By: Shelby Washington
Giving energy, time or resources to those in need has the power to change lives in India and all over the world. Our million-dollar donors have spent their lives selflessly serving their communities through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and inspiring many other Lions to do the same. Million-dollar donor and Past International Director (PID) Aruna Abhey Oswal reflects on what giving means to her, “Giving is very important. When you give, you feel true satisfaction. We have been blessed with the ability to donate, so why not share with the community? And why not through LCIF, which in my experience, is the best platform to serve.”
Every donor has a story behind their immense generosity. PID Aruna Abhey Oswal’s journey with LCIF started when her husband, Shri Abhey Kumar Oswal ji inspired her to give. He said, “It is not important to go to heaven after we leave. It is important to create heaven before we leave. If you do something for society, the whole world will salute you.” His words encouraged her to search for the best way to give back on a global scale.
Lion Rajesh Agarwal’s love for his mother inspired him to make a million-dollar pledge to LCIF. “In 1985, I lost my mother, Smt. Vijaya Lakshmi Ramkrishna Agarwal, at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and at that time, I was not present. In 2023, I received an opportunity from LCIF to honour my mother by refurbishing the ninth floor of that very same hospital where she took her last breath. The ward is now completely operational, and it feels amazing to see the impact I helped make with LCIF,” Lion Agarwal shared.
Million-dollar donor PID Nandakumar was drawn to LCIF’s mission and broad reach. He explains, “LCIF aligns with my values of service and of making a lasting global impact. It enables sustainable projects that transform lives across the world. This foundation proves that every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. When people see the real impact of their generosity, they’re naturally inspired to give.”
After Past Council Chairperson (PCC) Dr. Prakash Rao lost his wife, he pledged one million dollars to establish a hospice center in her honor. “I knew that LCIF and District 320D Lions would take this project to greater heights. This gift to LCIF is invaluable to me, as it honors the loving memory of my wife. It brings me great relief and satisfaction to know that it will provide care for patients at the end of their lives,” he shares.
Each LCIF donor is deeply moved by Lions’ humanitarian efforts and wants to ensure more people receive the help they need. Lion Dr. Siddhaarth Manmohan Tandon, who has pledged one million dollars to LCIF, says, “Every contribution is multiplied through Lions’ volunteer network, ensuring transparency, accountability, and real results on the ground. Most of all, LCIF represents my values: service that is global in vision, local in action, and life-changing in outcome. LCIF turns compassion into measurable, life-changing action.”
LCIF donors provide palliative care for children with cancer, secure food for the hungry, help communities recover from disasters and so much more. Lion Sulochana Mansi, who has pledged over one million dollars, says, “Whenever disaster strikes or a community is in need, LCIF is there, ready to act. That’s why I believe we should all come together and support LCIF, so we can spark real, meaningful change around the world.”
Learn more about how LCIF recognizes our generous donors by visiting lcifindia.org/LMG
