Merchants of Philanthropy

Noshir H. Dadrawala, pp. 132, Rs. 150, Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy Publication

It gives me great pleasure to write the foreword to Noshir H. Dadrawala's new book, 'Merchants of Philanthropy'. On many occasions in the past, Noshir and I have discussed the necessity of having just such a book, the main objective being to inspire and motivate others in industry to develop into "Merchants of Philanthropy". 

In a country like ours, industry offers a unique infrastructure where both talented, educated manpower and financial and other essential resources co-exist. We need to realize the special position we are in, looking outside our comfortable environments and reaching out to the millions of less fortunate around us.

The concept of corporate social responsibility has emerged as an increasingly essential part of most organizations' overall business philosophy. A company that is sensitive to the community and environs in which it operates, and to the needs of the people living there not only creates goodwill for itself but simultaneously assists in strengthening, in a myriad of ways, the neighbourhood and its inhabitants.

The thought exists in the mind of many of us in business that Corporate Social Responsibility is the prerogative of only large business groups and houses; nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone of us can make a difference - whether one is a 'small' entrepreneur running the corner shop at the end of the street or whether one is the CEO of the largest business group in the country. The ability is within us all to make that positive change, whether large or small, happen.

My hope is that this book will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, enabling the reader to take that first important step forward and assist in impacting the lives of the less fortunate around us.
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I wish Noshir much success and look forward to the next edition with many more profiles covered.
 
Rati Forbes
Chairperson
CII Social Development Cell
(Western region)