Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted India’s Aspirational Districts Programme as a strong example of grassroots empowerment during his address at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025. The conference, titled ‘Priming Asia for Good’, will be held from May 5 to 7 and will focus on collaborative innovations to address global concerns in health, climate, and education.
President Shanmugaratnam lauded India’s program as a unique approach that blends local agency with central support. He stated that the plan, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aims to accelerate development in 112 of India’s most disadvantaged regions. He attributed its success to its ability to empower communities by promoting health workers, data-driven systems, and locally led solutions, particularly in maternal and child health.
He cited philanthropic organisations such as the Gates Foundation, Tata Trusts, and Piramal Foundation. Delhi-based researcher Shriti Pandey, who was also present at the summit, echoed this sentiment. She observed women taking on leadership roles in village clinics and Anganwadis as part of the scheme.
Temasek Trust also announced projects at the summit to address Asia’s health and climate problems.
