Leslin K Seemon
| 160 views | 5 min read
In a world where financial success is often measured by the size of one's portfolio, Adil, a seasoned social investor, offers a refreshing perspective. For over a decade, Adil has been deeply involved in various social initiatives, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community-building. His journey of social investing, particularly through Rang De, is not just about capital growth—it's about change, one small investment at a time.
**Leslin : How did you first come across Rang De and what drew you to the platform? **
Adil: I first heard about Rang De around 2015 or 2016 through a close friend, who was also a co-initiator at Keeday , the community I helped start. I remember him showing me a page where you could invest to help someone buy a goat. The concept was fascinating—being able to ‘invest’ and directly impact someone’s livelihood. My friend had invested nearly one lakh rupees on the platform and saw it as his ‘safety net.’ However, it wasn’t until 2022 that I truly aligned myself with Rang De's mission. Ram, the co-founder of Rang De, took a session for Bhoomi College fellows, and his words resonated deeply with me. Within days, I had set up my profile on Rang De and started investing.
Leslin: What makes Rang De stand out for you as a social investor?
Adil: Rang De’s work is pioneering. It’s the country’s only peer-to-peer lending platform focused on providing timely and affordable credit to underbanked communities. The platform allows individuals like me to become social investors and lend to unbanked farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs, helping them kickstart, sustain, and grow their livelihoods.
The ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life through small contributions is what sets Rang De apart. Since I started as a social investor in October last 2022, I’ve made micro social investments ranging from ₹100-500 everyday for over two years now . It’s a simple yet powerful way to be part of something bigger.
Leslin: You mentioned that you make small investments almost every day. Can you explain your strategy behind this daily ritual?
Adil: My investment strategy is rooted in the philosophy of small but consistent actions. For me, it’s about making a habit, something that becomes second nature . I could save up and invest in larger amounts, but there’s value in returning to the platform every day, browsing through different entrepreneurs, and making those small contributions.
It’s not just about the money; it’s about staying connected to the cause and reinforcing my commitment to social investing. Over time, these small actions add up, and I get to support a diverse range of ventures across the country.
Leslin: What was the turning point that made you a strong believer in social investing?
Adil: The turning point was when I co-initiated the community fund called chit chat fund. The idea was to create a decentralised, anonymous fund where community members could contribute whatever they could, whenever they could, without any formal obligations. This experience opened my eyes to the power of collective financial support and the impact it can have on individuals who don’t have easy access to credit. This, combined with my experience at Rang De, reinforced my belief in social investing as a means to create real change.
Leslin: How does social investing fit into your broader philosophy on giving and community?
Adil: For me, social investing is about more than just returns—it's about being part of a larger movement to empower others. I see money as a shared resource that should be used to uplift communities. The idea is not to think of my money as solely mine, but as something that can and should be used to support those who have contributed, directly or indirectly, to my ability to earn it. It’s a way of paying it forward, of connecting with my country and its people in a meaningful way. This approach has shaped how I view both my investments and my role in the broader social fabric.
Leslin: What would you say to someone considering social investing?
Adil: Start small, but start now. You don’t need to wait until you have a large sum to make an impact. Platforms like Rang De allow you to contribute even small amounts, and over time, those contributions make a big difference. It’s not just about the financial return; it’s about the social return—knowing that your money is helping someone improve their life. Social investing is a way to connect your financial goals with your values, and it’s a step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Adil’s journey as a social investor is a powerful example of how small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. His daily commitment to making micro-investments through Rang De reflects his deep belief in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Through his story, Adil inspires others to rethink how they approach investing, not just as a means of personal gain, but as a way to create lasting social impact.
Click here to start your social investment journey on Rang De - create hundreds of days of livelihood in rural India and get repaid with interest!
