Donate money, Gates, Buffett tell rich Indians

He might have given up a lucrative career for philanthropy, but for Microsoft founder Bill Gates giving and making money have a lot in common.

Interacting with reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, Gates said it was his Microsoft experience which prepared him well for work being done by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

"Giving and making money has a lot of similarities," he said.

"Earlier, we were hiring really talented engineers; now it is immunologists and scientists," the software czar said.

PTI & Agencies

Gates, who is on a visit to India along with his wife Melinda, is partnering the government in several projects like immunisation and Tuberculosis.

The Gates couple visited Bihar and met community health workers and state officials to see first-hand the launch of a five-year $80 million grant made in partnership with the state government and leading Indian and international non-government organisations.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and legendary investor Warren Buffett have a common mission. They want India's rich to donate towards philanthropy.

Gates and Buffett who have contributed a substantial amount towards philanthropy want India's billionaires and other richest people to follow their footsteps.

"We are not here to pressure anybody. Everybody has his or her own understanding of philanthropy," Buffett said in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Bill Gates is the world's second richest man with a net worth of $56 billion, while Buffett, ranks third with a wealth of $50 billion.

Buffett is expected to meet with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and key government officials. He will also talk to policyholders of Berkshire Hathaway.

Gates and Buffett are part of 'The Giving Pledge', an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes and charitable organisations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death.

Each person who chooses to pledge will make this statement publicly, along with a letter explaining their decision to pledge.

At an annual event, those who take the pledge will come together to share ideas and learn from each other.