Shloka Ambani on The Masoom Minawala Show: Empowering structured and scalable volunteering opportunities with ConnectFor
On 'The Masoom Minawala Show', Shloka Ambani and Maniti Shah discussed the origin and growth of
ConnectFor
, a volunteer-matching platform aimed at enhancing efficiency and access within India's social sector. Since its inception, ConnectFor has facilitated over 1 lakh volunteer matches with more than 1,000 NGOs, saving the sector an estimated ₹21 crore in value through contributed time and skills, they shared.
The duo shared the lack of recognition and funding in the social sector, and that without funding, NGOs find it difficult to attract top talent, leading to a dent in fundraising efforts.
While technology entrepreneurs often focus on automation and scaling, Shloka prioritises what she calls "community capital" - the relationships and trust that enable real social impact. She attributes her background in anthropology as influencing this approach and that in social work, human connections generate more value than algorithms. Consequently, ConnectFor evolved from basic volunteer matching to comprehensive community engagement because Shloka recognised that warmth and relationships are the foundation of sustainable change, not just efficiency metrics.
Shloka's personal contribution is redefining ambitious motherhood. She openly shared her experiences with her children about self-development. The intent isn't work-life balance but intentional modelling. Shloka believes her most significant legacy is the influence she has on her children, demonstrating "all careers are okay" and meaningful work sometimes requires patience. Her leadership style demonstrates that women can pursue audacious goals while being present mothers, creating flexible systems that benefit entire organisations.
Live Events
Overall, the episode provided practical insights into how a social initiative can benefit from business thinking while remaining true to its mission. ConnectFor's growth reflects a broader shift toward accountability and impact measurement in the nonprofit space.
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The Print
13 hours ago
- The Print
Lord Meghnad Desai belonged to no camp—and, somehow, to every camp at once
For Lord Desai, the pursuit of knowledge was a lifelong passion. Whether delving into Marxian economics, monetary policy, and economic history or celebrating Mughal-e-Azam, his works spanned disciplines with equal rigour, each contribution enduring in its relevance. Elevated as a Labour life peer in 1991, he never allowed party lines to contain his views. Known for his cross-party affiliations in the UK's House of Lords, he regularly crossed swords—and built bridges—across ideological divides. On one occasion, as a classmate recalls, he was animatedly engrossed in conversation—his intellectual charm magnetically appealing—when he noticed an awestruck student lingering nearby. 'Ah,' he muttered good-naturedly, 'private affairs of public figures,' with the nonchalant air of a Peer of the Realm indulging in an innocent dalliance amid academia's halls. Lord Meghnad Desai carried his natural halo with grace and not a hint of pomposity. His untamed yet striking shock of white hair was a familiar sight to those of us who, as students, encountered him in the hallways of the London School of Economics. Though matters of state often kept him away—far more so than other faculty during my years there—when spotted in London, he invariably wore an impish smile and offered a wry remark on contemporary affairs, whether the evolving politics of Europe or the tumult of India. This refusal to be pigeonholed also extended to India. He advised successive governments, from Congress reformers to BJP-led regimes, bringing sharp intellect and empirical ballast to economic policy. Finance ministers and prime ministers alike valued his ability to question prevailing assumptions, often with evidence-laced humour. Also read: PM Modi condoles demise of economist Meghnad Desai, hails his role in deepening India-UK ties A master in every sense Beneath the economist's mantle lay a quieter passion: cinema. Beyond his academic stature, he took visible pride in his silver-screen debut—a cameo in the Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan film Life Goes On (2009)—a modern retelling of King Lear—alongside old friends Girish Karnad and Om Puri. Karnad and Desai were mates in college, and lore has it they once shared a stage in student dramas before making names in their respective fields. Years after publishing Marx's Revenge (2002)—a bold argument for Marx's relevance in the era of globalisation—he was genuinely astonished when a classmate referenced its dense calculations. 'You actually read it?' he asked in that characteristically self-deprecating tone. He wore his erudition lightly, authoring incisive studies on India's economic reforms while dispensing razor-sharp insights to anyone who sought them. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted in his tribute, Lord Desai was a regular commentator on reform, engaging with regulators and heads of state alike. His pithy observations often revealed their wisdom long after the moment had passed. In his later years, spent largely in India, Lord Desai's trenchant op-eds pierced even the high walls of North Block and the Prime Minister's Office. Some mistook his critiques as quiet lobbying for official roles—a notion he laughed off when teased by former students like me. He remained generous with his time, mentoring young scholars, policy wonks, and the occasional disoriented LSE alumnus. He was, in every sense, a master—an honorific he'd playfully redirect to me whenever I addressed him as 'My Lord'. Globalisation and liberalisation were his intellectual playgrounds. He helmed the inaugural Chevening Fellowship on Globalisation, guiding India's brightest minds to the LSE. A visionary institution-builder, he founded LSE's Centre for the Study of Global Governance and its Development Studies programme, and had earlier co-created the Human Development Index with Amartya Sen and Mahbub ul Haq—a pathbreaking metric that looked beyond GDP to define progress. To those who knew him closely, there was also a distinctly Bengali warmth—a side reserved for students and confidants. When my father passed away abruptly mid-term, Lord Desai sat me down upon my return and said, with gentle sagacity, 'The grief will come in waves. Write through it, and you'll finish your course.' It was advice as practical as it was profound. Even in his eighties, he remained a prolific public intellectual. His columns in Indian newspapers sparked debate in Delhi drawing rooms as easily as in Westminster salons. He relished contrarian takes—not for performance, but because curiosity compelled him to probe every orthodoxy. Today, that halo shines brighter still, as he ascends to higher realms, leaving behind admirers, friends, and a legacy that transcends borders. Lord Meghnad Desai belonged to no camp—and, somehow, to every camp at once. His life's work, like his persona, was expansive, restless, and wholly original. Dilip Cherian, India's Image Guru, was a student of Lord Desai at the LSE. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Who was Meghnad Desai? Celebrated economist, LSE Professor Emeritus, and lifelong Labour Party voice who shaped global economics and British politics dies at 85
Meghnad Desai dies at 85—marking the end of an extraordinary life devoted to ideas, reforms, and bridging the worlds of economics, politics, and academia across India and the United Kingdom. Lord Meghnad Desai, the Indian-origin economist and member of the UK's House of Lords, passed away in London on July 29, 2025, leaving behind a rich intellectual legacy and decades of influence in public policy, education, and international relations. Known for his sharp insights, independent views, and relentless pursuit of truth, Desai was more than just a celebrated economist—he was a thinker who challenged orthodoxies and influenced generations of leaders, students, and scholars. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree healthcare Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Product Management PGDM Finance MCA CXO Operations Management Technology Data Science MBA Others Public Policy Cybersecurity Digital Marketing Leadership Data Science Project Management others Design Thinking Management Data Analytics Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Early life in India shaped his global vision Born in Vadodara, Gujarat , on July 10, 1940 , Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai grew up in a culturally rich and academically inclined family. His early years were shaped by a deep curiosity about social and economic inequality—something that would later define his work. He completed his graduation in economics from the University of Mumbai , before pursuing his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania . Under the guidance of prominent economists, Desai developed an early interest in development theory and macroeconomics, especially focused on underdeveloped economies and the structural forces behind poverty and inequality. Academic legacy at London School of Economics One of Meghnad Desai's most lasting contributions came during his time at the London School of Economics (LSE) . Joining the LSE faculty in 1965, he became one of the most respected voices in global economic circles. In 1983, he was promoted to Professor of Economics, and later became Professor Emeritus after retiring in 2003. Live Events Desai also founded the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at LSE in 1992, a pioneering institution that focused on international development, post-colonial state transitions, and global power dynamics. His academic work bridged classical economics, Marxian theory, and real-world applications of development economics. Students remember him not just as a professor but as a mentor who encouraged critical thinking and embraced multiple ideological lenses. His classes became hubs for discussions on capitalism, socialism, public finance, and policy-making in emerging economies. Entry into UK politics and the house of lords In 1991, Desai was elevated to the UK peerage and became Lord Desai of St Clement Danes , entering the House of Lords . His entry into British politics was significant—not just as a symbolic win for Indian-origin thinkers in the West, but as a practical platform for voicing economic and human development concerns at the highest levels. Initially aligned with the Labour Party, Desai held various local leadership roles, including Chair of the Islington South and Finsbury constituency from 1986 to 1992. However, in later years, he moved to the crossbenches to maintain his ideological independence and speak more freely on issues like socialism, economic inequality, and international cooperation. His interventions in the House of Lords were often focused on India-UK relations, development funding, immigration policies, and the impact of globalization on marginalized communities. A prolific author and a fearless economic thinker Throughout his life, Meghnad Desai remained a prolific writer and speaker. He authored more than a dozen books and published over 200 scholarly articles. His writings touched on a wide array of themes—from global capitalism and Marxist theory to Bollywood's role in shaping national identity. Some of his most well-known works include: Marxian Economic Theory (1973) Marx's Revenge: The Resurgence of Capitalism and the Death of Statist Socialism (2002) India Grows at Night: A Liberal Case for a Strong State (2013) Nehru's Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India (2013) These books are not just academic texts—they are reflections of a deeply curious mind trying to understand the interplay of markets, governments, and human behavior. Desai was also a regular columnist for global newspapers and magazines, frequently writing about Indian politics , economic reforms , and the challenges of globalization . How Meghnad Desai's work impacted India-UK relations Lord Desai played a crucial role in strengthening India-UK diplomatic and intellectual ties. While he lived most of his life in the UK, he remained deeply connected to India—commenting on its politics, advising policymakers, and participating in key public debates. His analysis of India's liberalization journey in the 1990s, his support for policy reforms, and his balanced views on nationalism and globalization made him a go-to voice for both Indian and British media. Desai believed in the potential of democratic capitalism to deliver inclusive growth—provided it was backed by strong institutions and social safety nets. This made him a moderate voice amid rising populism on both ends of the ideological spectrum. Accolades and awards that celebrated his global contributions In 2008, the Government of India awarded Lord Meghnad Desai the Padma Bhushan , the country's third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service in public affairs and economics. In addition, he received honorary doctorates from several international universities and held advisory roles in major global organizations, including the United Nations and World Bank. Despite all his accolades, Desai remained approachable and deeply engaged in public life—often found debating on television panels, participating in student conferences, and writing columns that simplified complex issues. Meghnad Desai's death and the wave of tributes Lord Meghnad Desai passed away in London on July 29, 2025 , at the age of 85. While the cause of death was not publicly disclosed, reports suggest he passed peacefully surrounded by family. His death triggered a wave of heartfelt tributes from across the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a 'distinguished thinker and reformer' and praised his lifelong effort to deepen India-UK relations. Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan remembered him as a "fearless intellect who always asked the uncomfortable questions." Academics and students from around the world shared memories of his generosity, clarity, and relentless curiosity. Meghnad Desai's life defied labels. He was a Marxist who praised market reforms. A British parliamentarian who deeply loved India. An academic who spoke like a journalist. A professor who never stopped learning. His greatest legacy is not just in the books he wrote or the speeches he delivered—but in his fearless commitment to truth, reason, and intellectual freedom. Why meghnad desai's legacy still matters today As the world grapples with rising inequality, fragile democracies, and the clash of ideologies, Meghnad Desai's voice remains more relevant than ever. He believed in bridging extremes, in listening more than shouting, and in putting people at the center of economic thinking. His life was a shining example of how ideas—when rooted in empathy and courage—can shape the destiny of nations. FAQs: Q1: When did Meghnad Desai die and how old was he? Meghnad Desai died on July 29, 2025, at the age of 85. Q2: Why was Meghnad Desai famous? He was a world-renowned economist, author, and House of Lords member known for his work in development economics and India-UK relations.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Eminent economist Lord Meghnad Desai dies, PM Modi condoles death
Indian-born British economist Meghnad Desai passed away at the age of 85 on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Desai's death on X, saying, 'Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. He always remained connected to India and Indian culture. He also played a role in deepening India-UK ties. Will fondly recall our discussions, where he shared his valuable insights. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.' Born in Vadodara in 1940, Desai earned his PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He moved to London in 1965, joining the London School of Economics as a lecturer and later becoming a professor and professor emeritus. In 1991, he was appointed to the House of Lords as a Labour Party peer. He received the Padma Bhushan from the Indian government in 2008.
