<p>Who is a philanthropist? The dictionary defines this individual as a ‘rich person who helps the poor and those in need, especially by giving money’.</p>.<p> Interestingly, the word is derived from the Greek words, ‘philos’ (loving) and ‘anthropos’ (man). The dictionary sense of the word signifies that one has to be rich in order to be philanthropic. The second sense of the word tells us that it could fit anyone who possesses consideration for others. Which of the two applies better? A little examination would help us arrive at the answer.<br /><br />There is no doubt that one has to possess enough money to be able to give. But how much is ‘enough’? One immediately thinks of the great givers of modern times. Bill Gates and Azim Premji, are examples who come to mind. These are people who have struck gold in their business dealings and are filled with the desire to return to society in some measure the good fortune that they enjoy. A survey however, shows that it is only a fraction of this group who think on these lines. In our country especially, the rich have a poor track record in this matter. <br /><br />They prefer to leave their money to sons, daughters and the immediate family. Some build palatial houses; others host lavish weddings or parties. There are those who donate to places of worship, possibly to ensure continued prosperity. Organisations that endeavour to help the disadvantaged point out that it is difficult to persuade the affluent to part with money and that philanthropy has yet to take root in India. On the other hand, there are those who, through illegal means, amass wealth that may last for generations.<br /><br />It is heartening to find though that there are many among us who practice philanthropy in the second sense of the term. Quietly and unobtrusively, they help in providing mid-day meals for poor school-going children. They donate what they can to shelters for the poor, read to the blind, serve the spastics or provide free service. Philanthropy in this sense is a reaching out from the heart, a giving of one’s own self. It does not necessitate a huge bank balance.<br /><br />Nothing exemplifies this as this true story that I read of a poor man named Durlava Naik. <br /><br />Gunduparasi is a small village in Orissa. It did not have a dependable source of water and the inhabitants had to trudge miles to get a little of it. Durlava realised the need for a tank, but he knew that no one would pay any heed to what he said. So he decided to do it all by himself. Every morning he would go to the spot selected and dig till nightfall. <br /><br />He did this for 25 years and finally the tank was ready for use. He presented it to the villagers free of cost. A great act of philanthropy to be sure, but what is even more astounding is the fact that Durlava Naik was blind – totally blind!</p>
<p>Who is a philanthropist? The dictionary defines this individual as a ‘rich person who helps the poor and those in need, especially by giving money’.</p>.<p> Interestingly, the word is derived from the Greek words, ‘philos’ (loving) and ‘anthropos’ (man). The dictionary sense of the word signifies that one has to be rich in order to be philanthropic. The second sense of the word tells us that it could fit anyone who possesses consideration for others. Which of the two applies better? A little examination would help us arrive at the answer.<br /><br />There is no doubt that one has to possess enough money to be able to give. But how much is ‘enough’? One immediately thinks of the great givers of modern times. Bill Gates and Azim Premji, are examples who come to mind. These are people who have struck gold in their business dealings and are filled with the desire to return to society in some measure the good fortune that they enjoy. A survey however, shows that it is only a fraction of this group who think on these lines. In our country especially, the rich have a poor track record in this matter. <br /><br />They prefer to leave their money to sons, daughters and the immediate family. Some build palatial houses; others host lavish weddings or parties. There are those who donate to places of worship, possibly to ensure continued prosperity. Organisations that endeavour to help the disadvantaged point out that it is difficult to persuade the affluent to part with money and that philanthropy has yet to take root in India. On the other hand, there are those who, through illegal means, amass wealth that may last for generations.<br /><br />It is heartening to find though that there are many among us who practice philanthropy in the second sense of the term. Quietly and unobtrusively, they help in providing mid-day meals for poor school-going children. They donate what they can to shelters for the poor, read to the blind, serve the spastics or provide free service. Philanthropy in this sense is a reaching out from the heart, a giving of one’s own self. It does not necessitate a huge bank balance.<br /><br />Nothing exemplifies this as this true story that I read of a poor man named Durlava Naik. <br /><br />Gunduparasi is a small village in Orissa. It did not have a dependable source of water and the inhabitants had to trudge miles to get a little of it. Durlava realised the need for a tank, but he knew that no one would pay any heed to what he said. So he decided to do it all by himself. Every morning he would go to the spot selected and dig till nightfall. <br /><br />He did this for 25 years and finally the tank was ready for use. He presented it to the villagers free of cost. A great act of philanthropy to be sure, but what is even more astounding is the fact that Durlava Naik was blind – totally blind!</p>
