India, April 30 -- There has often been criticism about donations made by high net worth (HNI) alumni to their higher education alma maters such as the IITs, as flawed philanthropy, the argument being that such institutions are already well funded and do not need these donations as much as State-run schools especially in tier two and tier three cities catering to students from marginalised and economically disadvantaged communities. These lack basic amenities such as functional toilets, access to clean drinking water, and adequate classroom infrastructure because of inadequate funding. Redirection of the funds to the latter would, goes the argument, lead to a more equitable society.

To argue thus is to misunderstand the role of philanthr...