The Philanthropy Commons: Diaspora Leadership in India’s Next Chapter
As global giving undergoes seismic shifts, the Indian diaspora stands at a crossroads of possibility. While recent cuts in foreign funding may not directly disrupt India’s nonprofit landscape, the regulatory ripple effects are already being felt in key underserved sectors. This makes it an opportune moment to spotlight real stories from the ground—case studies, insights, and emerging trends that reflect both the challenges and the transformative possibilities shaping the sector today; illuminating where philanthropy is most urgently needed.
This virtual roundtable marks the launch of The Philanthropy Commons — a five-part engagement series curated by GivingPi. It brings together leaders in philanthropy to explore the moment’s risks and opportunities, reimagine their role as catalysts, and lay the groundwork for a more resilient, equitable philanthropic future for India.
Event Agenda
The inaugural session will open with reflections from two seasoned philanthropists — Amita Gupta and Amit Bhandari — in a moderated conversation led by Deval Sanghavi (Co-Founder and Partner, Dasra). This will be followed by a roundtable discussion, where participants will share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
About the Speakers
Amita Gupta- Professor of Medicine and International Health, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Gupta is the Florence Sabin Professor of Infectious Diseases and Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of International Health at the JH Bloomberg School of Public Health. She founded and helps leads the Johns Hopkins Gupta-Klinsky India Institute, a university wide initiative to promote Indo-JHU academic, government and non-government collaborations. She focuses on international clinical research and public health, specializing in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Gupta has led significant research collaborations in India and holds leadership roles in various global health initiatives, including the RePORT India TB research consortium. She has published over 300 publications and mentored more than 40 junior scientists. Dr. Gupta’s educational background includes degrees from MIT, Harvard Medical School, and Johns Hopkins University, along with extensive training in infectious diseases and epidemiology.
Amit Bhandari- Board Member, Magic Bus USA
Amit Bhandari serves on the Board of Directors for the Magic Bus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children and youth in India. Magic Bus focuses on developing life skills, enabling young people to access sustainable livelihoods and pursue higher education. In addition to his role with Magic Bus, Bhandari is the founder and CEO of BioUrja Group, a $3 billion commodities-focused organization. With his extensive experience in both corporate and social sectors, he plays a key role in shaping strategic development and partnerships that advance the Foundation’s mission.