Launch of Book “What after Money and Fame”– authored by Sonia Golani

The book was inaugurated by the special guests – Kavita Seth (Sufi singer), Hafeez Contractor (Architect) and Amit Chandra (Investment Banker) – from the hands of Sonia Golani.

Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, and Rashesh Shah, Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss, whose interviews also form part of the book, offered their inputs via video where they shared how they lives had been transformed once they embraced philanthropy.

Kavita Seth suggested that Sonia should continue the good work by publishing more series of this book by interviewing people across the country doing philanthropic work.

Hafeez Contractor has been working on the possibility of providing affordable homes costing Rs 8-9 lakhs to the lower strata of society which would transform India.

Amit Chandra believes it’s important to give back to society. He stated that if more of us can do social work, this country will be very different.

Audience questions

Preeti Sharma, FLO member, asked Kavita what challenges she faced in her career. Kavita said that she considered challenges to be more like milestones that you need to overcome.

Samira Rahimtoola, FLO member, asked Hafeez Contractor why he believed money to be just a by-product. Hafeez replied that he simply does his work, and the money just comes.

Neeta Kothari, FLO member, asked Amit Chandra, ‘India has a very wide rich-poor divide. Can this disequilibrium be resolved?’ Amit replied, ‘This problem of inequity is a global one. It puts a huge burden on the wealthy to do something about it; it’s an opportunity too.’

Vinita Bimbhet, FLO National President, added, ‘Giving has to come from within you. A gift does not only mean money.’

A member of the audience asked Amit if his change in philosophy towards philanthropy has decreased or increased his quest of earning money. Amit replied, ‘Somehow money has always come.’

Sangeeta Mall, FLO member, asked Sonia how long it took her to write her book. Sonia replied that she took about 2 years due to some health issues; she had expected to complete the book in a year’s time.

Shikha Gupta, FLO member, asked all 3 guests, ‘Connecting with family is taken for granted while they support you in the journey.’ Hafeez agreed that he took his family for granted. Kavita said that she gets the most happiness from being on her own. Amit said, ‘You must have the desire to find the balance in your life. And invest in the relationships that you really care about. ‘

Swati Mayekar, FLO president – Mumbai Chapter, gave a vote of thanks to the guests, Sonia, the author, and the audience.