The seeds of generosity were planted early in Amit Chandra's life, not by vast wealth, but by the profound example of his mother and sister. Growing up in a middle-class household where money was often tight, Chandra learned that contribution wasn't solely about financial donations. He began by volunteering his time and offering his skills, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to social impact.
The Philosophy of 'Giving While Living'
Chandra's philanthropic vision crystallized into the powerful concept of 'giving while living'. This principle was shaped by diverse influences: interactions with Venkat Krishnan, founder of GiveIndia, deep reflection on the teachings of Guru Nanak, and the inspiring example of American businessman Chuck Feeney, known for donating his entire fortune during his lifetime. This philosophy guided Chandra to start giving back early in his career, even when resources were limited.
"Between my wife, Archana, and I, we didn't have much spare income after paying for accommodation, but given how much the largesse of others had shaped me, I wanted to start giving back early on," explains the 57-year-old Chairman of Bain Capital India and Founder of the ATE Chandra Foundation.
Building a Legacy of Support and Mentorship
The couple's philanthropic journey began with a focus on education, partnering closely with organizations like the Akanksha Foundation. Their commitment deepened significantly. By the time Chandra launched Bain Capital India in 2008, they made the bold decision to give away most of their income to support various NGOs. This commitment was later formalized with the establishment of the ATE Chandra Foundation, co-founded with friend Anuj Bhagwati.
As Bain Capital India grew stable, Chandra dedicated more time to social causes. He balances his dual roles by setting clear priorities and fostering strong, autonomous teams. He credits Bain's apprenticeship culture for his own growth. "I was a big beneficiary of that and I am grateful that the colleagues I hired 17 years ago now run the office and have taken the franchise to the next level," he states.
Mentorship and the Golden Age of Indian Philanthropy
Chandra sees India entering a golden age of philanthropy, where the practice is expanding beyond a few wealthy individuals to include CSR initiatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs. He envisions a cultural shift: "The day we start celebrating a giving list as much as a rich list, the building of societal infrastructure as much as a large house, we will start seeing change in how people use their wealth."
For Chandra, mentorship is a core responsibility. He names Hemendra Kothari, Noshir Soonawala, and the late Narayan Vaghul as key mentors who imparted a crucial lesson: "Always do what is right, whatever the cost." He now pays it forward, believing a leader's success is measured by the number of leaders they groom.
Daily Routines and Guiding Principles
Chandra's day starts with listening to Shabads from the Guru Granth Sahib and reading global news. His productivity hinges on decisive action and delegation. "I make it a point to rarely keep anything pending for more than 24-48 hours. I delegate extensively and monitor closely," he reveals. A positive routine from the pandemic era is commanding resources for aspirational work remotely. For unwinding, he prefers family time, his dog, music, and mountain travels.
He highly recommends the book How Would You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen for insights on growth and purpose. Through his journey, Amit Chandra exemplifies how foundational values, strategic giving, and dedicated mentorship can create a substantial ripple effect in business and society.
