“The urbanising middle class of the 1960s and 1970s had schools, hospitals, roads, energy services, even cultural institutions - all created by the state, or under its aegis. When liberalisation came along, they were poised and ready for take-off.”

Indian writer, author and philanthropist

Rohini Nilekani is an Indian writer, author, and philanthropist. She is known for her work in public-spirited philanthropy and for helping shape initiatives in water, sanitation, and education. She founded the Arghyam Foundation in 2001, a non-profit focused on water and sanitation, and chairs the Akshara Foundation, which works on elementary education. She is also co-founder and director of EkStep, a non-profit education platform, and chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.