In the realm of impactful change-makers, Mamta Saikia stands tall as a beacon of inspiration. As the CEO of Bharti Foundation, Mamta has embarked on a remarkable journey, leading one of the most significant philanthropic endeavours in the education space. Her story not only resonates with her role in managing such an endeavour, but also serves as a guiding light for individuals transitioning from corporate careers to the impactful sphere.
Mamta’s voyage into the world of education and philanthropy is a tapestry woven with diverse threads. From pursuing BSc in Physics to attaining an MBA, she set forth on a journey that seemed distinct from her eventual destination. Hailing from a family of educationists, Mamta was rooted in the belief that every action should leave a meaningful impact. However, her initial career as a consultant in the power sector did not align with her desire for profound change. A serendipitous encounter with an ad by CRY opened the door to channel her skills as a storyteller to raise funds for impactful causes. “In 1992, I saw an ad by CRY. That ad was for a marketing specialist to raise funds, and it was almost like God had answered my prayers”, remembers Mamta Saikia.
“Anybody who wants to join the impact sector – you have to be very clear that you believe in it”, explains Mamta. Mamta emphasises that belief is the cornerstone for anyone entering the impact sector, especially those transitioning from the corporate world. The philanthropic space might not offer the same perks or budgets, but the conviction to create meaningful change can be the driving force. This belief fuels resilience and sustains individuals during the inevitable challenges that arise.
Furthermore, Mamta highlights the crucial aspect of continuous learning. She laments the diminishing desire to learn, not only in the impact sector but also in broader society. “That desire to learn is diminishing. That’s what worries me.” shares Mamta. She advocates for staying updated with technology and innovation, mentioning even tools like ChatGPT as a potential resource. This thirst for knowledge ensures staying relevant and effective in a dynamic landscape.
Discussing the challenges in the education sector, Mamta doesn’t dwell on a lack of intent or initiatives. Instead, she emphasizes the need to simplify processes. Drawing from her experience at Bharti Foundation, she advocates for reducing the administrative burden on teachers and principals. Processes should be designed to ease tasks, not make them cumbersome.
The conversation extends to the philanthropic landscape in India. Mamta acknowledges the need for more rewards and recognition, a sentiment often overlooked amidst critiques. The US and UK’s philanthropic sectors serve as examples where such recognition has played a vital role in attracting talent and fostering impactful initiatives.
As the conversation concludes, Mamta leaves behind a trail of wisdom for young individuals eager to join the sector. She belived that everyone, irrespective of their career path, can contribute to social impact. By incorporating simple acts of kindness into daily routines, a significant difference can be made.
Mamta Saikia’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and relentless pursuit of positive change. Her life’s work embodies the power of belief, the hunger for learning, and the ability to adapt processes for efficiency. Aspiring impact enthusiasts can draw invaluable lessons from her story, understanding that meaningful change is not confined to a particular path but is accessible to all who dare to take the first step. “I believe that even if every person, even if you are in a corporate life, even if you have your own business, you are a musician. There’s always a part of us that can contribute to this sector. That can give back. Find that part. What you can do, you must do” is something that inspires Mamta Saikia.
Listen to the interview here.
About Mamta Saikia: Mamta Saikia is the CEO of Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, one of India’s leading business groups with interests in telecom, agricultural, financial services and more. She holds a bachelor’s in physics from Hindu College and a postgraduate diploma in marketing from IMT. She previously served as the Head of Resource Mobilization and Global Operations at CRY Foundation which has impacted over 3 million children in the last four decades. She has been honoured in the 100 Women Achievers of India, an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.