Philanthropy - Doing good in society*

(The article is based on observations and interpretations of how our parents and elders used to help in communities in their life time, the steps being taken by people in the present time, first hand experiences of the author, and review of literature).

INTRODUCTION

The common definition of philanthropy is love for humanity. A conventional modern definition is undertaking private initiatives for the public good.A person who practices philanthropy is called a ‘philanthropist’. Philanthropy has distinguishing characteristics from charity; not all charity is philanthropy or vice versa. The synonyms for philanthropist are humanitarian, patron, donor, contributor, helper, altruist, Good Samaritan, .In Hindi the common words are Janhiteshi , Paropkarak , and Samajsevi .

ARTICLE FOR WHOM

People from all spectra and age groups may find this useful. Adults ,senior citizens , children , women, men , people of lower, middle and higher economic strata , voluntary organisations , residential welfare organisations , media , schools ,colleges or even government sector may find this useful.

REASONS AND BENEFITS OF HELPING OTHERS

1. People feel contended by helping others in doing something worthwhile. They also get satisfaction as they see happiness on the faces of people whom they are helping.
2. Some people have surplus resources; money, material , energy and time . So they want to make better use of that.
3. Some people do charity to make a mark in the society, or to show-off, or make a fan following or to impress others, as philanthropists are respected more in society.
4. Many people, particularly the young ones seeking job or looking for better prospects attach themselves with the voluntary organisations, welfare associations or sometimes do social work individually to gain experience and improve their work resume.
5. Spiritual factor is another reason for doing philanthropy. Many people think doing well to others will bring good luck to themselves( karma ). Another reason is out of fear of god or of some supernatural power.
6. Some people do welfare activities for love and affection for people/ living being.
7. Family traditions/ customs that are passed from one generation to another is also one of the reasons.
8. Some people are by nature soft hearted and emotional. On seeing someone in distress or need they feel like helping them.
9. Few people start charity work on regular basis after some wish is full filled.

ADVANTAGES OF PHILANTHROPY

1. It brings somewhat equality and equilibrium in the society depending upon what type of help is being provided for the upliftment of the people. Equality may also bring down jealously factor amongst people.
2. Enhances confidence and self esteem of people who are helping others . They feel at least they are in a position of doing something for others.
3. Improves linkages between people,between organisations depending upon the type of services provided and shared .
4. Reduces wastage and enhances maximum utilisation of resources and materials depending upon the type of activity being taken.
5. Experiences and knowledge, energy and time of the people are utilised to the maximum.
6. Reduces load on the Government resources depending on the help being provided.
7. May bring improvement in the social indicators, again depends on type , quality and quantity of services being provided .

WAYS, CONSTRAINTS and PRECAUTIONS WHILE HELPING OTHERS

1. Helping in functions, social gatherings by contributing / sharing finances, material and time. Organising and coordinating the event.
2. Help in terms of money, time, emotional support in the case of diseases, hospitalisation or any other tragedy, or distress .
3. Donating for welfare funds; both government and voluntary for flood,disaster,fire, accidents and any other natural calamity causing loss of property . Donating for refugees/ camps, displaced people is also done but care should be taken that it should be through proper channels and as per the law.
4. Helping / donating in religious places ‘langer’ ( providing free food ) , helping in cooking , cleaning , maintaining cleanliness , arranging things , taking care of shoes , washing utensils , safety , security are the common ways.
5. People who have enough or surplus money / material /resources or want to make proper philanthropic use of their hard earned money which they don’t need at certain time of age can start , nursery for children ,vocational college , coaching centre , hospital , dispensary , yoga centre , sports club , cottage industry ,
schools( exclusively for girls ) , botanical gardens , museums , sports academy and a technical institute. The options are endless depending upon the need in a particular area.
6. For bright and ambitious students who are willing to study further, full or partial financial help can be provided for uniform , transport , coaching, extra tuition fee , educational fees in schools / colleges, and for their technical training,
7. Providing financial support for healthcare of needy members within family , relatives and to friends .
8. Another form of social service is positive networking with people. Talking to people who feel lonely and don’t have anyone to talk freely to them . In urban areas, with the emergence of nuclear families, there are many people who just need someone to talk to. Providing latest information concerning them, ways of their safety and improving their life can be some topics.
9. Organising get-togethers of people who are not able to or not in a position to visit different places.
10. Organising and celebrating festivals, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important occasions with people.
11. Providing flexibility of time to staff in your work place in case of emergency or real need.
12. Networking for employment of young generation, for women in helping them to make business proposal for self employment.
13. Keeping a small percentage of income for donations on a regular basis for needy people is a common practice which is easy to do .
14. Encourage reuse and reduce policy by coordinating collection of household materials in usable conditions like surplus /used clothes, furnishings, utensils, furniture and directly making them available to the needy people or raising funds for welfare by selling them. Some people run food bank by collecting cooked food in good condition and providing to needy people.
15. Providing medical/ healthcare equipments to needy people, dispensaries, hospitals (but care should be taken that things are not misused). Donating and maintaining a medical /ambulance van can also be done .
16. Arranging for pilgrimage trips fully or partially for needy people who can’t afford to make their own arrangements.
17. Providing financial support for Insurances, medical checkups for people who do not have resources to manage that.
18. Most important and easy to do is giving legitimate dues for the services provided by people like helpers, pressman, vegetable vendors, cleaner and others who are dependent on their daily earning .
19. Feeding dogs and birds, taking care of them and providing medical facility to them is also common practice. But care should be taken that they don’t create nuisance in the area.
20. Donating and planting flowering, fruits and vegetable trees to people on different occasions in the area where there is space and place. This helps improve environment.
21. Delivering lectures in ones field of specialization/ experiences about latest developments concerning people free of cost at different forum.
22. Looking after the children in the family or extended family.
23. Making arrangements for last rights of an orphan /destitute.
24. Helping victims of an accident or disaster or any other natural calamity.
25. Organising campaigns to create awareness among community on various important topics like cleanliness , immunisation , girl child , prevention of waterborne and other diseases ,education ,environment can also be arranged as a part of welfare activities .

A WORD OF CAUTION

It should be clear that helping others should not be at a cost of ourselves. Our own health, time, money, peace of mind are first and most important thing that one must give most importance to. It has been observed that some over dedicated people often consciously or unconsciously neglect their own people toward whom they have moral duty . Charity should first start from home then extended to outside people. It has also been observed that people who are ever ready to help and help others irrespective of her / his limitations and constraints are often taken for granted. Sometimes they might even be emotionally exploited .Help should be on the basis of our capacity. Another important point is that helping endlessly some people increases their desires and demands. So this aspect should be taken care off from the beginning. Lastly, it should be understood clearly as to who are the people in real need, who are the people who will accept help, and how much we can do without straining ourselves .

  * Nirmal Tikku , Ex Deputy Director , NIPCCD , New Delhi., India ,( July 2018).