Leslin K Seemon
| 342 views | 5 min read
In a world where traditional investments often take centre stage, Ajay Rungta has found his niche in social investing. His long-standing relationship with the Rang De, combined with his extensive experience in advising startups and working with incubators, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of social good and financial investment.
In this conversation, Ajay delves into the specifics of his journey, the challenges and rewards of social investing, and the evolution of Rang De as a product that continues to align with his values.
Leslin: Can you take us back to that time when you started investing through Rang De?
Ajay Rungta: It was 2009, and I was pursuing my Masters at BITS Pilani. Smita and Ram, the founders of Rang De, came to our campus for a session. At that time, I was already involved in rural entrepreneurship activities through a student-led department. The idea of contributing to something that aligned with my interests was appealing.
I created an account with Rang De right after that session. At that point, I was receiving a small stipend as a project assistant, and I decided to invest a portion of it without much hesitation. The fact that Rang De was introduced to us at BITS added a layer of trust for me. I knew that BITS wouldn’t bring in just any organisation, so I felt confident in making that initial investment.
Leslin: Over the years, as you've continued to invest through Rang De, how has your approach changed? Do you still invest with the same mindset, or has it evolved?
Ajay Rungta: Initially, I was very hands-on. I would go through each state on the platform, even scrolling to the last pages to find opportunities that might be overlooked. I wanted to diversify my impact geographically. Over time, though, as my understanding of investments grew, so did my approach. Today, I appreciate the auto-pay features and the cause-specific investments that Rang De offers. They’ve made the process more streamlined, allowing me to support causes without needing to spend as much time manually selecting where my money goes. But the core of my approach remains the same—I continue to reinvest the returns, letting the money flow to different beneficiaries.
Leslin: One concern potential investors often have is the risk associated with NPAs (Non-Performing Assets). How do you view this risk in the context of social investing?
Ajay Rungta: NPAs and risks are inevitable in any lending or investing scenario, and social investing is no different. However, I look at it from a different angle. If an investment becomes an NPA, I see it as a part of my contribution to the cause rather than a financial loss. It's important to understand that many of the people benefiting from these loans are in difficult situations. Sometimes, they simply cannot repay, and that’s okay.
The goal of social investing isn’t just about getting a return—it’s about making a tangible difference in someone’s life . If a small portion of my investment doesn’t come back, I don’t see it as a loss, but as part of the impact I’m making.
Leslin: You’ve seen Rang De evolve significantly since 2009. What are your thoughts on how the platform has developed over the years?
Ajay Rungta: Rang De has indeed come a long way. Initially, the process was very manual, which suited me at the time because I had the bandwidth to engage deeply with it. But as my career and responsibilities grew, I appreciated the introduction of features like auto-invest and cause-specific investments. These innovations have made it easier for people like me to continue supporting the platform, even with busy schedules . Rang De has also had to adapt to regulatory changes, which isn’t easy, but they’ve managed to do so while staying true to their mission . I think the evolution of Rang De as a product reflects a deep understanding of both their user base and the broader financial landscape.
Leslin: As someone with such a long history of social investing, what would you say to someone considering it for the first time?
Ajay Rungta: I would say that social investing is a wonderful way to make your money work for the greater good. Traditionally, in my community, we were taught that a portion of your earnings should go towards charity or donations. Social investing is an extension of that— it allows you to support causes that uplift others while also giving you the chance to get your money back with some returns . If you’re someone who hesitates to donate outright, social investing can be a way to bridge that gap. It’s not about comparing it with traditional investment instruments or worrying about beating inflation. It’s about doing something meaningful with your money and seeing the positive impact it can have on others. Even a small percentage of your income can make a significant difference. Ajay Rungta’s journey with Rang De is a compelling reminder that investing isn’t just about financial returns—it’s about creating lasting change in the lives of others.
You can become a Rang De Social Investor and bring lasting change on ground. Visit www.rangde.in to make your social investment.
