Philanthropy in South Asia is little known

Hyderabad: “Charitable and philanthropic activity permeates all levels of society in South Asia—from individual donations to major philanthropic trusts and foundations across the region—but relatively little has been written about the politics of charitable acts and philanthropic individuals outside the Western world,South Asia included, with much existing research focused on Europe and the United States, said Dr.

Filippo Osella, Professor of Anthropology and South Asian studies at the University of Sussex while delivering a Distinguished Lecture at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on November 15.

Dr. Osella in his lecture titled ‘Charity and Philanthropy in South Asia’ stated, “This might not come as a surprise in that considerable literature links philanthropy to the rise of modernity and capitalism in the West, and therefore contrasts modern philanthropy with more traditional forms of gift giving.

Existing research on the politics of giving in South Asia has tended to reinforce this perspective, implicitly juxtaposing the embeddedness of South Asian giving in religious morality with the apparent Universalist humanitarianism of modern philanthropy”.
He has recently concluded a research project on charity, philanthropy and development in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He has a forthcoming special issue of Modern Asian Studies on traditions and practices of charity and philanthropy in South Asia (with Sumathi Ramaswami).

Prof. P Venkata Rao, Dean, School of Social Sciences presided. Prof. Sheela Prasad, Head, Centre for Regional Studies (CRS) gave the welcome and introduced the speaker while Dr. Arvind Susarla of CRS proposed a vote of thanks. The lecture was attended by students, faculty and staff of the University.