Philanthropy

The word means " Lover of Mankind" . There is an unparalleled joy in giving. Community service (Social Service) is a topic close to my heart , having had the privilege to work closely with NGO's in India . Everyone need to do their bit for the society and under-privileged.

I read with great interest last week Businessweek's story on Philanthropy in Corporate America. A major trend these days is to give away wealth when one is alive than after one's death. Americans have donated to a variety of causes like "fight against HIV/AIDS,Cancer"," Education" , " Environmental Conservation" , " Science" , " Open & free societies", " Arts & Culture" , " Reducing Nukes" etc.. Its heartening to note that a lot of American Philanthropy is flowing to fight poverty & diseases in Countries like India & in the African Continent.

Businessweek also published a list of top 50 Philanthopists in the US which had familiar names like Bill & Melinda Gates , Warren Buffet, Gordon Moore, George Soros,Michael Dell, Paul Allen , Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey .

Of course , one doesn't have to be big to donate. Every person with a disposable income can contribute his mite towards making the world a better place. Let's do it.