A BIT ABOUT US
Kalpalata is a public charity trust based in Mumbai. To help renew our communities and cities, we wish to strengthen institutional efforts in the fields of Arts, Culture, Education, Environment and Social concerns. Our current focus is on Mumbai based projects.
OUR INSPIRATION
Sitapati Ganesh 1948 - 2019
Kalpalata was set up in memory of Sitapati Ganesh, an IIT engineer, entrepreneur, and farmer who left an inspiring mark on all those who crossed his path.
He was, by temperament and conviction, a philanthropist. He was constantly spotting needs and giving spontaneous, timely help, often more than his means allowed him.
‘What the right hand gives, the left hand should not know’ goes a Tamil saying. Ganesh would give without ado. This quality of his harkened back to the saints and warriors of yore celebrated for their heroic generosity - like Saint Martin who shielded a beggar from the cold by cutting a piece out of his own cloak, or Behan the Sangam chieftain who draped his own shawl on a shivering peacock.
OUR WORLDVIEW
What guides us
With small resources but with boldness, focus and inspired action, one can make an impact on the crucial needs of our communities and cities.
Great communities and cities are built on the strength and richness of their cultural and social institutions.
Mumbai, our karmabhoomi, is blessed with great institutions, some of rare vintage and vigour. They often require renewal and always need more resources.
We believe that supporting existing institutions, of proven excellence, is better than constantly creating new ones.
Inspired leadership and purpose driven action are necessary for long term sustainable impact. It is not just the institution’s legacy but the people running it now who determine its future.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SUDHIR SITAPATI
CEO and Managing Director of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. Ex-Hindustan Unilever (Executive Director Foods and Refreshments). Author of The CEO Factory: Management lessons from Hindustan Unilever. Studied at IIM Ahmedabad and St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
VINAY SITAPATI
Political scientist, lawyer and journalist. Author of Half Lion and Jugalbandi. Teaches at Ashoka University. Studied at National Law School Bengaluru, Harvard, Princeton.
SATYAM VISWANATHAN
Marketing and consumer research veteran, with experience across retail and FMCG.  Heads marketing for Future Group's Consumer businesses, ex Colgate Palmolive (India) and SC Johnson (North America). Studied at Cornell University and Delhi University.
VIVEK TRILOKINATH
Board member/advisor/investor at early stage tech companies. Ex-investment banker. Studied at IIM Ahmedabad.
OUR PARTNERS
We are grateful to our partners who help us with the resources we bring to our projects.
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