India has seen a surge in number of millionaires; if not billionaires. But yes, both the classes are on a rise. Now, how many of them are really involved in any kind of philanthropic activitivity? I would say almost NONE. Except for TATAs and Infosys and to some extent Wipros, none of Indians super-rich are in favor of giving away the hard earned money. So, what are they going to do with the money after all? Since everybody only lasts for a certain number of years and after that no one knows what happens to them. With body gone, who knows if the soul exists. Even if it does, and it has a re-incarnation, no one remembers anything about the past life. So, what is the use of leaving lots of wealth for your children to sit and enjoy and reap the benefits of your hard work?? So, all that super rich could do is invest good amounts in inculcating values/education into their children and leave everything else back to the society...
This is exactly what Bill Gates and Warren Buffets are now here in India for... Although received with luke warm response, people are generally against CSR ( corportae social responsibility)... I hope some of the richest are convinced to give away their wealth after they pass. Melinda Gates is pretty upbeat about this saying most of the self made wealthy are more willing to give away than the dynastic wealthy. Lets see... I guess, it is a tradition and a culture that stops people from giving away. The tradition of feeling insecure. Well, this is completely my perception. I personally feel that people should give most of the wealth they generated through their life time. The benefits could be immeasurable. The first foreseable positive change I can think of is fall in real estate prices. Second, people will learn to respect work and will not worship the rich. That will bring about a huge socio-cultural positive change that is so much required.
My perception is; wealthy should invariably spend on infrastructure that is so much the need of the hour for our country. Personally, I feel Indian citizens have food, clothes but there is a serious need for housing projects in urban areas, since India is seeing a complete demographic shift now - from villages to cities. Another area to look upon may be safe sanitation and renewable energy sources and good transportation means. This is what I dream for India if Indian need to stand up...
This is exactly what Bill Gates and Warren Buffets are now here in India for... Although received with luke warm response, people are generally against CSR ( corportae social responsibility)... I hope some of the richest are convinced to give away their wealth after they pass. Melinda Gates is pretty upbeat about this saying most of the self made wealthy are more willing to give away than the dynastic wealthy. Lets see... I guess, it is a tradition and a culture that stops people from giving away. The tradition of feeling insecure. Well, this is completely my perception. I personally feel that people should give most of the wealth they generated through their life time. The benefits could be immeasurable. The first foreseable positive change I can think of is fall in real estate prices. Second, people will learn to respect work and will not worship the rich. That will bring about a huge socio-cultural positive change that is so much required.
My perception is; wealthy should invariably spend on infrastructure that is so much the need of the hour for our country. Personally, I feel Indian citizens have food, clothes but there is a serious need for housing projects in urban areas, since India is seeing a complete demographic shift now - from villages to cities. Another area to look upon may be safe sanitation and renewable energy sources and good transportation means. This is what I dream for India if Indian need to stand up...
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