Bengaluru: After 20 years, Rohini Nilekani philanthropic will resign as Chair of the Arghyam Foundation.
Sunita Nadhuhuni will take over in October.
Rohini founded a foundation in 2001 and since 2005, has focused on water-related problems including groundwater, water quality and sanitation, in rural and urban areas throughout the country.
Rohini told TII that he retired to pave the way for new leadership.
“I have planned retirement for a while because 20 years is the right time to switch from an institution.
I really believe all institutions need fresh thinking and new leadership occasionally.
From October 1, I will go from the board, as I did before from Akshara Foundation and Pratham books (which I drink, chaired and funded from 2004 to 2014).
“Arghyam, which means ‘offering’ in Sanskrit, was established after Rohini sold infosys shares.
He has put all the money and then adds more; His personal endowmen at this time is Rs 150 Crore.
On his decision to retire when he could choose to continue, Rohini said: “I am not sorry even though this is my personal foundation which is exclusively funded by me.
After all, once the money becomes trust, it is the money intended for public good, not ? The team under a new chair, Sunita Nadhouse, will bring Arghyam to a new impact height, I have no doubt about it.
I will miss working with my colleagues, but this is the right decision, I’m sure of it.
In some ways , after working hard for 20 years and hopefully after doing a number of positive contributions to the water sector, only now, with this transition, that I can really complete “Arghyam!” Sunita, Trustee, is the first CEO of Arghyam.
He is also the giver head and social innovation Dell.