A Multi-faceted Philanthropist and Writer

Rohini Nilekani is a well-known name in the Indian philanthropy and literary circles around the world. Her contribution to various segments, including education, water, sanitation, and the environment, has garnered her a reputation as a committed philanthropist. She is not only a philanthropist, though; in addition to writing for a number of prestigious journals and publishing multiple books, she is a skilled writer.

Philanthropic Initiatives

As the Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, she oversees various philanthropic initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and social justice. She is the Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a non-profit education platform that leverages technology to improve learning outcomes for children.

She also founded Arghyam in 2001, a foundation focused on sustainable water and sanitation. Through Arghyam, she funds initiatives across India to provide access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Additionally, from 2004 to 2014, she served as Founder-Chairperson and chief funder of Pratham Books, a non-profit children’s publisher that reached millions of children during her tenure. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of ATREE, an environmental think tank.

Writing Career

Rohini Nilekani worked as a journalist and writer before pursuing philanthropy. She has contributed to numerous prestigious journals, including Mint, India Today, and Times of India. Her debut book, a medical suspense novel titled Stillborn, was released by Penguin Books India. “Uncommon Ground,” her second nonfiction book, is based on her self-titled television programme. Moreover, she has authored a number of novels for young readers that have been published by Pratham Books, including the well-known “Annual Haircut Day.” “Samaaj, Sarkaar, Bazar,” an anthology of her writing that she published in 2022, outlines her ideology of reestablishing the equilibrium between the state and markets by presenting society as the fundamental sector.

Recognition and Awards

Rohini Nilekani’s contributions to various sectors have not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2017, she was inducted as a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has also been a member of the Board of Science Gallery Bengaluru, the Advisory Board of the Well Being Project since 2019, and the Dakshin Foundation since 2021.

The Giving Pledge

In 2017, Rohini Nilekani and her husband, Nandan Nilekani, signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropic causes. The Giving Pledge is an initiative started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates that encourages the world’s wealthiest people to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.  By taking the pledge, the Nilekanis have joined other Indian billionaires like Wipro Chairman Azim Premji, Biocon Chairman and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and Sobha Ltd Chairman P N C Menon.

Also Read: Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies