the importance of nutrition and hygiene. It provides nutri-seed packs to promote the home cultivation of iron-rich vegetables. Changing behaviours is a gradual process, which is why “we run this programme for 24 months in each identified area. As of now, Kanya Express has positively impacted the lives of over 9,500 adolescent girls across 34 Gram Panchayats and 158 villages in Odisha”.
Moving forward, philanthropic investment and its role as a catalyst for development becomes even more significant. “We must capitalise on the current momentum, transform these goals into actionable strategies, and dedicate continuous efforts to bring about tangible change at the grassroots level”, concludes Panda.
LANCELOT JOSEPH
lancelot.joseph@businessindiagroup.com