My journey as a Rotarian has been influenced by many people. Some gave me sage counsel, others helped with generous donations. When I look back at over eight decades of my life, I cannot help but notice how Birlapur, 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, my karam bhoomi.
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 with my father’s position in 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 among the Birla brothers, who imparted invaluable knowledge of an innovative accounting system.
As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I returned to Hind Motors and collaborated with Indian card yarn manufacturing. During this period, I had the pleasure of playing cricket with both Aditya Vikram Birla and Sudarshan Birla in Birla Park. The camaraderie we shared strengthened our bond as friends.
Under GD Birla’s guidance, my father initiated the establishment of Hindustan Aluminium Limited in Renukoot, U.P., with Shri Mandeliaji serving as the overall executive.
In 1960, when I established the needle factory, GrozBeckert Saboo, in Chandigarh, fate presented me with an extraordinary encounter. GD Birla himself visited the factory, accompanied by my father-in-law, Mandeliaji, and my father, Sabooji. GD Birla showed a genuine interest in my endeavors beyond the Chandigarh factory. When I mentioned my involvement in Rotary, he candidly expressed his belief that I was wasting my time. However, his perspective changed when I informed him of my appointment as a Rotary International Director, and he encouraged me to aim for the top.
The late GD Birla, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship, embraced a philosophy that extended beyond business profits. The Birla Group’s purpose 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 was consistently reinvested in meaningful welfare activities for the betterment of society.
During my tenure as Rotary International President in 1991-92, 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. Following this, I requested her to consider a $1 million donation in memory of GD Birla for polio eradication, a cause she readily supported.
The announcement of Rajshree ji’s donation took place during a Rotary event at the headquarters in Evanston, with prominent Rotary leaders in attendance. The following day, a gala dinner was organised to honour her, where several Rotary leaders and distinguished guests gathered. The event symbolised the convergence of Rotary’s service ideals and the Birla family’s commitment to social welfare.
Rajshree ji’s dedication extended to social work extended beyond monetary contributions. She established the Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital in Pune, providing essential healthcare services and contributing to the well-being of the community. Additionally, her involvement in healthcare initiatives, such as conducting medical camps and administering polio vaccines, showcased her personal engagement and commitment to improving lives.
Through her actions, she exemplified the core values of Rotary—service above self and dedication to humanitarian causes. Her visits to slums in Mumbai, personally administering polio drops to children, highlighted the transformative power of individual efforts in addressing societal challenges.
Rajshree ji has been recognised 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 towards eradication efforts. Starting with an annual contribution of $1 million, Mrs. Birla continued her support even after India was declared polio-free in 2014, pledging to donate until the world is free from this disease.
As the Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development (ABCCIR), she oversees numerous charity and community initiatives focused on education, employment, drinking water, women empowerment, and assistance to the rural poor and physically disabled. Through ABCCIR, she has made a significant impact, assisting around 7 million people across 3,000 villages worldwide, with notable presence in Thailand and Egypt. The organisation supports schools, hospitals, and provides education to thousands of students.
Mrs. Birla’s philanthropic endeavors extend beyond polio eradication. She actively collaborates with organizations like Population First to combat female foeticide and works closely with Habitat for Humanity, serving on their Asia Pacific and Global committees. She also advocates for widow remarriage, challenging societal taboos in many Indian villages.
Born in Bikaner, educated in Chennai, married in Kolkata, and currently residing in Mumbai, Mrs. Birla’s nationalistic spirit takes her to various cities within India and around the world. Her selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to social causes earned her the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2011.
Rajshree Birla ji’s story is one of determination, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of positive change. Her philanthropic initiatives have impacted millions of lives, making her an inspiring figure in the realm of social welfare and community development. I, for one, am always inspired by her.
(The writer is a leading industrialist and former president of Rotary International)
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