Philanthropy in India: Its Genesis and Present Forms

In the 21^st century, the era of Globalization which is marked with people striving to attain economic gains becoming highly competent and self centred, we intermittently encounter people who devote their lives working selflessly for others. Such people engaging in acts of helping and giving to the society are termed as “Philanthropists”. Philanthropy is a love for humankind. The concept of Philanthropy and charitable engagement has been long established in Indian traditions. It roots back to the ancient concept of Dharma, often translated as “duty”, or” a moral way of life that undergirds all Hindu notions about society and one's role within it. The current study delves into understanding the Theoretical perspectives of Philanthropy that has been constructed over the years. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to synthesize the current state of scholarly research on Philanthropy. This study also explored the roots of Philanthropy in the Eastern cultural perspective. As a result, it expands opportunities of further investigation in the academic community in relation to the Indian philosophical traditions. This study also opens lines for investigation in areas of model creation of Philanthropic Leadership based on Indian values and ideals.