Institutionalising Charity in India
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On the evening of August 28, G Maran, Co-Founder and Administrative Director of Unifi Capital, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Sri Madhusudan Sai as part of the ‘An Evening Divine’ series.
Sri Madhusudan Sai highlighted the need for institutions that address the pressing issues in India’s healthcare system, such as doctor-patient ratios and inadequate infrastructure. He noted that the establishment of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), which offers free medical education to rural students, is envisioned to be a game-changer in addressing the shortage of doctors in rural areas. A diverse group of experienced medical professionals left prestigious institutions to join the rural medical mission of SMSIMSR, driven by a desire to serve the underserved. Sri Madhusudan Sai believes that everyone deserves access to excellent care, regardless of their background, and that the team is dedicated to providing high-quality treatment to all, as encapsulated in the motto of ‘service to the poor is not poor service’.
The conversation also delved into the institutionalisation of charity in India, with Sri Madhusudan Sai emphasising the importance of education, literacy, and mechanisms like social stock exchanges. He suggested that India should learn from international examples, such as the USA, but also develop its own unique model based on its context. He highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and disclosure standards for charities and emphasised the importance of government support and initiatives like social stock exchanges in promoting institutionalised charity.
When asked about the level of support and interference from governments while working in various countries and states in India, Sri Madhusudan Sai mentioned that government mechanisms have improved over the years and that they are now more supportive. He suggested that reducing taxes and increasing CSR could be a solution to fund social initiatives.
Sri Madhusudan Sai also stressed the importance of individual social responsibility (ISR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in driving charitable giving. He cited the success of India’s 2% CSR policy, which was implemented in 2013 despite initial scepticism from international experts. He believes that India has a spiritual backing that will drive charitable giving and that individuals will become more philanthropic over time, inspired by examples like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.
The conversation concluded with Sri Madhusudan Sai reflecting on the responsibility that comes with having a platform and resources to make a difference. He emphasised the importance of utilising one’s resources to make a positive impact, highlighting that inaction can lead to missed opportunities to create meaningful change.
What drives the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission to do noble work?
Compassion is the core of human existence. We’re born with an innate capacity for compassion. As we grow, we can become selfish due to various factors, such as misguided teachings and societal influences. However, our initial nature is compassionate, and when we see people struggling, it moves us. It makes us question whether we’re doing enough to make a positive impact. I believe that when we reflect on our actions, we may feel like we’ve done our part, but deep down, we’re left with a sense of dissatisfaction and unfinished business. This is because we recognise that there’s still so much more to be done, and we’re limited by our own capacities. Despite these limitations, we continue to strive to improve and make a difference. For us, compassion is the driving force behind our work. We believe that serving humanity is the best way to serve the divine, and that’s what motivates us every day.
