SD Shibulal, a founding member of Infosys, now heads the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. He is also the patron of a non-profit organization called Mantra4Change, which has introduced Shikshagraha, a movement aimed at transforming government schools in India by collaborating with district leaders, women, and youth.
After stepping down as CEO and MD of Infosys in July 2014, Shibulal delved into philanthropy, focusing on various areas such as education and healthcare. In a recent interview with Mint, Shibulal shared insights into his philanthropic journey.
When asked about the role of technology in shaping the world, Shibulal emphasized that technology has become an integral part of daily life, impacting sectors like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and travel. He believes that technology will continue to play a significant role in enhancing productivity and convenience.
Shibulal’s philanthropic journey began in 1999 with a scholarship scheme in Kerala. Recognizing the challenges in India’s education system, particularly in higher education, he and his wife initiated a scholarship program to support deserving students. Over the years, the program has awarded 50,000 scholarships, enabling students to pursue higher education and diverse career paths.
One of Shibulal’s flagship programs, Shikshagraha, focuses on transforming public schools in India through capacity-building and leadership development. By partnering with local NGOs and district stakeholders, the initiative aims to drive collective action and micro-improvements to enhance school quality and reduce dropout rates.
Shibulal highlighted the success of the initiative in Punjab, where collaborative efforts with local organizations and the state government resulted in significant improvements in the education sector. Notably, Punjab went from being rated low in education indicators to achieving the top spot in certain areas, showcasing the impact of collective action in driving positive change.
Overall, Shibulal’s philanthropic endeavors demonstrate a commitment to empowering communities through education and sustainable initiatives. Through partnerships and innovative approaches, he continues to strive for impactful transformations in the social sector.
