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{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| image = Marc Anthony, Henry Cardenas, Meera Gandhi.jpg
| caption = Gandhi speaking at Maestro Cares Foundation event alongside Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas
| name = Meera Teresa Gandhi
| birth_place = [[Mumbai]], India
| children = Kanika Gandhi, [[Kiran Gandhi]], Kabir Gandhi
| alma_mater = [[Harvard University]] (Executive Education Program) [[Boston University]] ([[Masters in Business Administration|MBA]]) [[University of Delhi]] (Bachelor's in Economics)
| notable_works = Creator of the TV show The Meera Gandhi Show (2017-2018)

Producer of Giving products line Giving fragrance and Giving Candle (2015-2016)

Founder of the Ledgewood Retreat for Mental Wellness (2013-2014)

Author of ''Giving Back'' released in (2012)

Produced and wrote ''Giving Back Documentary'' (2010-2011)

Founder of the Giving Back Foundation (2010)
| website = {{url|http://MeeraGandhi.com/}}
{{url|http://thegivingbackfoundation.net/}}
}}

'''Meera Teresa Gandhi'''<ref name="OfficialWebsite"/> (born 28 January 1963) is the founder and CEO of The Giving Back Foundation.

==Early life and education==
Gandhi was born in [[Mumbai]], India to an Irish mother and an Indian father.<ref name=salwanmedia.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.salwanmedia.com/meera-t-gandhi.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-09-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218225130/http://www.salwanmedia.com/meera-t-gandhi.htm |archivedate=18 February 2014 }}</ref> At the age of 16, she met [[Mother Teresa]] and worked with her helping children at Asha Dan, Mumbai. Inspired, Gandhi went on to found the Giving Back Offices with projects in India, NY, Hong Kong, Turkey and the UK.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gunjeet Sra |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/meera-gandhi-the-giving-back-foundation-india-business-mother-teresa/1/163350.html |title=The fountainhead: Meera Gandhi : Woman - India Today 19122011 |website=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=2011-12-08 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

Gandhi attended The Cathedral and John Connon Schools in Mumbai and [[Pearson College UWC|Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific]] in Canada, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from the [[University of Delhi]]. She has an MBA from [[Boston University School of Management]] and an Executive Education diploma from [[Harvard Business School]].<ref name="salwanmedia.com"/>
Gandhi is currently on the board of the Laxmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University.

[[File:GBF logo size less than 200KB.jpg|thumb|The Giving Back Foundation logo]]

[[File:MG and girls.jpg|thumb]]

==Charitable activities==
Gandhi is the founder and CEO of The Giving Back Foundation, a foundation geared towards alleviating illness, poverty and suffering while also addressing education issues which affect women and children around the world. Through her Foundation, Gandhi devotes her life to charity and help for those in need, notably abused and hungry children, widows, the sick, the deaf and blind. She is particularly interested in education as the stepping stone to success.<ref>{{cite web|title=Usha Devi Rathore|url=http://www.ashacentre.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=66%3Asteveetter&limitstart=220|website=Ashacentre.org|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> Gandhi has supported charities with strong female leadership programs and workshops, in part because of the role models in her life: Hillary Clinton, Cherie Blair, and Gandhi's own mother, an Irish woman living in India. These charities include the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in the United Kingdom and the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bwl.org/RelId/606539/infogroup/4006/registered/1/pagenum/2/ISvars/showpage/Humanitarian_and_Philanthropist_Meera_Gandhi_Speaks_at_Winter_Convocation.htm |title = The Birch Wathen Lenox School -> Humanitarian and Philanthropist Meer… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140121175002/http://www.bwl.org/RelId/606539/infogroup/4006/registered/1/pagenum/2/ISvars/showpage/Humanitarian_and_Philanthropist_Meera_Gandhi_Speaks_at_Winter_Convocation.htm |archive-date=21 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Gandhi is the founder of the ''Meera Gandhi Giving Back Award''. The award is given each year at the Woodstock Film Festival to the director, producer or actor who best delivers a message of social change and who has a strong compassion for philanthropy. The first award, presented in 2011, was to [[Mark Ruffalo]]. Subsequent winners of the award were actor, director and screenwriter [[Tim Blake Nelson]] in 2012 and acclaimed filmmaker and activist [[Mira Nair]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/press/releases/2013_08_givingback.htm |title=WFF 2013 Giving Back Award |website=Woodstockfilmfestival.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

Other charities Gandhi is involved with either directly or through her Foundation include the Happy Home and School for the blind in Mumbai, the Robert F. Kennedy Centre for Justice & Human Rights, the Cambodian Landmine Relief Fund, Centerpoint, Give to Colombia and The American Friends of Prince William and Prince Harry.<ref name=bibimagazine.com>{{cite web|last=Editor |first=Bibi |url=http://www.bibimagazine.com/meera-gandhi/ |title=Meera Gandhi "Gives Back" - Bibi Magazine Modern Global Style, Bridal Fashion | Bibi Magazine Modern Global Style, Bridal Fashion |website=Bibimagazine.com |date=2012-08-28 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

Gandhi's Foundation has also contributed to certain institutions of learning. In 2012, the Foundation funded a high-powered, state-of-the-art telescope, which was installed on the roof of the Harrow School in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harrowassociation.com/netcommunity/document.doc?id=608 |title=The Harrovian |date=November 24, 2012 |website=Harrowasscoiation.com |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

==Publications and products==
[[File:MGwithFragrance.tif|thumb]]
In 2017, Meera Gandhi produced The Meera Gandhi Show which airs on B4U TV Network, along with on themeeragandhishow.com, southasiantimes.com. Each episode is based on essential life changing topics used to de-stress and live a more joyful, positive life. The show goes in-depth into one-on-one interviews with significant influencers from all walks of life : friends, healers, spiritual gurus, politicians, diplomats, actors and lawyers. Gandhi provides a close glimpse into the lives of the successful and spiritual, as well as current and trending topics and new, upcoming music.

In 2016, Gandhi introduced her world class candle, "The Giving Candle". Also, scheduled for launch in 2016, Gandhi will launch The Giving Fragrance. The Giving Candle and Fragrance are available on GivingBackFragrance.com,<ref name=www.GivingFragrance.com>{{cite web|url=http://givingbackfragrance.com/ |title=The Giving Line Of Products by Meera Gandhi |website=Givingbackfragrance.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref> and will be available on Amazon.com.

In 2010, Meera produced and directed a musical CD entitled "Giving Back" featuring a host of International artists including Marco Figueira, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Juliet Hanlon, David Harilela and Chandrika Tandon. She also authored a coffee table book, and produced a documentary film, both of which are also entitled "Giving Back."<ref>{{cite web|last=Melwani |first=Lavina |url=http://www.lassiwithlavina.com/24_7_talkischeap/meera-gandhi-on-giving-back/html |title=Meera Gandhi on Giving Back |website=Lassiwithlavina.com |date=2010-07-25 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

Both the documentary film and book are meant to demonstrate the philanthropic efforts of her friends and those who inspire her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ashacentre.org/index.php/about/people/item/137-meera-gandhi |title=The ASHA Centre |accessdate=5 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://questmag.com/blog/re-cap-of-meera-gandhis-film-screening-giving-back/ |title=Re-cap of Meera Gandhi's film screening: Giving Back | |website=Questmag.com |date=2010-08-09 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref> The book also features interviews with [[Bono]] and others<ref>[http://www.indiapost.com/meera-gandhi’s-new-coffee-table-book/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828115149/http://www.indiapost.com/meera-gandhi%E2%80%99s-new-coffee-table-book/|date=28 August 2016}}</ref> Alex Counts, President and CEO of [[Grameen Foundation]], found Meera's message of "giving back" to ring true: "'giving back' – when done thoughtfully and in the right spirit – does not leave the donor with less, but rather with more.".<ref name="Counts">{{cite web|url=http://grameenfoundation.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/giving-back-a-simple-and-powerful-idea/|title=Giving Back: A Simple and Powerful Idea|last=Counts|first=Alex|date=17 May 2012|publisher=Grameen Foundation|accessdate=6 September 2012}}</ref> The documentary film was sold out at the [[Woodstock Film Festival]] in 2011. One hundred percent of the proceeds from all of Meera Gandhi's Giving Back Foundation projects go to her charitable projects around the globe.

Meera was a part of a panel discussion hosted by the [[Asia Society]] about her book. The other panellist on the panel was Donzelina Barroso, senior advisor with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The panel was moderated by [[Alisyn Camerota]], host of Fox and Friends Weekend. The discussion included ways to encourage teens and children to "give back" at an early age.<ref>{{cite web|title='Giving Back' discussed at Meera book signing|date=25 October 2012|url=http://www.indiapost.com/giving-back-discussed-at-meera-book-signing/|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Meeracrop.jpg|thumb]]
Meera Gandhi lives mostly in NYC, and owns the historic town house of former First Lady [[Eleanor Roosevelt]]. She has three grown children - two daughters and one son. One of her daughters is musician [[Kiran Gandhi]], also known as Madame Gandhi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/the-iron-maiden/|title=Indian-origin percussionist Kiran Gandhi drums up a storm in the US|last=Khurana|first=Suanshu|date=2014-06-02|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2017-03-24|language=en-US}}</ref> Growing up, Gandhi spent time in both New York City and Bombay, India.<ref name=about0>{{Cite web|url=https://madamegandhi.blog/hi/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202062344/https://madamegandhi.blog/hi/|archive-date=2 February 2017|title=ABOUT|date=15 February 2012}}</ref>

Gandhi produces The Meera Gandhi TV show that airs every Sunday on B4 U TV network on Health, Happiness and living a stress free life. Gandhi also owns the GIVING line of products and properties in Palm Beach Florida and Hyde Park NY.<ref name="OfficialWebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.meeragandhi.com/about-meera-gandhi.htm |title=About |publisher=Meera Gandhi |date= |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Christine M |url=http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/09/movers-and-shakers-meera-gandhi-ceo-of.html#.UuKWuBAo6M8 |title=MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Meera Gandhi, CEO of MTG Productions and Committed Philanthropist |publisher=Whom You Know |date=2009-09-10 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
Over the years, Gandhi and her Foundation have received numerous awards.
*Marc Anthony Maestro Cares Foundation - Global humanitarian award, 16 February 2016 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegivingbackfoundation.net/news/maestro-cares-2016.php |title=Maestro Cares Foundation Event NYC Feb 16th 2016 |publisher=The Giving Back Foundation |date=2016-02-16 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>
*Humanitarian award of the Year from the Mayor's office of the City of NY in 2015
*The Ellis Island Gold Medal Award in 2015
*The Marc Anthony Maestro cares Humanitarian award in 2015
*NYC Mayor Award 2015
*Share and Care Foundation, NJ 2014-2015
*Ellis Island Medal of Honor <ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegivingbackfoundation.net/news/ellis-island-medal-of-honor.php |title=Indian Americans Receive Ellis Island Medals of Honor |website=Thegivingbackfoundation.net |date=2015-05-18 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>
*J. Luce Foundation Award, 26 February 2015 <ref name="huffingtonpost.com">{{cite web|author=Jim Luce James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/honoring-young-leaders-hu_b_6810442.html |title=Honoring Young Leaders, Humanitarians at U.N. Mission |publisher=Huffington Post |date=2015-05-05 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref><ref name="broadwayworld.com">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwart/article/Photo-Flash-2015-Luce-Leader-Awards-Reception-Honors-Humanitarians-Future-Global-Leaders-20150304 |title=Photo Flash: 2015 Luce Leader Awards Reception Honors Humanitarians & Future Global Leaders |website=Broadwayworld.com |date=2015-02-26 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref><ref name="hometownstations.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hometownstations.com/story/28075369/luce-foundation-orphans-international-worldwide-honor-young-leaders-of-tomorrow-and-humanitarians-of-today |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-03-29 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402185907/http://www.hometownstations.com/story/28075369/luce-foundation-orphans-international-worldwide-honor-young-leaders-of-tomorrow-and-humanitarians-of-today |archivedate=2 April 2015 }}</ref>
*City of New York Proclamation at The United Nations Sri Lanka Mission, 26 February 2015 <ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/><ref name="broadwayworld.com"/><ref name="hometownstations.com"/>
*Marc Anthony Maestro Cares Foundation - Global humanitarian award, 17 February 2015 <ref>{{cite web|last=Hammel |first=Sara |url=http://www.people.com/article/marc-anthony-maestro-cares-foundation-gala |title=How Marc Anthony's Kids Inspire Him to Change Orphans' Lives - Kids & Family Life, Marc Anthony |website=People.com |date=2015-02-18 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://arthurkade.com/celebrities/supporting-maestro-cares-with-marc-anthony-meera-gandhi-bravos-luis-ortiz-and-chi-chi-rodriguez.htm |title=Supporting Maestro Cares With Marc Anthony, Meera Gandhi, Bravo's Luis Ortiz And Chi Chi Rodriguez |publisher=ArthurKade |date= |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.latinpost.com/articles/38504/20150218/marc-anthony-henry-c%C3%A1rdenas-the-maestro-cares-foundation-maestro-cares-chi-chi-rodriguez-meera-t-ghandi-marcelo-claure-ceo-of-sprint-corporation.htm |title=Marc Anthony & Henry Cárdenas, Co-Founders of Maestro Cares Foundation, Host NYC Gala Fundraiser to Help Disadvantaged Children in Latin America |publisher=Latin Post |date=2015-02-18 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>
*Children's Hope Humanitarian award, 13 October 2013
*Corporate Global Humanitarian award, 2013
*Distinguished Alumni Award from [[Boston University]], the University's highest honour, 2011 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/winter-spring12/alumni-weekend/alumni-weekend.pdf |title=Alumni Weekend |website=Bu.edu |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>
*Donna Karan International "Women Who Inspire," 2011 <ref name="Meera Gandhi">{{cite web|url=http://www.claudiachan.com/woman/meera-gandhi/ |title=Meera Gandhi |publisher=Claudia Chan |date=2013-01-13 |accessdate=2016-09-10}}</ref>
*Person of the Year by the [[Patricia Velásquez#Personal life|''Wayúu Tayá Foundation'']], 2010 <ref name="Meera Gandhi"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.meeragandhi.com}}
* [http://www.thegivingbackfoundation.net The Giving Back Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandhi, Meera}}

[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian humanitarians]]
[[Category:Boston University School of Management alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Business School alumni]]
[[Category:Delhi University alumni]]
[[Category:People educated at a United World College]]
[[Category:Indian people of Irish descent]]

Meera Gandhi - Revision history

UpdateBot at 17:34, 11 May 2022