Great investors

Mr. Bill Gates, the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, which is one of the most successful companies of this decade, has announced that he will give up his involvement in the day-to-day management of the company. He declared that he would spend more time focusing on the activities of the philanthropic foundation, he created out of donations from his large fortune. ‘Microsoft’, has taken computer software to its own glory and in those efforts, contribution of Mr. Gates is unparallel. In his gush to innovate and expand, Mr. Gates has become the richest man on the earth and remained so, year after year. He is just 50 years in age and can have a long and productive career at the helm of Microsoft. Still he wants to give up his titles and control over this biggest software company he created out of nothing. Further, he wants to spend his time for the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, which is currently the biggest foundation helping the poor and underprivileged across the globe. This thinking of Mr. Gates is a great lesson for the rich and famous in this world. It proves that the huge wealth need not destroy the humility or purpose of life of the human beings. As man acquires more and more wealth, he becomes more obligated to the society, which has given him the opportunity and he is expected to do much more than just paying his due taxes. He has to take cognizance of the society around him, which has become instrumental to his success and wealth.

The legendary investor of the today’s world, Mr. Warren Buffett who is also the second richest person, has announced that he will pledge about 85% of his fortune to charity and that too to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. The value of the fortune of
Mr. Buffett is about 40 billion US $ which is equal to around 1,80,000 crore rupees.
Mr. Buffett has announced that step by step part of his fortune will be transferred to the foundation while he is surviving. Mr. Buffett who is around 75 could have created his own foundation bearing his own name; but he has decided not to do so. His huge wealth will add on to the great endowment that the Mr. Gate’s foundation has and will work for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged population in the world. Further, it will have the most monetarily successful man in this world to manage it.

The two announcements made during the last month may have a lasting effect on human generations. The announcements have taken philanthropy to a new height. Both of these most rich persons in the world have set up examples for the mankind. They are great examples for the investors across the globe stating that money is not only to be earned for consumption or for growing more rich but it can be better utilised for the benefit of mankind. These are the examples to be remembered and more so because they are coming from two self made men. It is believed that Mr. Buffett is the most successful investor, the world has seen till date. Now he has shown his commitment to invest in mankind; and that through a right person, the only man who is richer than him.

Philanthropy in form of grants is done by various countries across the globe. The amounts granted by rich nations are much more than what an individual can contribute. For a state, such philanthropy is a political necessity and it is a spending of the tax-payers’ money. When individual donates his fortune, it is a great gesture. It may be interesting to note that in the recent years the U.S. has donated average 1.85% of its GDP. U.K. has granted 0.84%, France has granted 0.32%, Taiwan has contributed 0.20% and Germany has contributed 0.13% of their respective GDP. U.S. is the biggest moneymaker and the biggest contributor not only in terms of money which is about 250 billion a year; but also in terms of percentage of its gross domestic product.

Though, the Government is the biggest spender for philanthropy, the private philanthropy is always more focused and it causes less waste. Philanthropy has a tendency of being wasteful and not reaching to the most deserving. The ratio of input to output for a charity can be very poor. However, enlightened and successful men devoting themselves for a cause can make all the difference. They can make this world better.

The gestures of the two self made super rich iconic Americans have not only made their country proud; but they have in a way silenced the world who envies the U.S. riches and dominance, which it has on the world due to its money power. It can silence the critics of capitalism. It clearly supports the cause of capitalism to create wealth when it is used for the betterment of others and in a very focused manner. Gate’s Foundation is a dominant player in public health and particularly in a combat against HIV-Aids and Malaria. It is also focusing on education to improve the future of humanity. The world will surely benefit a lot due to the generosity of these two gentlemen. More so, it will create an example about how money can be made and utilised for betterment of not only those who make it or their kin but for the whole world.

We Indians are taught charity by our religions. Hindus believe in Karmayoga and Tyaga. The charity of the two gentlemen has amazed the world. It will contribute greatly to the well-being of the world. I advice the investors to recognise the needs of the have-nots. Keep investing, keep making money and do contribute regularly for the proper causes. There are lots of people in the world who need the money and resources more desperately than you for their survival.

Top US philanthropist