NewsX A-List brings to you the exclusive interview of Mr. Chiranjiv Patel, an entrepreneur, mentor, and change maker from Gujarat, who shared his inspiring journey of giving back to society with Richa Kapoor. Known for his daily efforts towards the betterment and development of the community, Patel revealed that his motivation stems from a surprisingly ‘selfish’ interest – the joy and satisfaction he derives from creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Indians.
“I only and only do it for my selfish interest. This selfless work brings me a lot of smiles, peaceful sleep, and a sense of fulfilment that no amount of money, growth, or power can provide,” Patel said, emphasizing the intrinsic value of his philanthropic endeavours.
In 2019, Chiranjiv Patel had the honour of representing the business community at the United Nations. He was among the top 400 individuals worldwide who made significant contributions to building a sustainable future aligned with the UN’s 30 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During his speech, Patel highlighted the initiatives undertaken by his foundation, including efforts in old age homes, orphanages, and women empowerment programs in Gujarat.
“I am a firm believer that whatever we as corporates earn is from society, so it is our duty to give back. Whatever I can give back to the community in my own small way, I have been trying to do that,” Patel explained, emphasizing the importance of corporations playing an active role in social development.
One of Patel’s notable initiatives is the “Saksham Kanya Yojna.” On his 40th birthday, he decided to forgo celebrations and instead used the funds to support girls’ education. Starting with 40 girls, the program has grown over the past four years to support the education of 357 girls, with a vision to reach 1000 girls in the next few years. Patel believes that empowering women is crucial for a stable and prosperous society, and it is a duty he is passionate about fulfilling.
Beyond women empowerment, Chiranjiv Patel has also set his sights on nurturing youth entrepreneurship. Through his “Rupee One” mentorship program, Patel guides and supports Start-Up founders during their crucial initial years, providing expert advice and mentorship to help them thrive and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“We have more than 78% to 80% of students not being able to succeed in their Start-Ups. I see a lot of students now start thinking about their initiatives at a very young age. But somewhere they lose their way. I have been trained to do this, and I want to create a small difference from my end in this number of successful Start-Ups,” Patel shared.
Looking ahead, Chiranjiv is planning to launch the “Choose Kindness Campaign,” a positive movement aimed at spreading kindness and positivity throughout the country. He envisions creating a wave of infectious positivity that transcends divisions of caste, creed, and religion, uniting the nation in a shared pursuit of kindness and compassion.
To conclude, Chiranjiv Patel’s selfless dedication to society and his innovative initiatives exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. His tireless efforts to make India a better place for all citizens serve as an inspiration to many, and his impact continues to reverberate across communities and beyond. As the nation continues to face various challenges, leaders like Patel remind us of the power of kindness, empathy, and collective action in shaping a brighter future for all.