360 Degree: Gautham Ravindran on Empowering the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs
In a world often driven by profit margins and market shares, Gautham Ravindran is betting on a different currency: social impact. As the Founder of 360 Degree, a non-profit based in Kerala, Gautham is on a mission to transform the student community into a powerful engine for social change. By creating and supporting "social entrepreneurs," he is tackling systemic issues like income disparity and corruption through grassroots innovation and youth empowerment.
Gautham’s journey is rooted in law and volunteerism. A graduate of Kerala Law College and a founding member of Volunteers for India, he has spent over six years building an ecosystem where students can identify societal pain points and develop sustainable solutions. "We want to move beyond just awareness," Gautham reflects. "Our goal is to give young people the tools, the network, and the confidence to take baby steps towards solving the problems they see every day."
The Social Entrepreneur's 'Why'
Unlike traditional startups, social ventures often lack immediate financial rewards. For Gautham, the motivation comes from the human connection. "When you realize that your work can impact even a single family or a small group of individuals, that's more fulfilling than any paycheck. It's about breaking the habit of 'taking more' and replacing it with a culture of 'giving back'."
Building a Network of Change
360 Degree isn't just one organization; it's a network. Over the years, the platform has supported over 20 projects and engaged more than 2,000 volunteers across India. By connecting small-scale non-profits and individual change-makers, Gautham is creating a collaborative force that is greater than the sum of its parts. "Many brilliant minds are locked in gated communities or metro bubbles," he observes. "We want to provide them with a platform to experience the 'real' India and contribute their skills where they are needed most."
This community-driven approach has allowed 360 Degree to scale its impact across diverse sectors, from education and health to environmental sustainability. The focus is always on local solutions for local problems, leveraging the unique insights of students who are closer to the ground reality of their cities and towns.
Confronting Systemic Corruption
Gautham is candid about the biggest threats to Indian society: income disparity and corruption. He believes that corruption isn't just about large-scale scams; it's a "silent thread" that runs through daily life, often driven by a lack of security and a desperate desire to protect one's own at the cost of others. "We need to change the narrative from a very young age," he asserts. "If our education system only focuses on making money, we will continue to breed corruption. We need to teach the value of societal welfare alongside personal success."
Through 360 Degree, he encourages students to question existing systems and build alternatives that prioritize ethics and transparency. It's a long-term battle, but one that Gautham believes the youth of India are uniquely equipped to fight.
Gautham's Roadmap for Social Founders
- Start Early: College is the best time to experiment. You have the energy and fewer liabilities. Use this time to explore the social issues around you.
- Identify a Real Problem: Don't look for "cool" ideas. Look for problems that truly affect people's lives and that you are passionate about solving.
- Build a Team of Friends: Surround yourself with people you trust. Social work is a marathon; you need a supportive circle to stay motivated through the lows.
- Take Baby Steps: Don't try to solve the world's problems overnight. Focus on one small area, deliver value, and then scale.
The Vision for 2030
Looking ahead, Gautham envisions a 2030 where social entrepreneurship is no longer a "niche" but the norm. He wants to see a more vibrant India where the youth are actively involved in policy-making and community development. For Gautham, the next decade is critical for India to leverage its demographic dividend and build a more equitable, transparent, and compassionate society.
360 Degree at a Glance
- Volunteers: Engaged over 2,000+ individuals in social projects.
- Impact: Successfully completed 20+ grassroots projects across multiple sectors.
- Philosophy: Empowering students to become ethical and impactful social entrepreneurs.
About the Guest
Gautham Ravindran is the Founder of 360 Degree. A graduate of Kerala Law College, Gautham has dedicated his life to community building and social advocacy. Before founding 360 Degree, he was a founding member of Volunteers for India, where he developed a deep understanding of the non-profit landscape. He is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and is frequently involved in mentoring students to take up social leadership roles. Gautham is committed to bridging the gap between urban aspirations and rural realities in India.
360 Degree is a Kerala-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating and supporting social entrepreneurs from the student community. By providing a platform for project incubation, networking, and mentorship, 360 Degree empowers the next generation of leaders to tackle India's most pressing social and systemic challenges through innovation and action.