Today is being observed as the ‘International Day of Charity’ across the world. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening each day. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. However, if the more privileged share what they have with the less fortunate, this gap can effectively be reduced and the dream of having an equal and happy society can be achieved.
If only more people were involved in philanthropic activities, the world would be a happier, healthier, and beautiful place.
There are many such philanthropists around the world that are relentlessly working to help the downtrodden.
On this International Day of Charity, let’s have a look at some of the most generous philanthropists in the world.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill and Melinda Gates are known to be the most generous philanthropists across the world and the couple has been leading in contributing to charity for many years now. Through their Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, they have donated billions of dollars towards causes such as education, poverty, and global health.
Along with Warren Buffett, they have also initiated ‘The Giving Pledge,’ an initiative to encourage billionaires across the world to donate at least half their wealth to charitable causes.
Warren Buffett
The Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway – one of the biggest companies in the world, Warren Buffett is one of the richest people in the world. This otherwise frugal entrepreneur has pledged 99 per cent of his wealth to philanthropy. He has set up his charitable organization called the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation in honour of his wife Susan Buffett, who passed away in 2004.
George Soros
Octagenarian George Soros, the chairman of the Soros Fund Management, is one of the most successful financiers the world has ever known. However, he is also one of the most generous givers. He founded the Open Society Foundations to financially support and advance the causes of public health, education, and justice.
Azim Premji
Chairman of Wipro Limited, Azim Premji from India is known to be one of the most influential and famous philanthropists. He was the first Indian to have signed the Giving Pledge and the third billionaire outside America to do so. He is also the founder of the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organization that primarily looks to improve the quality of education in rural India.
Michael and Susan Dell
Founder and Chief Executive of Dell Technologies, Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell are known to be among the most generous philanthropists in the world. Together, they have instituted the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, which is “dedicated to transforming the lives of children living in urban poverty through improving their education, health and family economic stability.”
Don’t you think these billionaires are absolutely inspirational? Who are the other philanthropists that we have missed out in this list? Do let us know!
