March 6 I Philanthropy in Asia
Opening Keynote
9:05 – 9:20 AM
Introduction by Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO, AVPN
In this keynote address, Ajay Piramal, a visionary leader in Asian philanthropy, will explore how philanthropists in Asia are blending traditional values with innovative giving to address the region’s most pressing challenges. Drawing on his vast experience as a leading industrialist and influential philanthropist, Mr. Piramal will highlight how Asian philanthropists are harmonizing time-honored principles of community, responsibility, and compassion with forward-thinking strategies designed to ensure sustainable, long-term impact. He will discuss how the dynamic convergence of corporate and community-led efforts is reshaping the philanthropic landscape in the region. Through this lens, he will highlight powerful lessons in scalability, transparency, and driving meaningful change.
Ajay Piramal
Chairman, Piramal Group
Ajay Piramal, a distinguished Indian industrialist, and philanthropist has led the transformation of the Piramal Group into a $10 billion global business conglomerate. His enterprises span financial services, pharmaceuticals, and real estate, marked by pioneering acquisitions and strategic partnerships, including the landmark resolution of Dewan Housing Finance Limited in 2021.A firm believer in the tenets of the Bhagavad Gita, Mr. Piramal champions trusteeship and responsible business practices. He is deeply committed to unlocking India’s socio-economic potential and is a strong proponent of social entrepreneurship.
Under his leadership, the Piramal Foundation has been at the forefront of transforming India’s health, education, water, and social sector ecosystems. By collaborating with governments and national and international organizations, the Foundation has enhanced the delivery of public services across 27 states. Over the past 15 years, with a dedicated team of 5,000, it has positively impacted the lives of over 113 million Indians.
To drive large-scale transformation, Mr. Piramal has reimagined the Foundation’s approach, embracing bold, high-impact initiatives—what he calls ‘Big Bets.’ These initiatives represent Bold Philanthropy in Action, transitioning to “platforms for public good” that address India’s most complex challenges. His vision is to accelerate India’s progress and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Mr. Piramal serves on several prestigious boards, including as a Non-Executive Director of Tata Sons and Co-Chair of the UK-India CEO Forum. He has significantly contributed to India’s education sector as President of Anant National University and Chairman of Pratham Education Foundation. Having served on Harvard Business School’s Board of Dean’s Advisors until 2024, he continues to shape global and national discourse on leadership, business, and philanthropy. His contributions have been recognized globally, including being awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and induction into the Deal Maker Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement.
Currently, Mr. Piramal is spearheading a Global Alliance led by Indians—a visionary $500 million initiative over five years, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. This ambitious effort aims to accelerate development across five vulnerable eastern states of India, lifting 20 million people out of poverty. With a firm belief in trusteeship and responsible business, Mr. Piramal is nowfully dedicated to the Viksit Bharat Collaborative, aligning with India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047.
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Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) is a global interdisciplinary research center and publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR). Stanford PACS develops and shares knowledge to improve philanthropy, strengthen civil society, and address societal challenges. By creating a shared space for scholars, students, and practitioners, Stanford PACS informs policy and social innovation, philanthropic investment, and nonprofit practice.