CSR News: #TakeChildhoodsSide Initiative had most prominent childcare, parenting influencers support the campaign on Instagram

The #TakeChildhoodsSide campaign by Bachpan Manao that had unequivocal support from influencers such as like Harpreet Grover (The Curious Parent with 1 million followers) Tara Sharma Saluja (413k followers), Maria Goretti (307k followers), Fatema Agarkar (30.2 followers), Neha Kanabar (40.6k followers, founder of UNIMO Universe of Moms with 51.6k followers), Simone Khambatta (228k followers), Sruti Nakul (361k followers), Piya Marker (38.9k), Satrupa Sharma (158k followers) and Funskool (18k followers and India’s leading toy company). In just a span of 4 days over 215 people rallied on Instagram to support the social message of #TakeChildhoodsSide. The campaign content on the Bachpan Manao handle has had over 20.5 million impressions and reached almost 8 million people on Instagram in the same time period.
#TakeChildhoodsSide was conceptualised to bring to the fore the contrast between a “Child’s World” of wonder, joy, and creativity, and an “Adult’s World” of structure, stress, and technology dependency. The campaign intended to increase awareness on the importance of free play and reducing screen dependency, encourage parents, influencers, and caregivers to participate by challenging friends to share their side profiles with a pledge to support a happier and healthier childhood and bring about a behavioural shift inspiring families to prioritise daily playtime, reduce screen exposure, and encourage childhood experiences filled with exploration and creativity.
Through Instagram, the campaign invited participants to post side-profile images, symbolising their personal choice to support childhood’s freedom, tagged with #TakeChildhoodsSide. This visual disrupts the feed, sparking curiosity and conversation about the urgent need for free play and reduced screen time in early childhood.
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CSR News: SpaceBasic forays into Malaysia, eyes further expansion into Southeast Asia
SpaceBasic, a B2B Saas company that offers a connected campus management experience for universities and other educational institutions, has launched operations in Malaysia. The company has recently onboarded Peninsula College, a leading private institution in Malaysia, to offer a connected campus management experience. This marks SpaceBasic’s first foray into international markets with plans to aggressively expand into other markets such as Philippines and Vietnam over the next few months.
In India, SpaceBasic works with over 70 universities, including notable Indian institutions such as IIM, O.P. Jindal University, Shoolini University, D.Y. Patil University and Good Host Spaces. The company plans to follow a similar trajectory in Malaysia and other SE Asian countries.
Commenting on the expansion, Madhavi Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder, SpaceBasic, said, “ Our journey in India has been incredible, with universities embracing our solutions to transform campus operations. From automating tasks to reducing carbon footprint, SpaceBasic has been instrumental in creating a seamless, connected campus experience. With our entry into Malaysia, we plan to recreate a similar impact across universities in South East Asia. Our partnership with Peninsula college has been a great starting point and we plan to rapidly onboard other universities in Malaysia”
Founded by Madhavi Shankar and Indu Navar, SpaceBasic enables colleges and universities to drive student success with a digital campus management experience. With SpaceBasic, students easily navigate the university experience with Automated Campus Housing (Student Hostels), Digital Cafeteria, SpaceBasic Pay, Smart ID cards and eventually a Marketplace (job fairs, internships, placements) while faculty and staff have access to AI-driven insights from everyday tasks and communication.
During rigorous due-diligence, founders discovered that about 80% universities and schools in India use little to no technology outside of the classroom. Campus operations like student housing hostels, managing cafeterias and access control were ineffective and all performed manually with fragmented data sources. With SpaceBasic’s automated workflow system, there is significant reduction in time and effort in carrying out these tasks. Beyond speed, automation allows university campuses to analyse data predictively, spotting potential issues, tracking the frequency of requests, and identifying recurring patterns. This predictive insight not only lowers costs but also enhances operational efficiency, resulting in up to 3x cost savings and 5x greater efficiency across campus management processes.
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: NGOs supporting Domestic Violence Victims in Mumbai

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), women are victim to 51 crimes ever hour in India. Majority of these crimes are attributed to the cruelty by husband and his relatives, as per the report.
Violence against women remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. With an aim to shed light on this issue, and work towards addressing this, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was established by the United Nations. The day is observed each year on November 25, and marks the first day of the 16 days of activism for combatting violence against women.
On this day, let us look at the organisations in Mumbai offering support to female victims that have suffered from domestic violence.
SNEHA Mumbai
SNEHA helps women and girls facing domestic violence, sexual violence and sexual harassment, and children facing sexual abuse. The organisation provides emotional support, shelter and assistance in connecting with the doctors or police as an immediate relief to the victims. For long-term, it offers counselling services, legal aid, and psychiatric as well as psychotherapy services.
Anyone who require help can reach out to the organisation at Crisis Helpline Numbers – 98330 52684 / 91675 35765 or visit the Crisis Centre located at 310, 3rd Floor, Urban Health Center, 60 Feet Road, Dharavi, Mumbai 400 017.
Urja Trust Foundation
The Urja Trust was founded in 2012 by Deepali Vandana and Altaf Shaikh, Mumbai-based social workers. It is a non-government organisation that provides shelter to women who are homeless or have run away due to domestic violence. These women, who are victims of trafficking, prostitution and economic discrimination, are housed in a shelter home initially and then shifted to group homes once they start becoming financially independent. At the Foundation’s non-formal education course, the women are taught the basics of Math and English, after which they try and take the National Institute of Open Learning exams. They are also later enrolled in mainstream schools, according to their learning levels.
To seek help from the organisation, one can contact the following number: 022 2412 4397
Majlis Law
Majlis Law is an all-female team of attorneys and activists that offers legal and social help to victims (women and children) of domestic and sexual violence from underprivileged social groups. The team assists victims during investigation and trial and provides social support from counseling to shelter. Its achievements include providing legal support to more than 80,000 victims, providing social support to more than 100,000 victims, conducting more than 150,000 training sessions and reaching more than 1,500 collaborations.
One can contact the organisation for help at its helpline 07506732641 or mail them at majlislaw@gmail.com
Apnalaya
Apnalaya works with the most underprivileged communities dwelling in the slums of Mumbai. In operation since 1973, its Family Counseling Centre (FCC) is a haven for victims of exploitation, violence, infidelity, deprivation and blackmail. Here, they find a friend who listens, offers advice and helps them find the strength to fight and win their personal and legal battles.
Its various programmes support victims of domestic violence and family conflict through counselling, support group meetings, creating community counsellors and raising awareness on women’s issues. Apnalaya is a government-appointed service provider under the Domestic Violence Act 2005.
One can contact Apnalaya by calling their mobile number at +91 98330 41074 or their landline at +91-22-23539752. You can also email them at admin@apnalaya.org.
How can the victims seek help from the government?
According to Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, a domestic violence victim can directly file an FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest police station. The police are required to respond to every domestic violence complaint, whether the complainant is a survivor or not. The complaint should be written down by them or the survivor, and the complainant should keep a copy of the recorded complaint.
If the incident in question does not fall under the area (jurisdiction) of a police station the survivor has visited, then a zero-FIR can be registered. An FIR can be filed in any police station, and later, it can be transferred to the appropriate police station.
Under the law, a domestic violence survivor is entitled to the following support:
1. Monetary relief: The survivor is entitled to maintenance and medical expenses. Respondents can be directed to meet the expenses incurred and losses suffered. A PO can assist a survivor with obtaining necessary measures. Under Section 20 of the Domestic Violence Act, an order for monetary relief can be passed by the court. The compensation should be fair and consistent with the standard of living to which the survivor is accustomed.
2. Compensation order: The aggrieved person can be compensated for the injuries sustained including emotional distress and physical injuries.
3. Protection: After the survivor files a complaint or approaches the police, a magistrate can pass orders to stop the offender from committing violence towards the survivor or interacting with them.
4. Residence: Every woman has the right to reside in the shared household without the fear of being evicted. The respondent can be restrained from entering the area or room allotted to the survivor and/or from having any type of communication.
List of helpline numbers in Mumbai
– Dial 100 (emergency police number)
– Dial 103 (Nirbhaya Squad helpline)
– Dial 1091(emergency helpline number for women)
Ministry of Tourism to organize International Tourism Mart from 26th to 29th November in Kaziranga, Assam

Assam, India: The 12th edition of International Tourism Mart (ITM) will be held in Kaziranga, Assam from 26th to 29th, November, 2024 in Kaziranga, Assam. International Tourism Mart is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, designed to highlight the tourism potential of the North Eastern region for both domestic and international audiences. This event serves as a vital platform, bringing together tourism businesses and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—to foster collaboration and interactions among buyers, sellers, media, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The 12th edition of ITM to take place in a region renowned for its diverse topography, rich flora and fauna, vibrant ethnic communities, ancient traditions, festivals, and abundant arts and crafts. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO site and home to the majestic one-horned rhino, adds to the allure of this event.
Briefing the media on the 12th edition of ITM, here today, DG, Tourism Ms. Mugdha Sinha informed that the event is expected to be attended by approx. 400 participants which include international and domestic tour operators, hoteliers and homestay owners, tourism service providers, influencers and opinion makers, senior officials from the Government of India and State Governments, Media and International students etc.
The DG further informed that the three-day Mart will feature a variety of activities, including presentations by state governments, B2B meetings, panel discussions, food demonstrations, cultural evenings, live music, a North East Bazaar, and technical visits to significant sites such as Charaideo Moidam (newest and 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site of India), Kaziranga National Park (Celebrates 50 years as National Park), Hathikuli Tea Estate and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park. It will also engage international students who are studying in the North Eastern region and influencers all across the globe providing them with first hand insights into the area’s rich culture.
Highlighting that the ITM in Kaziranga will exemplify a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning with the Travel for Life initiative of Ministry of Tourism, the DG stated that the event will be organized with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, employing energy-efficient practices, and the elimination of single-use plastics. Transportation during the Mart will be facilitated via dedicated shuttle services, demonstrating the Ministry’s dedication to harmonizing tourism with nature and ensuring a lasting, positive legacy, she added.
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Delhi to host Textile Ministry’s prestigious summit “GI & Beyond 2024”
Delhi, India: To enlighten the value of Indian GI handloom Products to the international market, the Office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles in coordination with Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) is organising one day event “GI and Beyond-2024” on 25th November 2024 at The Oberoi, New Delhi, showcasing the GI handloom and handicraft products across India. The objective of the event is brand promotion of GI handloom and Handicraft products among the broad spectrum of the stakeholders including overseas buyers, exporters, MNCs, etc.
Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles will grace the event as the chief guest for the Inauguration. The Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles will be the guest of honour, in the gracious presence of Secretary (Textiles) and Development Commissioner for Handlooms. Other esteemed dignitaries, including Development Commissioner for Handicraft, Textile Commissioner and Controller General of Patents, Trademark & GI will also grace the occasion.
Key highlights of the Event:
Participants
30 Overseas buyers
80 Exporters and multinational corporations (MNCs)
70 GI-authorized users
80 officials from various government departments
Handing over of GI certificates
10 new GI certificates will be handed over to GI applicants during the inaugural function by Hon’ble Minister for Textiles.
Thematic Display
This event will feature a special thematic display showcase GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products, with active participation from GI holders and authorized users highlighting unique artisanal techniques and heritage of India.
Technical Session
The informative session contains
Procedural aspects and ensuring of quality & Traceability of the products, GI Initiatives for Brand Promotion & creating a Sustainable Market linkage and Linking GI Tagged products to Export Market.
GI & Beyond 2024 Summit for GI products brings various stakeholder including weavers, business, policy makers and consumers together. It builds a global identity that India is a leader in artisanal and sustainable textiles on the global stage. The technical sessions will bridge gap of traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices, ensuring that India’s handloom sector continues to thrive globally.
The GI system has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable development in India. By recognizing and protecting traditional knowledge and local resources, the system has empowered local communities and encouraged them to preserve their cultural heritage.
Geographical Indication (GI) tags are official markers given to products with a specific geographic origin and distinct qualities. In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, enacted in 2003, aims to safeguard producers’ interests, prevent exploitation of GIs, and boost marketability.
India is a land of diversity, where every state and region has a unique culture, tradition, and heritage. This diversity is reflected in the various Geographical Indication (GI) products of India, which are products that are linked to a specific geographic region and have unique qualities that are derived from that region’s traditional knowledge and skills.
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CSR News: Sapnon Ke Sawaari initiative is empowering the underprivileged differently-abled community

Bengaluru, India: In its mission to transform lives and foster independence, Aahwahan Foundation has started an initiative, “Sapnon Ke Sawari”, aimed at empowering the underprivileged differently-abled community. According to the 2011 census, locomotor disabilities accounted for 44.73% of all disabilities in India. Being confined to bed not only takes away a person’s freedom but also fosters a deep sense of dependence on basic needs, leading to guilt, shame, and poor mental health. People with disabilities often struggle with mobility, resulting in missed opportunities for education and employment.
Through this initiative, the foundation provides fully automated wheelchairs to people of all ages to restore their independence, paving the way for greater personal and professional inclusion, and enabling more independent lives. It is not just a device; it is a Sawari—a vehicle of dreams, offering the chance to break free from the chains of immobility.
These advanced wheelchairs have empowered over 784 individuals, transforming not just their lives but also the lives of their families and communities. This year, the initiative aims to touch 1,000 more lives, restoring independence, dignity, and dreams to those once trapped by immobility. Through this initiative, beneficiaries are identified through ongoing social interventions, visits to rural areas, and collaborations with the neurology and orthopaedic departments of multi-speciality government hospitals and community welfare centres.
The wheelchair, once charged, allows users to navigate up to 30 kilometres, offering them not just a means of transportation but a symbol of empowerment and the possibility of a better life. In partnership with CSR Initiative Partners, Team Aahwahan recently distributed 300 automated wheelchairs to beneficiaries at Victoria Government Hospital in Bangalore. This initiative has already brought hope and joy to many individuals, and with more efforts underway, the organization is just beginning to make a lasting impact on the differently-abled community.
Meera Vasudev, a beneficiary, reflects on her profound experience, “For 10 years, I was confined to my bed, watching life move forward while I remained trapped in a world of immobility. Simple joys like stepping outside, talking to neighbours, or even sitting at the dinner table with my family felt like distant dreams. But when I received a wheelchair, everything changed. This wheelchair has given me more than mobility; it has restored my dignity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. I can now dream of working again, contributing to my family, and living a life of fulfilment.”
“The impact of Sapnon Ki Sawari goes beyond physical movement; it opens doors to independence, empowerment, and a brighter future. we are aiming to distribute 10,000 fully automated wheelchairs across India in the next decade, By providing mobility aids, we break financial and societal barriers, helping underprivileged individuals live with dignity and confidence,” said Mr. Braja Kishore Pradhan, Founder and CEO of the Aahwahan Foundation
Through giving fully automated wheelchairs to the individuals, the project helps to break the shackles of isolation and allows beneficiaries to engage with their communities, and earn for their living, and the family. It is a tool towards empowerment, dignity, and a brighter future for countless families across India.
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CSR News: Girl Icon Program Wins Spot in Hundred Global Collection 2025
Milaan Foundation’s Girl Icon Program has been officially recognized as part of the HundrED Global Collection 2025 during a ceremony held at Helsinki City Hall, Finland on November 14, 2024. The program was celebrated as one of the top 100 education innovations worldwide, chosen for its transformational impact and potential to scale.
The award was presented during the HundrED Innovation Summit, an annual gathering of global changemakers in education. The event provided a unique opportunity to share the story of the Girl Icon Program on an international platform and connect with leaders and innovators dedicated to reimagining education for a better future.
“This recognition isn’t just an award. It’s a testament to the hard work, determination, and vision of the Milaan team and our commitment to empowering adolescent girls to lead change in their communities. For years, the Girl Icon Program has empowered adolescent girls with life skills, leadership abilities, and the courage to challenge norms and shape their futures. This is a movement that is changing lives, families, and communities.” – Rati Misra, Executive Director
“The Girl Icon Program in changing lives and empowering communities. This honor reaffirms the importance of investing in young girls as changemakers, equipping them to challenge societal norms, lead with confidence, and drive meaningful, lasting change toward a more inclusive and equitable future.” – Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Co-founder & CEO
The Girl Icon Program has impacted about 100,000 adolescent girls and 1 Million more of their community members across India. The program equips adolescent girls from low-income communities with tools to lead change in their communities through education, mentorship, and leadership training. This recognition by HundrED further amplifies the program’s mission to ensure every girl has access to quality education and the confidence and opportunities to achieve her potential to thrive.
The Milaan team expresses its gratitude to HundrED and all those who have supported their journey. The recognition marks a new chapter as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact globally.
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CSR News: Years of its flagship societal initiative, Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme
Nestlé India and its partners commemorated the completion of fifteen years of its flagship societal initiative, Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme, dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles amongst adolescents. Launched as a pilot programme in 2009, it has grown significantly, reaching over 600,000 adolescents and 56,000 parents in 26 states and union territories. The programme provides adolescents with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about healthy eating and active living. It highlights the importance of physical activity as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, promotes responsible plastic waste management, and encourages parents to help their children adopt healthy habits.
Nestlé India has partnered with educational institutions such as CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Goa College of Home Science, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Gujarat University, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Punjab Agricultural University, University of Agriculture Sciences and Magic Bus India Foundation, to bring the programme to life.
“Celebrating 15 successful years of the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme is a significant milestone that emphasizes our unwavering commitment to building a healthier future for our youth. Education is a transformative tool for driving positive change in society. Through this programme, we have successfully engaged with adolescents nationwide, equipping them with vital knowledge about nutrition, hygiene, and active lifestyles.”