Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies Quest for a Strong Samaaj. Only official account of RNP.

Some journeys are shaped as much by where we begin as by what we choose to do with it.From medicine to public health to ...
23/04/2026

Some journeys are shaped as much by where we begin as by what we choose to do with it.

From medicine to public health to participatory research, Dr. Anita Patil-Deshmukh’s work is anchored in dignity, equity, and listening deeply to communities. As she reminds us, “the only way I can pay that debt back is that I go back and I do something for them.”



, NIMHANS ( ) and are excited to share that - India’s National Mental Health Festival - is returning for its third yea...
21/04/2026

, NIMHANS ( ) and are excited to share that - India’s National Mental Health Festival - is returning for its third year on December 5–6, 2026 in Bengaluru! 📢

We invite anyone working on mental health and at its intersections through art, music, advocacy, research, performances and other mediums, to co-create Manotsava 2026 with us.

Submit your programme proposal by May 15, 2026 - form in the bio.

[mental health, wellbeing, call for proposals, community wellbeing]

We’ve all heard that climate disasters are the new normal in India. But what does that really mean for communities livin...
25/02/2026

We’ve all heard that climate disasters are the new normal in India. But what does that really mean for communities living through repeated floods, heatwaves, droughts, and cyclones?

Over the past year, in partnership with Dalberg, we explored what it would take to move beyond episodic relief toward long-term, community-centred resilience.

The report was launched at at a roundtable organised by the , bringing together foundations, CSR leaders, and climate funders to ask:

What would it mean to fund resilience as seriously as we fund response?

Because climate shocks are here to stay and resilience cannot remain a side conversation.

[Link to report in the bio]

✨ We’re thrilled to share this feature on Rohini Nilekani (Chairperson, RNP), published by The Philanthropist — an endea...
29/01/2026

✨ We’re thrilled to share this feature on Rohini Nilekani (Chairperson, RNP), published by The Philanthropist — an endeavour of GivingPi.

“A Joyful Responsibility: Rohini Nilekani’s Philanthropic Journey through White Spaces and Hopeful Futures” reflects on her 35-year journey as a funder, her belief in bold philanthropy, and her focus on underfunded “white spaces” with the power to drive systemic change 🌱

Catch the full story now 💭 Head over to the link in bio! 🔗

Last week, Rohini Nilekani (Chairperson, RNP) launched The Playbook of Play at the Makkala Habba (supported by Bachpan M...
22/01/2026

Last week, Rohini Nilekani (Chairperson, RNP) launched The Playbook of Play at the Makkala Habba (supported by Bachpan Manao), reminding us that play shouldn’t be optional, but essential.

This book breaks convention by leaving most pages empty, underscoring the idea that play doesn’t need formal rules or fixed outcomes.

It’s a call to give children the space and time to explore freely — as decades of research prove how free play strengthens focus, problem-solving, and cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

When we honour play, children thrive. 🧠 🤩

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In this article for the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Tanya Kak (Porfolio Lead - Climate & Environment, RNP) propos...
14/01/2026

In this article for the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Tanya Kak (Porfolio Lead - Climate & Environment, RNP) proposes a fundamental shift in how we approach climate adaptation. She explores the following key questions:

☀️ How should we shift our strategic focus to define and act on climate risk as a function of social exposure and adaptive capacity?

☀️ How can we transition adaptation efforts from reactive, costly coping mechanisms to sustained, proactive, and collective adaptation?

☀️ How can we strengthen social, ecological, and institutional systems to make adaptation a core function of society?

Read the full article via the !

[climate, adaptation, environment, samaaj, capacity]

We talk a lot about digital wellbeing — but the deeper question is this: if we disconnect from our screens, what do we r...
14/01/2026

We talk a lot about digital wellbeing — but the deeper question is this: if we disconnect from our screens, what do we reconnect to?

In a beautiful reflection for The Economic Times, .nilekani writes about the quiet magic of noticing the living world around us — birdsong, stillness, presence.

In 2026, perhaps the most radical act isn’t switching off a device, but stepping outside and relearning how to be present. 🌿
Read the article via the

Photo credit: Rohini Nilekani

[nature, purpose, reconnect, wellbeing]

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year from all of us at Team RNP!Here’s to coming together as individuals, organisation...
01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year from all of us at Team RNP!

Here’s to coming together as individuals, organisations, and communities — towards our shared goal of building a stronger samaaj.

[philanthropy, funding, new year, social sector, seasons greetings, 2026]

Behind every changemaker is a story that helps us understand their journey into social change.In this episode of Grassro...
19/11/2025

Behind every changemaker is a story that helps us understand their journey into social change.

In this episode of Grassroots Nation’s mini-series–Where It All Began–our guests reflect on the early influences that defined their journeys: childhood memories, shifting politics, unexpected mentors, and even love stories that changed everything.

Each story in this episode reveals how the personal becomes political.
🎧Where It All Began is part our six-part series on India’s changemakers who turned conviction into lasting impact: https://samaaj.io/47Ux8kA

25/09/2025

What does it take to build systems of justice and dignity in regions that are often excluded from mainstream development?

Some of our speakers from the Grassroots Nation podcast have worked in some of the most under-served, complex, and ecologically rich regions of India — from the forests of BR Hills and the Nilgiris to the arid lands of Tilonia in Rajasthan.

Hear from Bunker Roy, Dr. H. Sudarshan, and Stan Thekaekara as they share what first drew them to these geographies and what has kept them committed over the years.

Listen to these journeys of community-led change on Grassroots Nation, streaming now on Apple and Spotify.

[Social Justice, Tribal Rights, Rural Development, Indian Changemakers, Adivasi Movements, Community Work, Sustainable Livelihoods, Barefoot College, BR Hills]

Who are the voices on our podcast that bring out the interesting tidbits, cherished memories, and personal anecdotes whi...
17/09/2025

Who are the voices on our podcast that bring out the interesting tidbits, cherished memories, and personal anecdotes which make every conversation richer and more engaging?
Swipe to know how:
> A researcher discusses merging indigenous knowledge with modern science
> A public health technologist revisits philosophies that shaped her approach to healthcare
> A journalist explores social change through conversations with two pioneering activists

Listen to Grassroots Nation — streaming now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

[Grassroots Nation, Podcast India, Changemakers, Social Impact Stories, Oral Histories, Development Sector, Storytelling for Change]

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