Infosys Foundation Stresses Critical Need for Social Innovation
In a significant development for India's social sector, Infosys Foundation Trustee Sunil Kumar Dhareshwar has issued a compelling call for more dedicated professionals to approach social innovation with serious commitment. The statement came during an exclusive interaction with Uma Kannan of DH, where Dhareshwar outlined the foundation's vision for building a robust ecosystem of innovators.
The Urgent Call for Serious Social Innovators
Sunil Kumar Dhareshwar emphasized that India needs significantly more individuals who examine social innovation in a profoundly serious manner. This isn't just about occasional philanthropy or temporary solutions, but about building sustainable, scalable models that can address the country's most pressing social challenges. The trustee highlighted that this serious approach is fundamental to creating lasting impact in communities across the nation.
The foundation believes that social innovation requires the same level of dedication, strategic thinking, and professional approach that drives successful business ventures. Dhareshwar pointed out that while India has no shortage of brilliant minds and compassionate hearts, what's needed now is a more systematic and serious engagement with social problems.
Building a Vibrant Ecosystem of Change-Makers
During the conversation, Dhareshwar elaborated on the essential components needed to construct what he described as "a vibrant ecosystem of innovators." This ecosystem would include not just individual social entrepreneurs, but also supporting institutions, funding mechanisms, mentorship networks, and collaborative platforms.
The foundation envisions an environment where social innovators can thrive, sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. This approach recognizes that isolated efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot match the impact of a coordinated, ecosystem-level intervention. The goal is to create a self-sustaining network that continuously generates and scales innovative solutions.
Key elements of this proposed ecosystem include:
- Professional training and capacity building for social innovators
- Robust funding channels for early-stage social ventures
- Knowledge sharing platforms and collaborative spaces
- Measurement systems to track social impact effectively
The Path Forward for Social Innovation in India
The interview, conducted on November 23, 2025, marks an important moment in India's social development discourse. Dhareshwar's comments come at a time when the country faces multiple social challenges that require innovative, scalable solutions.
Infosys Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting social innovation through various initiatives and partnerships. The foundation's approach combines strategic philanthropy with hands-on support for promising social ventures. Dhareshwar's statements indicate an intensified focus on ecosystem building rather than just project-based interventions.
The call for more serious engagement in social innovation reflects a growing recognition that solving complex social problems requires more than goodwill—it demands professional expertise, strategic thinking, and sustainable business models. As India continues its development journey, such ecosystem-level thinking could prove crucial in addressing inequality, improving access to essential services, and creating more inclusive growth patterns.
The foundation's emphasis on building a vibrant innovators' ecosystem suggests a long-term commitment to transforming how social change happens in India. This vision aligns with the country's broader development goals and represents a significant step toward more systematic, impactful social intervention.
