Generosity with a Global Impact
An act of generosity that has had such a significant impact on this planet. As I read through ‘Bill & Melinda Gates’ 2020 Annual letter this weekend, it was heartwarming to understand the impact they have had and the continued vision they carry to make this world a better place.
This weekend the annual letter was a dinner conversation with my family, and it was probably a discussion I will remember for a long time.
A quote from the annual letter that resonated well, and more so in the current times was the core tenet of their foundation, as below.
Excerpt from the Annual Letter -> “At the core of our foundation’s work is the idea that every person deserves the chance to live a healthy and productive life.”
Healthcare and Education have been their priority for a long time. In addition, Climate and Gender magnates itself to the heart of the work Gates Foundation is investing.
What they have done and continue to do so in Healthcare for poorest of the countries is truly remarkable. In fact, the very mention of epidemic (TB, Malaria, AIDS) makes us realize what one may go through under circumstances, now that we are in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. We are witnessing up close in how the entire society comes to a standstill on many fronts, but the section of the population who live by the day are impacted for rest of their lives. Gates Foundation’s work in this area is God’s sent.
On the Education front, the story of a school in Chicago which turned from worst in the city to one of the best in the city is an evidence of transforming society and lives.
When you must join dots, you cannot ignore Climate change and the impact it has on generations to come. What stood out to me was the correlation between global warming and direct impact to subsistence farmers at the minimum.
The planet can only be a better place if we address ‘Gender Equality’ and it is heartening to note that ‘Gender Equality’ has come in the priority list for Bill and Melinda. Looking at the impact they have brought to the world so far, am sure their efforts will move the needle in times to come. My daughter and son were bang on in calling out that it is such an important element that affects the fabric of the society, and they would want to step into a world where there is no gender bias on what one can achieve and accomplish.
As we read or witness any act of generosity, it is very difficult (and unimaginable) to relate to the scale and impact they bring about. Being amid a pandemic (COVID-19), each of us can understand and relate to the damage caused by an epidemic/pandemic. The world should stand-up today more than ever to salute the impact that Gates Foundation has brought to this planet on Healthcare.
And finally, as you would read the 2020 Annual Letter, I highly recommend that you watch Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates Netflix series too. It truly gets you to the specifics of how the foundation thinks, operates and executes on these global challenges.