Ravi Venkatesan

The government has done many wonderful things like improvement in infrastructure and digital financial transactions but missed out on a number of fronts, including "Make in India". The lion seems to have roared more than walked. One of the primary objectives, increasing employment opportunities, remains unfulfilled. In fact, it has emerged as the most serious problem today. Another critical area is the erosion of democratic institutions. These and many other issues are discussed in this free-wheeling interaction. https://lnkd.in/gKdVnWCn

103

25 Comments

#GenerativeAI can optimize public services, enhance decision-making, drive sectoral growth, and foster equal opportunities through localized language support, bridging communication gaps, and thus empowering diverse communities. #Indian #languages https://shorturl.at/gUKwq

6

Senior Care Reforms in India - Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm I recently summarized a 140-page report by the Government of India on senior care reforms. This detailed paper proposes crucial changes to improve care and support for our aging population. In this post, I’ll share key insights and takeaways. Whether you're in healthcare, policy, or simply care about elder support, these findings are essential for understanding the future of senior care in India. #SeniorCare #ElderlyCare #HealthcareReforms #India #Finance #Research

21

technology can't solve all our social problems but it is an exponentially growing superpower that is likely to be at the core of most of our scaled solutions going forward. we must figure out ways to get India's best product managers and engineers excited about solving social problems, despite our constraints. I share some of our tech-first thinking and work in this interview with Venkatesh Kannaiah of The Indian Express

214

5 Comments

Our Managing director, Ramakrishnan M shares his views during the discussion on 'Climate Adaptation Resourcing for India,' emphasizing the critical need for a blended finance approach. He underscores the importance of combining various forms of support, including philanthropy, public support, subsidies, patient capital, and risk capital, to effectively address the challenges and opportunities in climate adaptation. #Finance #Climate #ClimateAdaptation #PrimusPartnersIndia

5

Inviting Strategic Advisors to Partner with the Government of one of the Largest State of India. We are extending an opportunity for distinguished professionals to join hands with one of the largest and most dynamic state in India as Strategic Advisor to the State Government. This is more than a role—it's an honor, a chance to shape the future, and a prestigious addition to any professional’s career. About the Role: As a Strategic Advisor, you will be a key player in driving the state’s growth and development. Your insights and expertise will directly influence policies and initiatives, making a tangible impact on the lives of millions. Key Departments: 1. Global and National Industry Engagement: You will be at the forefront of inviting and encouraging industries from across India and around the world to set up their businesses in the state. Your role will be pivotal in showcasing the state's potential as a business hub, leveraging its resources, strategic location, and government incentives. 2. Job Creation and Employment Enhancement: A core responsibility will be to collaborate with the state government in creating employment opportunities for the state’s residents. Your strategic input will be instrumental in designing and implementing initiatives that generate sustainable jobs, directly contributing to the state’s economic growth. 3. Skill Development and Workforce Empowerment: You will support the government in enhancing skill development programs, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern industries. Your guidance will help build a robust talent pipeline that serves both the industries and the state’s economy. 4. Media and Public Relations Advisory: Leveraging your expertise, you will provide state-of-the-art media and PR advisory across various departments of the state government. Your role will be crucial in crafting and communicating the state’s narrative, enhancing its image, and ensuring that its achievements are recognized on both national and global platforms. Ideal Candidate Profile: We are looking for individuals who have: Been instrumental in similar strategic assignments or have a leadership background in industries. Flexible Engagement: This is a hybrid assignment, not a full-time commitment, allowing you the flexibility to contribute your expertise at your convenience. You can choose to support the state according to your schedule, making it an ideal role for seasoned professionals who wish to give back to society while continuing with their other endeavors. How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on this honorable and impactful journey, please share your profile at [email protected]. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for one of India’s most promising states. Wishing you Happiness, Abhishek Ramachandra Mishra #StrategicAdvisor #StateGovernment

7

#Women and #Impact – Two Passions Close to My Heart: When Ashish Fafadia interviewed me for a role Blume Ventures, he asked, “Where do you see yourself in 15 years?” Without hesitation, I replied, “Working for the upliftment of #women in #Bharat.” That answer has guided my journey, and it made me the obvious choice to represent Blume Ventures at Prabhav 2024, organized by the Impact Investors Council (IIC). Two packed days of insightful discussions, and here are my key takeaways on gender smart investing: - Gender-Smart Investing is about using capital intentionally and measurably to address gender disparity. It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a mission. - The Pipeline Problem: Since COVID, the number of ‘investible startups’ led by women has dropped off a cliff. We need dedicated programs to ensure women founders get access to grants, mentorship, peer networks, and more. - Diversity is Comprehensive: It’s not just about backing women founders. It starts with venture firms building diverse teams, startups having more balanced boards, creating products that cater to women, ensuring safe workplaces, and fostering diversity across the entire value chain—from the boardroom to the warehouse. Equal ESOPs for women compared to their male peers is another critical step toward equity. - Anand Sri Ganesh shared some interesting data - out of 410 active VCs, only 2% are women partners. We need diversity at the check-writer level—more women on boards and in investment teams. Recruitment needs to be intentional if we want real change. Glad to be a part of a group called 'Women in Investing' that has 500+ women in VCs. Thanks to Maya Chandrasekaran and Sheeba D'Mello for creating this fabulous community. - Support Systems Matter: We need more initiatives like the Mudra Yojana for women and other schemes that empower female entrepreneurs. - Sector-Specific Wins: We’re seeing better diversity in sectors like biotech, climate, retail, health, and consumer brands. These industries are leading the charge, and we should take note. - Rural Women Are Powerhouses: As Jyotsna Krishnan rightly pointed out, women in rural India are inherently entrepreneurial. Microfinance can transform their potential. Kudos to our portfolio company, Kaleidofin Private Limited, which empowers under-banked customers by offering intuitive and tailored financial solutions. - The Road Ahead: We still have a long way to go, but it’s encouraging to see organizations like Impact Investors Council (IIC), British International Investment, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and many others come together to push for a more diverse workforce. Special shout-out to Ragini Pillai for driving some truly energetic and inspiring discussions on gender smart investing. With all the efforts - confident we are marching towards a better and more diverse Indian workplace :).

124

4 Comments

Fabulous & insightful work, Advait Arun. Part 1 was simply outstanding, as for Part 2, it is a refreshing mid-week read! "...the statute has given Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and its grantees a broader, potentially more #transformative #mission to #create #markets where none existed before. GGRF entities have to do more than underwrite private risk—they must create #market #structures from scratch. This task is far more complicated than simply derisking private investment, and far more promising....GGRF awardees must do a lot more than subsidize—they must #tackle #fundamental #uncertainty by establishing procedures for underwriting and financing investments in these sectors and #socialize those best practices with #private #investors." https://lnkd.in/ecm_FbKG

7

2 Comments

Momentum around climate #philanthropy is rising in #India. Now-Gen (first-generation wealth creators) and Inter-Gen donors (current generation of traditional family philanthropists) are showing deeper interest and awareness of interconnected issues, with 34% of donors interested in climate action.   Philanthropic capital, while not sufficient to fully close the financial gap, serves as a powerful catalyst. It can help co-create inclusive climate strategies by bringing together civic, public, and private sectors. Additionally, it plays a key role in identifying, testing, and developing comprehensive solutions tailored to India's specific needs. By doing so, philanthropic capital attracts public and private investments towards scalable, affordable, and equitable solutions.    Drawing on insights from working with India’s diverse climate ecosystem, Shloka Nath and I reflect on ways in which climate-minded funders can enhance their contributions to India’s future, and especially benefit the frontline communities and underserved populations, who are severely vulnerable to the impacts of #climatechange.    Read ‘How philanthropy can chart the path to Viksit Bharat’: https://lnkd.in/gcZ3NMXp   What are your views on this topic? Share in the comments below.   India Climate Collaborative ET Edge Moulin Oza The Rockefeller Foundation Rajiv J. Shah Elizabeth Yee ET Edge Insights

120

7 Comments

"System reform is a slow but long-term journey. You need funders who can come on board as partners and are willing to stay the course for that strategic priority, both in terms of funding and collaboration." Watch Shaveta Sharma-Kukreja, CEO and MD, Central Square Foundation, discuss the non-profit's initial steps toward system reform. To learn more about how to create systemic impact, read our report here: https://lnkd.in/gRRawztR India Impact Sherpas | Raghu Gullapalli | Soumitra Pandey | Bikkrama Daulet Singh

38

Interesting. "A recent report noted that 89% of Delhi-NCR schoolchildren worry about climate change, reject symbolic actions, and demand consistent education and mental health support to address rising climate anxiety and awareness disparities." Read more https://lnkd.in/exWvsaiz #india #education #sustainability #environment #climatechange #future

8

Thanks to PMC Hindi, for publishing my podcast on 'The Pollution of Consciousness' The questions were very well drafted covering a wide spectrum of topics and making the entire discussion intriguing. https://lnkd.in/gu_ca9Ru

3

A very relevant article by Anurag Behar, CEO of Azim Premji Foundation & well summarised by Viswanaathan R. Sir. The journey of an NGO is extremely tough, taking many arrows in a day, managing various stakeholders right from the funder, government officials, permits and so many compliances. Funders should be sensitive of this & offer the best support make the projects efficient. As rightly mentioned in the article, funders should not realize that the association is a T20 cricket game- A) You cannot get immediate results. Social issues are far more complex than a cricket game, responses are unpredictable, uncontrollable factors & the interactions between factors are infinitely complex. B) Funders should not push for numbers. This is because of ignorance or underestimation of the fact that social-human interventions do not scale in industrial mode. They must worked upon person by person, context by context C) Funders should support projects for a long term impact by associating their support otherwise many initiatives are shut down due to short frame association. Even the surface of social issues cannot be scratched within such time frames D) Do not micromanage small deliverables. Be flexible in your approach, this keeps the association strong E) Each NGO runs with some employees just like any other organisation. If this is not sustained, the funders cannot be assured of the impact of the project. They need to have an open mindset of supporting onground resources. Hope we are able to sensitize many funders through these learning’s & make NGOs more impactful. They need to value the immense hardwork and the challenges which every NGO faces on a daily basis trying to address social issues & make the society more equitable. #NGOs #Changemakers #makefundinginclusive #sustainable #longtermimpact

17

An interesting read for ID aspirants. Also, the comments 😊

4

Join us at #SankalpBharat2024 for an engaging panel discussion where I’ll be sharing insights on the inspiring grassroots innovations transforming communities. Let’s explore how local solutions are creating real impact as we discuss the immense potential of local innovations, the critical role of #Investors, and the opportunities in supporting grassroots enterprises. Let’s celebrate and invest in those who understand the challenges and solutions better than anyone else. #GrassrootsImpact #Sustainability #Innovation #InvestInLocal

22

1 Comment

Aspirational Rural India A Kaleidoscope of Interdependence, Growth and Prosperity. In the heart of rural India lies a wellspring of potential, a community deeply rooted in its local identity and tradition yet eager to embrace the winds of change.The conventional narratives of rural India are depicted merely as recipients of aid or beneficiaries of urban progress which no longer hold true. Today it is important to recognise the innate strength, wisdom, resilience and the aspirations that these communities possess. Rural India is not just an isolated entity but an integral part of a larger ecosystem, where the success of one is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of all. Empowering Through Collaboration I have had the good fortune of establishing, heading and running the Usha Silai School program of Usha International for a decade. We worked in rural interiors across 29 states and all the Union Territories in the country. Directly and indirectly, when I moved on from Usha we had established about 30000 Silai schools and trained approximately 6/7 lakh rural women. It taught me the importance of collaboration—between government, private sector, and rural communities themselves. A model of development that is participatory is crucial, where the voices of rural India are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping the policies and programs that affect them. This approach ensures that development is sustainable, as it is built on a foundation of local knowledge and ownership. There is a need to create opportunities for rural India that align with their cultural values and strengths. Whether it’s through promoting sustainable agriculture, technical skilling, enhancing educational opportunities, or fostering entrepreneurship. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS Key with the goal its to empower rural communities to become self-reliant, yet connected to the broader economic and social fabric of the country. A Future of Shared Prosperity In the aspirational rural India of present times I envision, prosperity is not a zero-sum game. It is a shared journey, where progress even in rural interiors contributes to the overall growth of the nation. This challenges us to rethink our approach to development, urging us to see rural India not as a problem to be solved, but as an equal partner in building a better future for all.

1

D&A would like to congratulate Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP) on the release of their landmark report, "Wealth with Purpose," created in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This report explores the philanthropic journeys of 100 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) in India, with the main objective of inspiring both emerging and experienced philanthropists to engage in more strategic and impactful giving. By offering valuable insights and frameworks, the report aims to transform how philanthropy is practiced among the top 1%. Key insights from the report reveal a notable shift in philanthropic practices, moving from traditional charity to strategic giving, with many philanthropists now adopting a systems-change approach. An impressive 90% of UHNIs are keen to deepen their advocacy and support to ensure a lasting impact, demonstrating a strong commitment to strategic philanthropy. This trend indicates a growing desire among India's wealthiest to not only increase their financial contributions but also engage more deeply in systemic solutions to address societal challenges. D&A's is dedicated to amplifying the impact of philanthropic capital through Blended and Outcome-Based Financing. Our initiatives aim to make philanthropic contributions more catalytic, driving significant impact. We believe that philanthropy's transformative potential can be leveraged to catalyse sustainable development. To this end, D&A plans to engage with high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) to understand their development priorities and commit capital into projects using innovative finance instruments. Access the report here: https://lnkd.in/gp9CbJGm Amitabh Jaipuria | Radhika Jain | Dr.Preethi Jain | Aditi Ray | Vishal D. | Isha Mathur | Kartik Desai | Aashir Sutar #HNI #Philanthropy #InnovativeFinance

25

The #Pathways to #Inclusive #Growth!: The #InclusiveGrowth Conference to be held on June 20th at #IHC will focus on six key tracks to build a strong foundation for #equitable and #ecological inclusive growth in India. Track 1: Harnessing the Power of #SocialCapital The conference kicks off by exploring the bedrock of inclusive growth - India's vibrant social capital base. We'll analyze the role of #FPOs, #SHGs and other #CBOs in empowering communities. A critical question will be addressed: Is this existing base sufficient, or do we need further investment to create a robust foundation for inclusive growth? Track 2: #Social Processes and #Innovation: Pathways to #inclusion Building on the social capital theme, Track 2 delves into social processes and innovations that foster inclusivity. The focus will be on: #Graduation Approach: We'll explore how this approach helps communities rise out of poverty by providing targeted interventions and support systems. Building #Resilient Communities: Strategies for empowering communities to weather challenges and build long-term sustainability will be discussed. #LivingIncome for Farmers and women: This session will explore innovative solutions to ensure a decent standard of living for these crucial segments of society. Track 3: #Scaling Up Inclusion Through #Technology In today's tech-driven world, Track 3 tackles the crucial role of technology in accelerating inclusion. We'll explore how to leverage technology to: bridge the Inclusion gap and analyze strategies for scaling up successful inclusive initiatives. Track 4: The #PrivateSector: A Catalyst for Inclusive Growth .Track 4 focuses on: Building #InclusiveBusinesses: We'll explore the challenges and opportunities for private companies to adopt inclusive business models that benefit both their bottom line and society. Track 5: #Financing Inclusive Growth: Innovative Solutions Recognizing the need for financial support for inclusive businesses, Track 5 dives into the world of impact investment and other innovative financial instruments. We'll discuss how to make access to capital smoother for businesses committed to inclusive practices. Track 6: Fostering an #Enabling Environment The final track focuses on the collaborative effort needed to build an enabling environment for inclusive growth. This session will explore Strategies for effective collaboration between social sector organizations and private companies will be discussed. The Inclusive Growth #Conference promises a stimulating day of exploration, analysis, and collaboration. Join us as we pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Register at (limited seats are available) - https://lnkd.in/gtuvRrTa Santosh Nirmallya Mamta Ayush Sudhir Midivelli.Ashwini Saroj KrishnaP Payal

82

4 Comments