In an unprecedented gesture of charity, a single donor has pledged Rs 100 crore in a donation to form what is reportedly the single largest community fund from India to the NGO Rotary Foundation.
The donor, Dokoju Ravishankar, is a Bengaluru-based real estate tycoon and a senior member of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), Bengaluru. CREDAI is the apex body of private Real Estate developers. He has earlier worked towards the betterment of India's north-eastern states.
Ravishankar is over 60 years old and fellow Rotary members share that he has always wanted to give back to the society. His father, Kamesh Dokoju, participated in the Bhoodan movement (Land gift movement started in Telangana) with Vinoba Bhave and donated all his earnings to the movement. Ravishankar, who lost his father at the age of 4, has seen hardship and poverty in life.
He and his wife, Paola Ravishankar, have two daughters.
“I am delighted to make a meaningful contribution of my life earning towards the six focus areas of Rotary International, including community development, education, health and sanitation. My vision for a peaceful India with complete involvement of work in Orphans, Senior citizens, Tree plantation, Animal welfare, Lake Rejuvenation and support to physically challenged,” said Ravishankar, according to a Rotary India press release.
“I have a great interest in working in the North-Eastern States, which I have already commenced,” he added.
The announcement was made at an event of appointment of a new governor and was held on Sunday at Bengaluru’s NIMHANS Convention Centre where Dr K Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO was the guest of honour.
“This will give me an opportunity to make a positive impact in the areas that matter to the community. In this context, I am thankful for the generous donation, which will be put to good use in the days to come,” Suresh Hari, who was appointed as the Governor of Rotary International District 3190 (Bengaluru), said.
