Smt. Rajashree Birla is a person who fully fits the definition of the word ‘altruist’ as she is selflessly dedicated to the welfare of others in the community. Every action of hers highlights her concern for the development of people. She not only donates money, but also devotes her time and her professional expertise to empower men and women in the economically challenged sections of the society. Her willingness to do things that bring advantages to others and her concern for the well-being of the needy amazes me. She finds happiness in being generous and expects nothing in return.
The US $12 million she gave to the polio eradication programme through The Rotary Foundation shows how much she values the lives of children all over theworld. I can say that her timely help did hasten the eradication of polio from India.
Aditya Birla Center for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, which she heads, is a social movement that uses evidence and reasoning to determine the most effective ways to address social problems. She encourages executives in the organisation to consider all causes and action and act in a way that achieves greatest positive impact.
The Birla family has a great past and their ethical standards are unmatched. No wonder then that Smt. Rajashree Birla, does not seek recognition or rewards for her enormous contributions. The act of doing good is her own reward and gives her enough happiness.
That is probably why people admire her more and more. Being an extremely humble person, she carries forward the traditional virtues of her illustrious family. The ethical doctrine of her family states that every member of the Birla family is morally obliged to benefit others. Their voluntary actions aim to enhance the welfare of the community.
Giving, doing good, being helpful and looking beyond oneself are the ways to create blissfulness from within. I realise that these are the secrets of Smt. Rajashree Birla’s ever- energetic approach to life.
Every time I meet Smt. Rajashree Birla she has something compelling to tell me about how her passion for community service helped her to find her purpose in life. She says, “I want to prove what is possible when we get past the stereotypes and labels about how to serve humanity. My mission is to inspire, empower and connect people to change their world. I believe in Mr. Aditya Birla’s vision that every generation has the opportunity to remake the world.”
When I see her community service work and her devotion to the country it reminds me what can happen when someone of her stature gets an opportunity to make a difference. I know that her ambitious work of changing the world is challenging but she is willing and ready to do it again and again. In her son Mr. Kumaramangalam Birla, I see the dedication in working hard to make changes in the community and usher in an era of economic progress. He reflects the values of his great parents and leads the way into the future – a great nation where everyone can hope to live in peace.
Every leader in Rotary or from the community around the world who has ever interacted with Smt. Rajashree Birla, agree that they have returned with a feeling that their potential to do good is limitless. As a leader of the Birla Foundation, Smt. Rajashree Birla believes that when the Foundation lifts up and supports newer causes, everyone benefits. For her it is not just a belief, it is an actionable truth. Her organisation works alongside Rotary and the community to solve important public problems in powerful and creative ways. Apart from the generous contribution to eradicate polio, Smt. Rajashree Birla has given about US$ Half a million for various projects carried out by Rotary clubs.
Whenever I have had the opportunity to meet her in her office, I see how she gives people hope and wants them to achieve bigger and greater things. She does not rest on the accomplishments of the past. I have always been re-energised to carry on my work in Rotary to create a change at home, in my community, in my country and around the world. I find that inspiration just by listening to her words of wisdom. I realise how diversity and inclusion are core to our calling and conduct in Rotary.
When I was able to announce to her that India has been declared a polio-free country and that Rotary had a part to play in that, all I could say was, “Rajashree Ji, please take a look at our story now. We couldn’t have told it without you. Thank you for being a part of it.”
Every time I walk into the hallowed portals of the Birla Empire in Mumbai, I return profoundly influenced by my experiences of their organisation which has a wonderful diversity, thriving culture and high ethical standards.
I hope to have more conversations with Smt. Rajashree Birla dedicated to collaborative oration in the months to come. I realise that every conversation is just a beginning of another new chapter in community service.
And, as always, thank you Rajashreeji for being a part of our Rotary community
Ashok Mahajan
Past Rotary International Director,
2007-09 Past Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2009-13