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My trip to Crotari was influenced by many people. Some gave me wise advice, others helped me with generous donations. When I look back over eight decades of my life, I cannot help but notice how Perlapur, the place of my birth, continued to play a vital role in my life even as my work took me first to Calcutta and then to Chandigarh, Karm Bhumi.
I had the privilege of sharing a close and meaningful relationship with GD Birla, a renowned industrialist and freedom fighter. Being born in Birlapur and my father’s position at Birla Jute Mills, I had the opportunity to connect with the Birla family. It was during my time at Hindustan Motors in Calcutta that I first met BM Birla, the youngest of the Birla brothers, who imparted invaluable knowledge of an innovative accounting system.
When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I returned to India Motors and partnered with the Indian Card Spinning Industry. During this period, I had the pleasure of playing cricket with both Aditya Vikram Birla and Sudarshan Birla at Birla Park. The camaraderie we shared strengthened our bond as friends.
Under the guidance of G.D. Birla, my father set up Hindustan Aluminum Limited in Renukoot, UP, with Shri Mandiliaghi serving as the overall CEO.
In 1960, when I founded the Needle Factory, fate gave me, GrozBeckert Saboo, in Chandigarh, an extraordinary encounter. GD Birla himself visited the factory accompanied by Mandeliaji’s father-in-law and Sabooji’s parents. GD Birla has shown genuine interest in my endeavors outside the Chandigarh factory. When I mentioned my participation in Rotary, he bluntly expressed his belief that I was wasting my time. However, his view changed when I informed him of my appointment as Director of Rotary International, and he encouraged me to strive for the summit.
The late JD Birla, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of guardianship, espoused a philosophy that extended far beyond business profits. The purpose of the Birla Group was to develop untapped resources, promote education, and contribute to building a new, independent India. As part of this commitment, a portion of the Group’s profits has been continually reinvested in welfare activities aimed at improving society.
During my tenure as President of Rotary International in 1991-1992, I had the privilege of meeting Aditya Birla and his wife, Rajashree Birla, who continued to uphold the family’s philanthropic tradition. In 2008, she visited Chicago and donated $300,000 to the Rotary Foundation for Educational Initiatives. Then, I asked her to consider donating $1 million in memory of GD Birla for the Eradication of Polio, a cause she readily supports.
Rajshree ji’s donation was announced during a Rotary event at the headquarters in Evanston, in the presence of eminent Rotary leaders. The next day, a gala dinner was organized in her honor, at which many Rotary leaders and distinguished guests gathered. The event symbolizes the convergence of Rotary’s service ideals and the Birla family’s commitment to social welfare.
Rajshree ji’s dedication to social work extended far beyond monetary contributions. She established the Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital in Pune, providing basic healthcare services and contributing to the welfare of the community. In addition, her involvement in healthcare initiatives, such as conducting medical camps and administering polio vaccines, demonstrated her personal involvement and commitment to improving lives.
Through her actions, she has embodied Rotary’s core values ​​- service above self and dedication to humanitarian causes. Her visits to the slums of Mumbai, where she personally administered polio drops to children, highlighted the transformative power of individual efforts in tackling societal challenges.
Rajshree ji has been recognized for her exceptional contributions and tireless efforts to make a positive impact globally. She has been a leading figure in the fight against polio, donating a staggering total of $15 million to polio eradication efforts. Starting with an annual contribution of $1 million, Ms. Birla continued her support even after India was declared polio-free in 2014, pledging to donate until the world is free from the disease.
As the chairperson of the Aditya Birla Center for Community Initiatives and Rural Development (ABCCIR), she oversees several philanthropic and community initiatives focusing on education, employment, drinking water, women’s empowerment, and assistance to the rural poor and the physically challenged. Through ABCCIR, it has had a significant impact, helping some 7 million people in 3,000 villages around the world, with a notable presence in Thailand and Egypt. The organization supports schools and hospitals and provides education to thousands of students.
Ms. Birla’s philanthropic efforts extend far beyond polio eradication. She actively collaborates with organizations such as People First to combat female feticide and works closely with Habitat for Humanity, serving on Asia Pacific and Global committees. She also advocates remarriage for widows, defying societal taboos in many Indian villages.
Born in Bikaner, educated in Chennai, married in Kolkata, and currently residing in Mumbai, Mrs. Birla’s nationalist spirit takes her to various cities within India and around the world. Her selfless contribution and unwavering commitment to social causes earned her the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award in 2011.
The story of Rajshree Birla ji is one of tenacity, compassion, and relentless pursuit to make positive change. Her philanthropic initiatives have touched millions of lives, making her an inspiring figure in the field of social welfare and community development. I, for one, have always inspired her.
(The author is a prominent industrialist and former president of Rotary International)
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