FROM DREAMS TO DESTINIES

For Kumari and Shibulal, philanthropy is a symphony of purpose and participation

- MAIJO ABRAHAM

When he returned to India after a five-year stint with Sun Microsystems in the US in 1997, what struck S.D. Shibulal the most was the stark disparities in society. He could not help but reflect on his own successes—Infosys, which he co-founded, was already the biggest success story in the Indian IT sector, and it had made him a wealthy man. And he could not also help but attribute his success to the invaluable contributions of teachers, parents, friends and mentors. This profound sense of gratitude spurred Shibulal and his wife, Kumari, to ask what would be the most meaningful way to pay back. And education emerged as their clear choice.

The philanthropic landscape in India is rapidly evolving, driven by dedicated individuals and family foundations committed to systemic change. Kumari and Shibulal, both 70, are at the forefront of this movement. Their Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) have been championing the transformative power of education for more than 25 years. Their journey, deeply rooted in personal experience and a strong belief in giving back, exemplifies a “mind and money” approach to philanthropy, actively shaping the lives of thousands across India.

Beyond merely funding projects, Kumari and Shibulal committed themselves to personal engagement. Kumari, in particular, chose to fully immerse herself in the initiatives, with an emphasis on “more mind than money”.