LivingMyPromise is not just a commitment—it is a movement grounded in the philosophy of intentional and collaborative giving. By bringing together high-net-worth individuals who commit to donating at least 50% of their wealth to social causes, LMP fosters purposeful giving aimed at creating systemic change. Unlike traditional philanthropic efforts that often prioritize visibility and grandeur, LMP keeps its focus razor-sharp: driving real change where it’s needed most. The initiative strips away unnecessary frills, allowing promisors to focus on causes they truly care about, alongside like-minded individuals.

Two standout initiatives that reflect LMP’s ethos of collaborative philanthropy are:

• The Bundelkhand Education Initiative, a program where LMP promisors adopted disadvantaged children to provide quality education and holistic support.
• The Integrated Village Development Project in Gaurahari, Uttar Pradesh, a multifaceted effort aimed at empowering communities through afforestation, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, health, and education.

The Bundelkhand Initiative: Transforming Lives

In 2022-23, a trip to Bundelkhand brought together several LMP promisors, both donors and NGO Founders who collaborated with Srijan Ek Soch, an NGO working in Bundelkhand, to adopt underprivileged children and fund their education. In the first year, 5 Promisors adopted 10 underprivileged children after rigorous testing conducted for over 250 schools tested through the GTSE exam. These children were then enrolled in leading CBSE schools while coaching and mentorship helped these children excel academically, with all becoming toppers. 

Shortlisted students under the GTSE program with promisors Soumya Sen and Ravindra Gupta

By the second year, with more promisors joining the initiative, 13 more children were adopted, and by the third year, 10 more are already set to join, thanks to commitments by fellow promisors. The group has now expanded its outreach to over 1,000 schools in the Hamirpur and Mahoba districts of Bundelkhand. Beyond financial support, Promisors Ravindra Gupta and Prabhat Saxena, founder of Srijan Ek Soch, invested time and effort in mentoring these children, bridging the urban-rural education divide.

Notable outcomes include Javed, who reunited with his family after the program eliminated his father’s need to work in Surat, and Jaiprakash Soni, who traveled 150 km to join the program, was provided accommodation as a special circumstance. The initiative also tackled practical challenges, such as distributing bicycles to ensure children could attend school regularly. Such interventions not only focus on educational outcomes but on holistic support for the children’s emotional well-being. 

L to R: Ravindra Gupta, Saumya Sen, Balbir bora and Ulhas Vairagkar at Rath district Hamirpur during GTSE program

Empowering Families and Creating Self-Sufficiency

Many of these children, coming from families with a monthly income of just ₹5,000, stay away from their parents to attend school in the town. To address this, the initiative aims to create an ecosystem where parents can find employment, enabling their children to live together and continue their education without disruption.

Thus, plans are underway to set up an RO water treatment plant and a Gowshala (cow shelter) to create jobs for the men and women in these communities. Profits from these ventures will be shared with the families, promoting self-sufficiency and dignity. This sustainable model will empower parents to provide for their children and eventually educate them without relying on external help. To further this vision,more Promisors alongwith Ravindra Gupta have already each committed significantly to the project, with others helping to pitch the project for more funding in February.

Integrated Village Development: A Holistic Approach

The Integrated Village Development initiative launched in Gaurahari, Uttar Pradesh, is an ambitious project addressing critical areas like afforestation, women empowerment, livelihoods, health, and education. Over 20,000 distributed saplings have been planted by 200 farming families, helping in water conservation, biodiversity, and providing additional income.

Stuthi Vijayaraghavan, Founder of Urban Venture Labs and LMP Promisor, shared the environmental significance: “Bundelkhand faces severe climate challenges. This project demonstrates how local livelihoods can aid in mitigating climate change.” Beyond afforestation, the initiative empowers women through skill-building, supports healthcare access, and improves education by offering scholarships and teacher training.

The vision for this integrated model is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that uplifts the community. As Ravindra Gupta, General Secretary of Srijan Ek Soch and LMP Promisor, explained: “Our goal is to create a model village that inspires neighboring communities and addresses every facet of rural life.”

These initiatives showcase how LMP promisors, driven by a shared vision, are planting seeds of change, both literally and metaphorically—whether through education, afforestation, or sustainable livelihoods. 

Plantation Drive at Village Gaurahari

A Community of Change: Ravindra Gupta

One story, in particular, encapsulates the transformative spirit of LMP: that of Ravindra Gupta, a promisor whose life has come full circle from being a beneficiary of charity to a driving force behind it.

Born into a modest family in Bundelkhand, Ravindra experienced firsthand the barriers that poverty creates. Access to quality education seemed like a distant dream until the generosity of strangers—through scholarships and donations—changed the trajectory of his life. Years later, Ravindra joined LMP as a way to honor the help he once received, promising to create opportunities for others.

What makes LMP truly special is its ability to connect people who share a common vision. The network of promisors is its greatest strength, offering individuals the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow together. For someone like Ravindra, who understands the value of every rupee spent on charity, these connections are invaluable. They help ensure that contributions are not just generous but also effective. LMP also serves as a platform for promisors to streamline their giving, allowing them to focus on areas of personal interest while benefiting from the collective wisdom of the community. This collaborative approach makes philanthropy more structured and impactful, helping promisors see tangible results from their efforts.