September 5, is the death anniversary of Mother Teresa and the United Nations observes it as the International Day of Charity. NGOs, individuals and corporates in the city play a big part in bringing about a change for the better.
- In 2018, funds raised for the social sector the private and public sector increased by 15% and 10% respectively.
- Philanthropic funding from individuals remains the brightest spot. About 60% of the total private funding, estimated at ₹43,000 crore was raised by ultra-high net worth individuals.
- Trickle-down economics is not enough to meet India’s development goals. Assuming, the current economic growth continues about 330 million people will continue to earn less than ₹10,000 per month.
- About 80% of individual philanthropist funding results from Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI).
- APPI supports Kovel Foundation, an NGO which supports over 6,500 farmers in Visakhapatnam, Chittoor, East Godavari, West Godavari and Kurnool.
- However, there is still room for improvement. About 15% of the CSR budget was unspent in the last financial year.
- (Data sourced from India Philanthropy Report 2019 by Bain and Company.)
Charity work can have a lasting impact on society, feels Sister Claire from St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged. The 100-bed home built in 1978 is home for about 50 senior citizens. Here, the forgotten ones are given a community and sense of purpose. They chop vegetables, watch TV and read books. During festivals, volunteers organise musical and cultural programmes. She is hopeful because over the past decade there has been a significant increase in volunteers to her facility. “Many people celebrate their birthdays with the senior citizens,” she reveals adding how many children who visit for the first time are moved to tears. “These moments eventually drive them to bring about social change.”
(People who are interested in volunteering can visit from 9 am to 11.30 pm and 4 pm to 6.30 pm).
Chennai : 03/06/2013 : Though retired from work these senior citizens do not retire their intrests in maintaining their health as they have a jubliant discussion post their morning walk.Photo:Deepak Shankar.
For many ordinary people, charity and volunteering is a way of remembering the dear departed. Sahana Kadge donates money annually on her father’s death anniversary to Papa Home at Jagadamba Junction. “My father worked for educating underprivileged children,” she says. Papa Home was started in 1999 by Visakhapatnam City Police and 14 non-government organisations in the city with the objective of rescuing abandoned children and educating them. Currently, there are about 60 boys and 40 girls under their care.
P Satyanayaran, president of Papa Homes says, “While there has been an increase in donations, the cost of living has also gone up. The biggest change has been the increase in volunteers from colleges in the cit.” He says student-led social organisations in the city are making a real difference by spending time with the children. Volunteers chat, play sports and sometimes go out on movie outings as well.
Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 01/05/2017: A girl helps her father, a balloon seller, on the beach road Visakhapatnam on May 01, 2017, as the World celebrates the May day . Photo: K.R. Deepak Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 01/05/2017: A girl helps her father, a balloon seller, on the beach road Visakhapatnam on May 01, 2017, as the World celebrates the May day . Photo: K.R. Deepak -
Sahana sounds a word of caution. While charity is always a good thing, it is important to research before choosing an organisation to give to. “Not always does the help trickle down to the beneficiaries. Our responsibility doesn’t end once we give the donation; one must check how the funds are being utilised by the charitable organisation.” Bhupesh Malaratua who also actively gives for charity agrees and adds, “In order to avoid misuse of funds, I prefer to give ration and clothes,” he says. Recently, the 46-year-old donated one month’s ration to an old-age home in Madhurawada. “I adopted a child in 2007. In the process, I realised that only consistent acts of kindness will change the world,” he says.
- As per Guinness World Records, Michael Jackson hold the record of ‘Most charities supported by a pop star’. As of 2000, he supported 39 charity organizations. The charities involved include AIDS Project LA, American Cancer Society, BMI Foundation, Childhelp USA, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation and Volunteers of America.
“Once we realise everyone is dependent on someone, the act of charity doesn’t seem meaningless,” says Swami Atmavidananda from Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam. “ Not just individuals, even the corporate sector must fulfil social obligations. The government enforcing corporate social responsibility is a positive step,” he says.
