Public welfare is something that is often talked about as a matter of State policy. Every government worth its salt must fulfill its duty of looking after the needs and wants of its subject whether it is education, healthcare, food, shelter etc. However the State has not always lived upto the expectations and many times it has failed because of its own shortcomings. This is despite the fact that it has huge reserve of resources at its disposal. Unfortunately because of the corrupt system, the living condition of people remains poor. The rich have become richer while the poor have become poorer. Further countless other challenges of the day remain unresolved. Thankfully there are many well meaning individuals who are ready to shoulder responsibilities with or even without the support of the State. We have many individuals and organizations offering support to worthy causes. Such Philanthropic groups are doing yeoman service to mankind even though many of us may not be aware about their contributions. Philanthropy which is sometimes defined as “private action for the public good” has a strong tradition in the United States. Such organizations have ventured out to assist the government in setting up training centers, library, academic institutes etc. Philanthropic groups have also helped developing countries in their fight against poverty, disease etc. The green revolution in India was largely as a result of new breakthrough in plant genetics sponsored by wealthy American groups.
With the help of the mass media, the tradition of philanthropy has become more visible with the likes of Bill Gates sharing his wealth in promoting better life for the less fortunate, the hungry, diseased and sick. Most of us know that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation support the Government of India in fighting HIV/AIDS. That money is also reaching the needy people in Nagaland. We need to emulate lessons from the likes of Bill Gates and others like him. In 1999 the Gates Foundations awarded more than $2 billion in grants, including what is believed to be the largest single private grant in U.S. history—$750 million to the global vaccine program over a five-year period. His vaccine project specifically targeted HIV and AIDS. He also joined with Ted Turner on the vaccine program to give $78 million to eradicate polio from the world by the end of 2000.
Besides Gates, many unknown people are contributing their wealth towards eradicating of diseases and to ensure a healthier world for our children. In particular we need to appreciate the fact that people are quietly contributing their wealth towards research in the field of medical sciences, agriculture etc so that mankind may benefit in terms of curing diseases or feeding the poor. This is indeed a noble gesture. We need to appreciate such generosity. Our wealthy Nagas should also come forward in sharing their wealth for some worthy cause. Our society is faced with some unique problems such as violence, unemployment and alcohol & drug abuse. They are inter-related and form a vicious cycle feeding on each other. Philanthropy groups or individuals can focus on peace education, livelihood options and other positive action programmes for our youths. We know that there are already generous Naga families who are doing this. We need to encourage many more so that through such support and collective effort, we can build a better society.
