Less Generous

(An interesting article that appeared in the national daily, ‘Deccan Herald’, on December 22, 2011. This article speaks of the new trend of miserliness in many economically growing nations when it comes to participating in societal welfare. This fad is a stark contrast to the expert policy of Chanakya in Arthashaastra which advocates that 25% of income should go towards charity and public welfare for sustained well being of a country.)

The tight-fistedness of Indians when it comes to giving the needy has been laid bare by its poor ranking on the World Giving Index. It stands at the 91st rung of 153 countries whose people were surveyed for monetary donations, volunteering time or helping a stranger.

Although India boasts of the largest and most vibrant economy in South Asia, Indians have emerged as the least charitable in South Asia. We like to boast how much better off we are than Pakistanis. When it comes to philanthropy, however, Pakistan beats India hollow. It has been ranked 34th.

As for Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from the effects of a costly civil war, it is way on top at the 8th position. A look at the list reveals that giving has little to do with the economic situation in the country. Only five countries that figure in the World Bank’s top 20 economies by GDP appear in the World Giving Index’s top 20.

Economic powerhouses like China and India figure among the least generous. Among the top givers are countries that are reeling from economic crisis. It appears that people who couldn’t give in monetary form, made up through volunteering help.

Interestingly, Americans, who are often criticised for being self-absorbed and selfish, are the world’s most giving people.

Despite the magnitude of hunger, poverty and desperation in the country, Indians are not philanthropic. Many blame their reluctance to open their purses on corruption of NGOs. They fear that their hard-earned money will not reach the intended beneficiary. This is a valid criticism and NGOs need to mend their ways.

But corruption is no excuse for tightfistedness. If we are unable to donate money, why not give our time? Why are we reluctant to spend a few hours in the company of the aged or helping children with learning disabilities? Besides, painting all NGOs with the same brush is unfair.

There are several that are doing exemplary work. The media publishes lists of the best business schools, corporate hospitals and so on in the country. How about a list that identifies the best NGOs, those that are doing good work and are transparent?

This will encourage people to donate without fearing that their money will be eaten up by corruption. We need to build a philanthropic culture too. Making social work part of the curriculum in schools and colleges, rather than voluntary, will help build a culture of giving.