India Philanthropy Forum – Boston | Agenda
Breakfast & Registration
Key note
Tea and Networking
Thematic Deep Dive: Session 1
How Can Philanthropy Harness Data & Technology for Greater Impact?
As technology and data reshape every sector, philanthropy has a unique opportunity to leverage these tools for greater impact. This session will explore how data-driven insights and tech-enabled platforms can help funders make smarter, more targeted decisions. Through real-world examples and case studies, it will discuss the critical need to strengthen India’s data ecosystem—an area that requires greater philanthropic investment to ensure accurate, actionable insights. Without funding to build this infrastructure, the potential of data to drive change in India will remain untapped.
Thematic Deep Dive: Session 3
How Can the Indian Diaspora Drive Local Giving in the U.S.?
This session will explore how members of the diaspora can advance their giving journeys and deepen their engagement with local communities. What are the tools, networks, and partnerships that can help unlock this community’s full philanthropic potential? By addressing key strategies and support systems, this conversation will provide actionable insights into how the diaspora can drive meaningful, long-term change in the communities they call home
Plenary Session 3
How Can Collaboration Catalyze Systemic Change in India?
In a country as vast and complex as India, collaboration is essential for achieving largescale, systemic change. This session will explore how diverse stakeholders—from funders and NGOs to businesses and government—can move beyond isolated efforts to form partnerships that drive transformative impact. The discussion will spotlight strategies, lessons, and challenges in building effective collaborations. Drawing on successful real-world examples, this session will provide insights into how cross-sector partnerships can maximize resources and shape a more inclusive future for India.
Plenary Session 4
How Can India Become the Next Global Hub for Social Innovation?
How Can India Become the Next Global Hub for Social Innovation? As India emerges as a key player in global development, the real challenge lies in making strategic investments and adopting innovative approaches to cement its role as a global hub for social innovation. This session will explore what it will take to realize this vision—focusing on new philanthropic models, investments in emerging areas and geographies, innovative funding vehicles, and breakthrough social enterprises. Drawing on real-world examples and lived experiences, the conversation will highlight the transformative potential of bold thinking and novel solutions to drive sustainable social change in India.
Networking
Opening Remarks
Plenary Session 1
India@2047: How Can Philanthropy Build an India of our Dreams?
As India nears its 100th year of independence, the key question is: How can philanthropy be bold enough to tackle root causes and create lasting change? This session invites stakeholders to rethink philanthropy’s role—one that is ambitious, willing to take risks, and committed to realizing the bold vision of India@2047. By embracing innovative approaches, supporting underserved areas, empowering next-gen philanthropy, and bridging critical funding gaps, this conversation will explore how philanthropy can reimagine its role, push boundaries, and do whatever it takes to address problems at their core—paving the way for the India we dream of.
Plenary Session 2
What Will It Take to Accelerate Gender Equity in India?
Despite growing awareness, gender-focused philanthropy in India has yet to build the momentum needed for real change. This session will examine the entrenched barriers and enablers that shape progress on gender equity. What practical, yet bold strategies are required—not just to accelerate change, but to build a sustained movement that channels more and better resources towards gender equity interventions in India? By uncovering untapped opportunities and understanding the aspirations of those on the ground, this conversation will challenge stakeholders to move beyond surface-level efforts and invest in solutions that drive lasting, systemic impact.
Thematic Deep Dive: Session 2
How Philanthropy Can Lead the Charge in Shaping a Climate-Resilient India?
As climate change accelerates, the need for bold philanthropic action is more urgent than ever. This session will explore how philanthropy can play a pivotal role in driving climate resilience and sustainability in India. What strategies are needed to fund climate innovations, support vulnerable communities, and influence policy for long-term systems change? By examining the intersection of climate action with other sectors, this conversation will offer practical insights on how funders can strengthen community resilience and integrate a climate lens into their giving.
Lunch Break
Break
Closing Remarks
08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
9:00 AM to 9:15 AM
Opening Remarks
9:15 AM to 9:30 AM
Key Note Address
by Vikram Gandhi, Professor, Harvard Business School & Co-Founder, Asha Ventures
9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
India@2047: How Can Philanthropy Build an India of our Dreams?
As India nears its 100th year of independence, the key question is: How can philanthropy be bold enough to tackle root causes and create lasting change? This session invites stakeholders to rethink philanthropy’s role—one that is ambitious, willing to take risks, and committed to realizing the bold vision of India@2047. The Indian diaspora plays a pivotal role in this journey, bringing not only financial resources but also diverse global perspectives, networks, and innovative thinking to address India’s challenges. By embracing innovative approaches, supporting underserved areas, empowering next-gen philanthropy, and bridging critical funding gaps, this conversation will explore how philanthropy, especially from diaspora givers, can reimagine its role, push boundaries, and do whatever it takes to address problems at their core—paving the way for the India we dream of.
Panellists:
– Mark Foley, President, Jhamtse International
– Megha Desai, President, Desai Foundation
– Nalini Saligram, Founder & CEO, Aarogya World
– Ramesh Srinivasan, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Moderator:
Raj Gilda, Co-Founder, Lend A Hand India
10:20 AM to 11:05 AM
How Philanthropy Can Lead the Charge in Shaping a Climate-Resilient India?
As climate change accelerates, the need for bold philanthropic action is more urgent than ever. This session will explore how diaspora philanthropy can play a pivotal role in driving climate resilience and sustainability in India. What strategies are needed to fund climate innovations, support vulnerable communities, and influence policy for long-term systems change? By examining the intersection of climate action with other sectors, this conversation will offer practical insights on how funders can strengthen community resilience and integrate a climate lens into their giving.
Panellists:
– Jigyasa Labroo, Co-Founder & CEO, Slam Out Loud
– Rajesh Kasturirangan, Co-Founder & CEO, Socratus
– Seema Paul, Program Director, Sequoia Climate Foundation
– Vikas Mehta, Founding Executive Director, SED Fund
Moderator:
Jyotirmoy Chatterji, Director, Dasra
11:10 AM to 11:30 AM
Tea & Networking
11:35 AM to 11:50 AM
Key Note Address
by Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women’s World Banking
11:55 AM to 12:40 PM
What Will It Take to Accelerate Gender Equity in India?
Despite growing awareness, gender-focused philanthropy in India has yet to build the momentum needed for real change. This session will examine the entrenched barriers and enablers that shape progress on gender equity, with a particular focus on how the Indian diaspora can play a transformative role. What practical, yet bold strategies are required—not just to accelerate change, but to build a sustained movement that channels more and better resources towards gender equity interventions in India? By uncovering untapped opportunities and understanding the aspirations of those on the ground, this conversation will challenge stakeholders to move beyond surface-level efforts and invest in solutions that drive lasting, systemic impact.
Panellists:
– Amit Bhandari, Chairman, Magic Bus USA, Magic Bus Foundation
– Manisha Bharti, CEO, Pratham USA
– Padmaja Kumari, Founder, Friends of Mewar
– Ruchi Yadav, Global Program Advisor, The Hunger Project
Moderator:
Shoba Viswanathan, Vice President, Development and Civic Engagement, Indiaspora
12:45 PM to 01:30 PM
How Can Philanthropy Harness Data & Technology for Greater Impact?
As technology and data reshape every sector, philanthropy has a unique opportunity to leverage these tools for greater impact. This session will explore how data-driven insights and tech-enabled platforms can help funders make smarter, more targeted decisions. Through real-world examples and case studies, it will discuss the critical need to strengthen India’s data ecosystem—an area that requires greater philanthropic investment to ensure accurate, actionable insights. Without funding to build this infrastructure, the potential of data to drive change in India will remain untapped.
Panellists:
– Anurag Banerjee, Founder & CEO, Quilt.AI
– Perry Hewitt, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Data.org
– Nitish Chiniwar, Founder & CEO, Bridges of Sports Foundation
– Sid Ravinutala, Chief Data Scientist, Data Science, IDinsight
Moderator:
Neera Nundy, Co-Founder & Partner, Dasra
01:35 PM - 02:35 PM
Lunch
2:40 PM - 3:30 PM
How Can Youth Perspectives and Collaboration Catalyze Systemic Change in India?
In a country as vast and complex as India, collaboration—enriched by the fresh ideas of the next generation—is crucial for achieving large-scale, systemic change. This session will feature a two-part discussion. The first segment will highlight the winners of India Philanthropy Alliance’s fifth annual youth essay competition, who will share their perspectives on overcoming India’s digital divide and addressing healthcare disparities, their motivations behind their essays, and how philanthropy and civic engagement can contribute to addressing these pressing issues and building a better future for India.
In the second segment, nonprofit leaders will delve into how collaborative models can be optimized to create meaningful, sustained change in India. Drawing on successful partnerships and innovative approaches, this conversation will explore the strategies, lessons, and challenges in building effective collaborations. The discussion will showcase real-world examples, offering insights into how partnerships can transcend traditional boundaries, pool resources, and amplify the impact of collective action.
Speakers (Session 1):
– Sia Lakshmi Sampson, Oakdale Middle School
– Nirmal Melam, Theodore Roosevelt High School
Speakers (Session 2):
– Jay Sehgal, Executive Vice President, Sehgal Foundation
– Neha Gupta, Executive Director, Teach For India USA
– Sejal Desai, Executive Director, Akanksha Education Fund
– Shannon Paz, CEO, Antara International
– Ushree Roy, Senior Director Resource Development, Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA
Moderator:
Alex Counts, Director, India Philanthropy Alliance
03:35 PM to 4:20 PM
How Can the Indian Diaspora Accelerate Their Giving Journeys?
This session will explore how members of the diaspora can advance their giving journeys and deepen their engagement. What are the tools, networks, and partnerships that can help unlock this community’s full philanthropic potential? By addressing key strategies and support systems, this conversation will provide actionable insights into how the diaspora can drive meaningful, long-term change in the communities they call home, both globally and locally.
Panellists:
– Ina Jamuna Breuer, Executive Director, NEID Global (Network of Engaged International Donors)
– Ranu Boppana, Physician, Alumni of NYU School of Medicine
– Sunand Bhattacharya, Associate Vice Provost, Design & Innovation Strategy, Boston College
– Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman, Suven Pharma & Apollo Intelligence
Moderator:
Prachi Pal, Team Lead, Dasra
4:25 PM to 4:45 PM
Tea & Networking
04:50 PM to 5:25 PM
How Can India Become the Next Global Hub for Social Innovation?
As India emerges as a key player in global development, the real challenge lies in making strategic investments and adopting innovative approaches to cement its role as a global hub for social innovation. This session will explore what it will take to realize this vision—focusing on new philanthropic models, investments in emerging areas and geographies, innovative funding vehicles, and breakthrough social enterprises. Drawing on real-world examples and lived experiences, the conversation will highlight the transformative potential of bold thinking and novel solutions to drive sustainable social change in India.
Panellists:
– Amita Gupta, Professor of Medicine and International Health, Johns Hopkins University
– Milind Tambe, Gordon McKay Professor and Director of CRCS Center, Harvard University
– Sanjay Kadaveru, Founder and Chairman, Action for India
Moderator:
Neha Dalal, Vice President, Jasper Ridge Partners
