Over time, human needs and necessities have evolved significantly. Today, wealth plays a crucial role in survival, providing access to essential resources such as food, shelter, healthcare and education. In modern society financial status is often seen as a key to measure success, influencing not only personal opportunities but also social perception, power and influence.
The foundation of a prosperous civilisation is rooted in the wealth and the act of wealth creation is not just important but essential. It is a cornerstone of societal growth and individual progress. When earned rightfully, wealth serves as a powerful tool, empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, support their families, celebrate milestones, and most significantly, contribute to the welfare of others and engage in philanthropy.
However, the pursuit of wealth must be guided by ethics and responsibility. It should not only serve personal desires but also be directed towards creating a positive impact in the community. True prosperity lies in using wealth to foster happiness, justice and collective progress, ensuring a balance between self-interest and community welfare.
This philosophy aligns with Acharya Chanakya's teachings in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which highlights the elements that shape human society.
सुखस्य मूलं धर्म:। धर्मस्य मूलं अर्थ:।
अर्थस्य मूलं राज्स्य। राज्स्य मूलं इन्द्रियजय:।
Sukhasya Moolam Dharma : The root of happiness lies in dharma (righteousness).
Dharmasya Moolam Artha : The foundation of righteousness is artha (wealth).
Arthasya Moolam Rajya : The root of wealth is rajya (governance). A well-governed society paves the way for prosperity by nurturing trust, security and opportunity.
Rajyasya Moolam Indriyajaya : The foundation of governance is Indriyajaya
(self-control or victory over the senses).
Self-control fosters integrity, a critical quality in governance that inspires confidence and leads to effective administration.
Rising success often risks downfall through arrogance or hypocrisy. While self-control is vital, its effectiveness depends on context and integrity must balance personal, professional and public dimensions: Ethical conduct and self-awareness in private life, accountability and fairness in professional duties, transparency and acting for the greater good. By mastering Indriyajaya and integrating these dimensions, leaders build trust and resilience, ensuring sustainable governance.
Ethical wealth creators, important for a community
Chanakya’s wisdom is a timeless reminder that wealth is not just for personal enjoyment but also for contributing to the welfare of others. Ethical wealth creators and disciplined leaders are essential to building a community where governance, prosperity and morality come together to ensure sustainable happiness for all.
In the human heart, there is always a soft spot for helping those in need and money plays a crucial role in turning that compassion into action. In the United States, philanthropy reached over $550 billion last year. However, this figure excludes contributions made for political gain or influence, such as the case of tech giant Elon Musk, who reportedly spent around $274 million during President Trump’s election campaign. This was not philanthropy but an investment, which he has recouped manifold as his wealth surged by over $400 billion through his three companies. Interestingly, even critics of Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X.com) are now eager to align with him, reflecting his dominance in the market.
Philanthropy should be driven by genuine compassion and the desire to make a difference, not by personal financial gain. True philanthropy is pure and selfless, without any expectations in return.
Significance of community support
In the UK, the importance of community support extends to the media too. One prominent media house with a significant corpus funds received millions in donations annually from readers and benefactors, emphasising the need for independent journalism in a democratic society.
Indian philanthropists, including Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji, Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, the Bajaj family, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, Nandan Nilekani, Krishna Chivukula, Anil Agarwal, and others, have significantly contributed to the nation’s development and community welfare. Their efforts have transformed lives and supported key sectors such as education, healthcare and rural development. All these organisations and many individuals, have improved lives and driven positive changes, setting powerful example for future generations while also helping to build a better tomorrow.
However, philanthropy also has its own issues and challenges. In both India and the UK, some billionaires boast about their generosity, while their contributions mostly amount to mere tokens, compared to their immense wealth!
The Indian community in the UK, have been at the forefront of philanthropic initiatives. Their active participation extends beyond just supporting charitable causes; they have made remarkable contributions to the social and cultural development. Additionally, their economic contributions have significantly bolstered the UK's growth, showcasing the community's dedication to both their heritage and their adopted homeland. Both myself and ABPL have been fortunate to play a small role in supporting and contributing to a range of social and welfare causes in both the UK and India through our Karma Yoga Foundation. Through these efforts, we have aimed to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, working towards creating lasting change and improving lives.
In the book "No Full Stops in India," Sir William Mark Tully, KBE, a British journalist and former BBC Bureau Chief in New Delhi, highlights the deep-rooted tradition of communal support in rural India. He observes that in these close-knit communities, when someone faces hardship or hunger, neighbours and community members step in quietly, offering food or financial support without hesitation. This tradition of silently sharing what one has, whether its food, money or other resources, is deeply embedded in our Indian culture. Across the world, individuals and organisations are known to continue to uphold this legacy, proving that generosity, when guided by sincerity and purpose, has the power to create lasting changes!