My Visit to Deshpande Foundation I Dr. (Wg. Cdr.) A. Nagasubramaniam, Co-founder, Vonisha Service Foundation
I had the honor of being invited as a panelist at the 15th edition of Development Dialogues, the annual international conference hosted by the Deshpande Foundation in Hubballi on February 7-8, 2025. The theme of our panel discussion was "Scope of Partnerships for Scale and Impact."
About Deshpande Foundation
Founded in 1996 by visionary leaders Dr. Gururaj and Jayashree Deshpande, the Deshpande Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to drive social and economic change. Their annual international conference brings together a diverse ecosystem of individuals and organizations committed to creating meaningful social impact.
A Full-Circle Moment: From Delegate to Panelist
Eight years ago, when I sought to understand the social sector landscape, I attended the 8th edition of Development Dialogue as a delegate. Witnessing the inspiring work of various changemakers, I returned with a renewed sense of purpose and went on to establish Vonisha Service Foundation—a Section 8 company committed to transforming lives through education, healthcare, skill development, sports, and environmental initiatives. Over the past eight years, Vonisha has positively impacted the lives of over 2,000 underprivileged children and women, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty.
Being invited as a panelist at Development Dialogue 2025 was, therefore, a deeply rewarding experience. I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Dr. Surabhi Yadav, Mr. Rahul Patil (Director, BLDE Institute), Ms. Sapna Ravindran (CEO, Cherysh Trust), and Ms. Sweksha Gupta (Monavlok). The discussion was skillfully moderated by Mr. Santhosh Abraham from Sattva Consulting.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
Our conversation revolved around the essential elements of successful partnerships between NGOs, government agencies, and corporations. Some of the key insights included:
Trust & Transparency: Effective collaborations require mutual trust and openness in approach.
Knowledge Sharing: Organizations must exchange insights to strengthen their collective impact.
Crisis Support: Partners should stand by each other during challenges to ensure sustainability.
Legal Compliance: Understanding Section 135, Sub-sections 5 & 6 of the Companies Act is crucial for CSR compliance.
Cultural Alignment: Organizations must recognize and complement each other's work culture and execution capabilities.
The Power of Robust Partnerships
When corporates, NGOs, and government agencies work together through structured partnerships, they leverage shared resources, expertise, and networks to expand the reach and impact of skill development initiatives across India. This collective effort plays a crucial role in nation-building.
Networking & Meeting Changemakers
Beyond the insightful discussions, the conference provided a valuable platform for networking with like-minded social entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Some inspiring individuals I connected with included:
Mr. N.C. Murthy – Founder & CEO, Quintant Services
Dr. Sashikant and Dr. Vijayalakshmi– Founder, Rajalakshmi Children Foundation
Mr. Phanindra – Co-founder, RedBus
Mr. Ramanathan – CEO & MD, 4R E-Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Manish – CEO, Kakatiya Sandbox
Final Thoughts
Development Dialogue 2025 was a remarkable learning experience and a testament to the power of collaboration in driving social change. My journey—from being a delegate in 2017 to a panelist in 2025—highlights the profound influence of shared knowledge and impactful partnerships. I look forward to building on these insights and strengthening the Vonisha Service Foundation’s mission to create a more equitable and empowered society.
