Subhechcha Ganguly 
Charity and philanthropy are often seen as noble acts that benefit those in need—but their impact goes far beyond immediate assistance. In a world driven by material success, giving selflessly can redefine one’s purpose, values, and lifestyle. From cultivating gratitude and empathy to influencing social responsibility and inner peace, charity has the power to transform not only communities but also individuals themselves.
At the Mexican International Conclave 2025, we explore this deeply human subject with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom, a passionate changemaker and advocate for mindful living, education, and empowerment. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights on how giving can shape lives and shift mindsets.
- What inspired your involvement in charitable and philanthropic initiatives, and how has it shaped your personal journey?
Answer:
My mother is my inspiration. She was taught by her father that when someone is hungry, even if you have just one plate of your own food, give that to the needy. I slightly change it and say eat half and give half. This was during the East Pakistan war with India, which is now Bangladesh. They were in Manipur and it effected those regions immensely during that time. My maternal grandfather was an example himself, such is my mother too. Throughout my parents life they have done charity and philanthropy, so it comes inherently to me. I was ambitious and wanted to build orphanages and old age homes for needy but now seeing the reality of life; I do whatever little I can. I make sure everytime that I help a needy however I can. That gives me a good sleep at the end of the day.
- How do acts of giving—whether time, money, or skills—impact a person’s mindset and emotional well-being?
Answer:
I feel merryful all the time. I’m satisfied, I’m content. This act of giving, whether time, money or any act, gives me immense delighted feeling. The act of Karma we talked about from little is nothing than this. Everything we do matters. Every little gesture helping a needy gives immense source of bliss to me personally.
- In what ways can engaging in charity change an individual’s lifestyle choices or daily habits?
Answer:
The choice of of buying something expensive can be interchanged by little less priced and that can be given to someone needy. The world has many people who are in desperate need. One need not be a billionaire or millionaire to help. One can be on street and can share half her/ his plate of food to someone hungry. That’s a gesture cannot be compensated. That’s the act of karma. Giving should be a choice, and it should be a way of living. We take nothing with us. If we have little extra ; give it away to someone really in need. If the world thinks like this, we have a better place to live.
- How do you view the role of philanthropy in building stronger, more compassionate communities—especially among the youth?
Answer:
Youth are the pillar of Nation; youth is a generation who is creating, inventing, discovering, and dissolving. As discussed above, if one starts, in a family or a community; it’s like virus, it spreads, makes it a trend forever, a culture. In Norway, there is a culture where one goes out with a big bag and collects garbage on the roads or anywhere and this is taught from nursery to the kids. It’s such a common gesture here that it is imbibed from a very young age to kids. So should we too, do a gesture of love to the society, taught by the youth, to the younger generation, and make it a culture. A culture to survive in any situation and condition.
- Many people hesitate to give, thinking they don’t have “enough.” What would you say to encourage everyday giving regardless of one’s means?
Answer:
Like I said if I have 2 chapati, I can eat 1 and give the other 1 to the needy. Days are not always the same but helping others gives one a peaceful life. Try doing once and feel that gratitude which is invaluable and indefinite.
- What advice would you offer to schools, institutions, and families to instill a culture of giving from a young age?
Answer:
Like I said youth who are teachers can imbibe this act of giving from the nursery and thus to schools and colleges. Philanthropy should be imbibed within us and everyone in the world. Giving – in response of, «nothing in return» ; gives such an immense feeling cannot be compared with any other feeling in humankind. «Karuna» ; we call in Sanskrit or Hindi, we should have that for every living existing beings, including for animals and other living organisms. Like I always say live and let live but with dignity and pride.
- giving – gives you indefinite joy and cheer;
- Promila
