Gates has message of philanthropy for India’s uber-rich
01 Feb 2011
Unlike many of their Western counterparts, India's billionaires are hardly known for their philanthropy. Microsoft chief Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, is hoping to change that, along with fellow billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett.
"I have no agenda. I just want to share my personal experience. I just want to have a conversation with Indian billionaires on their views of philanthropy. I will not be visiting with any set or high expectations," Gates told The Times of India in a telephonic interview from the US.
He and Buffett held a similar discussion in Beijing in November with 50 Chinese business leaders.
"Every philanthropist picks up causes he believes in. During my China visit, I learnt about Chinese culture and their philanthropic traditions and told them how we do things. Government policies in China need to encourage philanthropy," Gates said.
Gates and Buffet have made headlines worldwide for roping in Western tycoons into pledging at least half their wealth for the world's good. They have signed up 58 philanthropists, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, investor Carl Icahn and AOL co-founder Steve Case for the Giving Pledge project.
India has over 69 billionaires, Mukesh Ambani topping the list with a net worth of $27 billion. None of them Wipro chief Azim Premji, are particularly known for helping the disadvantaged – though some of them are free enough with religious donations.