Thecsrjournal App Store
Thecsrjournal Google Play Store
May 1, 2025
Home Blog Page 242

From Dreams to Reality: The Power of Skills Training for Adolescent Girls

From Dreams to Reality: The Power of Skills Training for Adolescent Girls
India has the largest youth population, about 120 million of whom are girls – that’s about 30% of America’s population. About 82% of these 120 Million girls will grapple with dire poverty, 40% of them will not complete their school education, 23% will become child brides, and 11% will be forced into becoming teen mothers.
Let me break it down again for you – that’s 98 Million of these girls – almost the entire population of Vietnam will live in extreme poverty. 48 Million girls – roughly Spain’s population won’t finish schooling. 27 Million girls – i.e., Australia’s population will end up becoming child brides. Finally, 13 million girls — roughly the population of Belgium — will be forced into becoming teen mothers.
The opposite of this grim reality according to some estimates claiming that championing women’s empowerment can contribute to upwards of a $28 Trillion USD increase in global GDP value.

Taking a stand for Adolescent Girls Everywhere

Adolescent girls often represent one of the most powerful yet undermined demographics for creating lasting social change. By their very nature, adolescents are at a pivotal stage of development — standing on the threshold between childhood and adulthood – and this is exactly when their life-long perspectives and opinions will solidify. Equally, it is important to understand how forwarding-moving and passionate this particular age group can be; especially for adolescent girls who can break generational long curses of choosing to be instead educated, choosing a high-paying profession, choosing to say no to early marriage or teenage pregnancy. Such decisions not only change the life trajectory of their families but also their overall communities, creating girl and women role models for the next generation to follow.
Women are often the backbone of a community, rural or otherwise. So levelling the playing field when it comes to economic inclusion, empowerment, and most importantly parity in decision-making can break both the glass ceiling and also the stereotypes of traditional gender roles.

The Importance of Skill Development for Women & Girls

It is prudent that 21st Century Skill Development and Economic Inclusion for girls should be an integral part of not only the Government agenda but also for key-change agents like businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropic foundations. Fortunately, in the last decade or so we have seen a massive landslide towards such initiatives, especially by Corporate Social Responsibility verticals all across who have created Women in STEM programs, an array of boot camps/workshops/certifications promoting vocational and technical training targeted towards women and girls. Furthermore, a lot more higher-education scholarships are available for women and girls who want to become engineers, management professionals, and most wonderfully even entrepreneurs.
This has created a shift of the next generation of workforce from a representation of women in the junior rungs of an organisation, more women in mid-level management, and wonderfully the advent of women leaders in the boardroom, in VCs, as well as CXOs and founders of billion-dollar companies.
We are now hopeful to witness and are already witnessing a cadre of women and girls who are not only becoming role models but also are investors themselves of their gender, getting involved in sponsorships and outcome-based mentorships of their juniors both in their organisations, the academics and mostly essentially in their own families and communities.

A Mandate for Investment in Women & Girls

Often when it comes to traditional vocational skilling programs like manufacturing, IT roles, and grassroots livelihood opportunities; an overwhelming majority of participation seems to be by cis-men. This is firstly because of the expectation for only men to be educated, and earning and one whose world is to be outside the four walls of their homes. The reality is different for our girls and women who often have no role models for them, their families, or their communities – the elders dread sending their girls out to travel long distances to attend certification courses or even jobs without any male chauffeur.
The social impact programs have now realised this and are battling the conundrum of accessibility of girls and women through typing up with local grassroots nonprofits, the village school, the anganwadis, and the panchayat. People from the community, and most importantly people with authority in the community raising their voices about the importance of educating their girls and women can go a long way in dismantling gender-regressive norms and most importantly creating role models.
Additionally the expansion of technology to the remotest corners of our country, it has brought both parity and the saddening gender digital divide. It’s quite well-known that India houses about half of the world’s gender digital divide phenomena; with always men who have the financial independence to buy smartphones and ultimately computers to connect with the larger world.
The patriarchal conditioning often states that women and girls should be hidden away from the world with opinions going from their own dignity and virtue being tied up with that of their communities, protecting them for the lecherous schemes of bad men and most importantly firmly believing that women and girls should never as equal as their male counterparts.
Ergo, it is crucial for girls especially from socioeconomically disadvantaged to have the understanding of life and leadership skills – of financial literacy, of women’s rights, of right to their bodies, of right to speak freely about menstruation and menstruation hygiene without shame, of learning to raise their voices and demand agency, of opportunities to become community leaders who can push and break archaic expectations of women only becoming homemakers, of becoming child brides, of teenage mothers, of living their entire lives on the opinions of their male counterparts.
With careful and patient counselling where the entire community and most importantly the men associated with the social impact programs of women empowerment – one can create powerful allies by breaking down their fears and offering them a new perspective.
Investments in women and girls should always start from their own families, their own communities first as this will lead to creating of advocates of gender-equity which will be self-sustainable as the motive of any social impact program – either CSR or nonprofit have always been to pass on the batton eventually to the communities themselves.

Tech for Good for Women & Girls

We have already spoken about the importance of circumventing the risks of gender digital-divide and this can only be done by affirmative action of launching of Women in STEM programs, including a digital component in the programs itself to advocate for 21st Century skills. Furthermore, it is essential that nonprofits, CSR and government should have schemes and scholarships for women and girls to purchase computers and smartphones. This should not only be promoted for educational purposes but also the essentiality of being a human being who wants to be connected, who is curious about the world. There should be a case for normalisation of pursuing digital entertainment for women and girls as it is for their male counterparts – a core component of human rights that the social impact community often misses out on.

Career Counselling & Job Placements for Women & Girls are Mandatory

In tandem with the infusion of 21st Century education for women and girls, we cannot forget the essentiality of career counselling and job placements for first-generation girl learners. Most of them wouldn’t have any idea about which professions to choose, how to apply for jobs or how to navigate a male-dominated professional world. The importance of internships, especially paid, long-term and high intensity intensity should be a tenant of success for youth – no matter their gender. It is all over more essential for girls to understand what will be the bottlenecks and gatekeepers of career success. Additionally, we should be cognizant that we don’t stereotype girls in often low-paying pink-collar jobs but give them access to a wide range of choices.
Overall, as we march forward towards a new year of our 21st Century the case for gender-equity seems more solid than it has ever been.
Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.

Dhirendra Pratap Singh is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Milaan. Under his leadership, Milaan launched the Girl Icon Program to inspire, nurture and amplify the voices of girl leaders as empowered agents of change in their communities and the world. He actively advocates for equal rights for girls both nationally and globally.

75 Years of Supreme Court: India To Welcome New CJI Justice Khanna

75 Years of Supreme Court: India To Welcome New CJI Justice Khanna
As the honourable Supreme Court of India completes its 75 years of judicial service, the country is all set to appoint its new chief justice. Justice Sanjiv Khanna was appointed the 51st Chief Justice of India on 24 October 2024. He is to succeed 65-year-old Justice DY Chandrachud in November after an oath ceremony.
“In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the honourable President, after consultation with the honourable Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, judge of the Supreme Court of India, as Chief Justice of India with effect from 11 November 2024”, said the law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on a post over social media website X.

 

Knowing the New Chief Justice

Justice Khanna began his legal career by enrolling in the Bar Council of Delhi, in 1983 and started his practice in district courts to later work in the High Court of Delhi.  His expertise is in various fields of law, including constitutional law, direct taxation, commercial law, company law, arbitration, land law, medical negligence and environmental legalities. He was also a senior standing counsel for the income tax department.
Justice Khanna’s father, Justice Devraj Khanna, is a retired judge from the Delhi High Court. His uncle Justice, Hansraj Khanna is also an esteemed judge, remembered for his dissenting judgement on the ADM Jabalpur case during the emergency time.
In the year 2005, Justice Khanna was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court. The following year, he was made a permanent judge. In January 2019, Justice Khanna was promoted to the judge of the Supreme Court and was ranked 33 in the combined seniority list of High Court judges on an India basis. Despite many judges surpassing him in this seniority list, the then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi recommended him over all the others on grounds of merit and integrity.
During his career, he has practised in many district-level and state-level courts. Currently, Justice Khanna is the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and is also a member of the governing council of the National Judicial Academy of Bhopal.
His name is associated with many historic judgements like the 2024 ruling that declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. His argument in the case was that the scheme violated the right to information as ‘donor identities were asymmetrically known to bank officers’. Another important judgement of his career was the 2023 abrogation of article 370 which ended the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Justice Khanna was part of the five-judge bench and argued that Article 370 represented ‘asymmetrical federalism and that its removal would not affect India’s federal structure’. In the same year, his notable judgement to directly grant a divorce under Article 142 based on the ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ was also a landmark judgement in the history of feminist legal empowerment in India.

Justice Khanna’s Tenure

The vast legal career that Justice Khanna has is a marker of his commitment towards transparency and justice, which places him as a very important figure in the judicial operations of India. It is because of this consistency in his arguments in the court, that he was appointed as the new Chief Justice of India. He will hold the office for a six-month tenure and is to retire on May 13, 2024.
His appointment comes after the incumbent Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, formally recommended Justice Sanjiv Khan as the new CJI. Justice Chandrachud wrote to the centre proposing Justice Khanna’s appointment before he demitted the office on November 11, 2024. Justice Chandrachud was appointed as the Chief Justice in 2022 for two years, making it one of the longest terms ever served by any chief justice in the recent past. This falls in line with his father, former Supreme Court judge YV Chandrachud, who has been the longest-serving chief justice for seven long years.

CSR collaboration to support startups in Climate-Smart Agriculture & Plastic Circularity

CSR collaboration to support startups in Climate-Smart Agriculture & Plastic Circularity
Bengaluru, India: NSRCEL, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of IIM Bangalore announced the launch of the second cohort of its Circular Economy program, with continued support from the Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) as the lead program partner. This year, the initiative will also welcome Yunus Social Business as an Impact Readiness & Alternative Financing Partner. The initiative will focus on 4 key areas of climate smart agriculture, plastic circularity, alternate materials and green tech with special emphasis on the first 2 sectors.
PRIF, a global non-profit organization, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard India Private Limited (PRIPL) which has worked across different sectors in water, healthcare, education, environment, and livelihoods. PRIF’s programs are strongly aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals and situated around national indicators and targets laid by NITI Aayog SDG index.
The second cohort has received 180+applications, out of which 26 were selected for incubation. The cohort cuts across sectors like Climate Smart Agriculture, Plastic Circularity, Innovations in Waste management and Green Tech and alternate materials. The top 10 ventures will receive grant funding support from PRIF. Additionally, top 2 ventures will also receive debt funding from Yunus Social Business Fund.
The program builds entrepreneur capacity, provides mentorship, industry networking, and exposure to showcase their solutions at national and international level in the larger ecosystem.
At the launch, Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, stated, “Through our partnership, NSRCEL, PRIF and Yunus Social Business remain committed to supporting circular economy startups by fostering innovation and creating ideal conditions for scaling. This cohort’s focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Plastic Circularity tackles urgent challenges, and we look forward to supporting the next wave of entrepreneurs as they build sustainable solutions for the future.”
“At Pernod Ricard India, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving initiatives that not only ignite innovation but also nurture programs essential for building a circular economy. Our strengthened partnership with IIM Bangalore and NSRCEL aligns seamlessly with our sustainability roadmap, centered on the vision of creating ‘Good Times from a Good Place.’ By empowering visionary entrepreneurs who are leading the charge in waste reduction and resource optimization, we are collectively paving the way toward a more resource-efficient future. Together, we are dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts on society and the environment, ensuring that our efforts resonate well into the future.” said Gagandeep Singh Sethi, Senior VP Integrated Operations, Pernod Ricard India and Director Pernod Ricard India Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with NSRCEL and Pernod Ricard India Foundation as the Alternative Financing Partner for the Circular Economy program. At Yunus Social Business Fund, our focus is on providing impact-driven startups with access to innovative financing options. By offering debt funding, we aim to support ventures in climate-smart agriculture, plastic circularity, and green tech, enabling them to scale their solutions and drive sustainable impact.” said Sai Kumar, Principal – Investments, Yunus Social Business Fund
The first cohort of the program achieved a reduction of 0.36 KT in carbon emissions, created livelihoods for over 867 individuals, and successfully raised more than Rs 12 crore in funding.
Here is a list of ventures which will be incubated over the next few months
MyHarvest Farms, Blockceuticals Private Limited, Fuloni, Apratima Biosolutions, VAPAC Bio-plastics, Green Trek Research and Development Private Limited, Kashhith Innovations Private Limited, Greenovate Solutions, Newcycl, Centre for Grower-centric Eco-value Mechanisms, Ecoveda Ventures, gohemp agro ventures pvt ltd, GoFig, SisourcePrivate Limited, VGFS Technologies Private Limited, Urban Trash, Khadyam Speciality Foods Pvt Ltd, Echo Friendly Acoustics, Ukhi, Crop Domain Private Limited, Rechain Technologies Private Limited, Agrozee Organics Pvt Ltd, econscious®, Mavron Tech Pvt. LTD, Unbubble and Azeedo.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

 

HelpAge India and Sharmila Tagore’s message of ‘age inclusivity’ on Diwali

HelpAge India and Sharmila Tagore's message of ‘age inclusivity’ on Diwali
New Delhi, India: In keeping with the spirit of upcoming festivities, HelpAge India rolled out its Diwali 2024 campaign, titled #SabkiDiwali (#DiwaliForAllAges), spreading the message of ‘age inclusivity’. Giving voice to the campaign, was HelpAge’s Honorary Brand Ambassador, distinguished artist Sharmila Tagore, who urges us to spare a thought and support elders who are alone, abandoned and in need.
“Diwali signifies joy, surrounded by family and friends, with all ages coming together. It is also a festival of giving. A time for celebrations. Yet, there are so many elders, who are unable to participate in these celebrations, who do not have any family, friends and are struggling to put food on the table and cannot afford even basic medication. HelpAge India’s campaign #SabKiDiwali resonates deeply with me. I know the value of having family with you, of generations being there for each other, supporting you. This Diwali, we should all extend the warmth beyond our own homes and help an elder in need, let’s be their extended family,” says Sharmila Tagore.

In line with the campaign and making this festival ‘age inclusive’, HelpAge will be celebrating the festival with more than 1500 disadvantaged and destitute elders, across the nation in nearly 40 locations, in 17 States/UTs, covering the length & breadth of the country, from Leh to Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to West Bengal. The celebrations will be centered largely in senior care homes, encouraging people across generations to visit these homes, and participate. The aim is to ensure our elders have a fun-filled day, participating in various activities, such as lighting diyas, making rangolis, music & dance and so much more.
“Diwali is a time for togetherness. Social isolation is growing concern amongst our elders. This time, we are encouraging all society to be age inclusive and through the #SabKiDiwali campaign, we aim to involve all ages and reach out disadvantaged & destitute elders at senior care homes and other locations, and hope to bring some joy into their lives.
Our teams will be visiting these homes and celebrating with the elder residents, engaging them in fun cultural activities & games. Diwali is for everyone and we are inviting many to join us in the celebrations, including school children, youth and employee volunteers, as part of our #generationstogether initiative,” says Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

 

The Complete CSR Report of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) for FY 2023-24

The Complete CSR Report of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) for FY 2023-24
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a Public Sector Undertaking engaged in mining of coal and allied activities. A subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), BCCL produces bulk of the coking coal mined in the country. BCCL meets almost 50% of the total prime coking coal requirement of the integrated steel sector.
BCCL was incorporated in January, 1972 to operate the 214 coking coal mines operating in the Jharia & Raniganj Coalfields, taken over by the Govt. of India on 16th October, 1971 to ensure planned development of the scarce coking coal resources in the country. Currently, the Company operates 36 coal mines which include 11 underground, 16 opencast and 9 mixed mines.

Bharat Coking Coal Limited – CSR Policy

BCCL’s CSR Policy broadly covers the following areas while executing its CSR activities, which is framed after incorporating the features of the Company Act, 2013 and Coal India Limited’s CSR Policy:
Eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition; promoting health care including preventive health care and sanitation and making available safe drinking water.

Drinking Water

Promoting education, including special education and employment enhancing vocation skills, especially among children, women, elderly and the differently abled, and livelihood enhancement projects.
Promoting gender equality, empowering women, setting up homes and hostels for women and orphans; setting up old age homes, day care centres and such other facilities for senior citizens and measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups.
Ensuring environmental sustainability, ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agroforestry, conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of soil, air and water including contribution to Government of India’s ‘Clean Ganga Fund’ for rejuvenation of river Ganga.
Protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries, promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.

Conservation Of Taj Mahal

Measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents.
Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports.
Contribution to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund or Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) or any other fund set up by the Central Government for socio economic development and relief and welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women.
Contribution to incubators or research and development projects in the field of science, technology, engineering and medicine, funded by the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or any agency of the Central Government or State Government
Contributions to public funded Universities; Indian Institute of Technology (IITs); National Laboratories and autonomous bodies established under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE); Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Department of Science and Technology (DST); Department of Pharmaceuticals; Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other bodies, namely Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), engaged in conducting research in science, technology, engineering and medicine aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Contributing to Rural development projects

Contributing for Slum area development
Contributing for Disaster Management, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities

CSR spent by BCCL in FY 2023-24

BCCL has been a responsible corporate striving to benefit the society through its various CSR activities. Since the past years, BCCL has made efforts to benefit the society through its CSR activities related to health, education, rural development, skill development etc.
BCCL has been the major social development driver in its area of operations i.e. Dhanbad district in particular as well as Jharkhand State as a whole. The following graph indicates the CSR budget (as per CSR Policy) versus expenditure of BCCL from FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24:
Out of the CSR Budget Allocation of Rs 10.09 Cr., an amount of Rs 7.77 Cr. has been spent from CSR budget of FY 2023-24 and an amount of Rs 2.31 Cr has been deposited in the ‘Unspent CSR Account’ for ongoing projects of FY 2023-24.

CSR activities of BCCL

Some of the major CSR activities undertaken in FY 2023-24 are as follows:

1. Skill Development

Training of Youths at CIPET

BCCL has undertaken a project in which training is provided to youths in various plastic engineering courses through Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ranchi. A total of 80 youths are undergoing the training at CIPET, Ranchi. The estimated expenditure for this project is Rs 56.00 Lakh.

youth-ecosystem

Healthcare training

Training in healthcare and paramedics under National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) approved course is being provided to 120 female candidates; 80% of whom are SC/ST/OBCs. The project costs roughly Rs 29.64 Lakh.

Financial training

BFSI- Credit Processing Officer – Residential Training in Banking, Financial, Service and Insurance sector is being provided to 150 candidates, majorly from underprivileged background at an expenditure of Rs 41.75 Lakh.

Technician training

Skill Development Training on various trades through Indo Danish Tool Room – Training on the trades CNC Milling, Room Air Conditioner and Home Appliances Technician, Hand Held Products Technician etc. is being provided to 30 candidates at IDTR Varanasi including boarding and fooding facilities at an expenditure of Rs 24.49 Lakh.

Multi Skill Development Institute

A multi skill development Institute (MSDI) through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is being set up at Belgaria Rehabilitation Township to facilitate skill development training to 60 women of the region on ‘Fashionpreneurs (Apparel + EDP)’ at an expenditure of Rs 86.54 Lakh.

2. Supporting Schools: Health & Education

Mini Science Labs

Mini Science Labs are being installed in 05 Govt. schools of Dhanbad in collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) Foundation. Estimated expenditure for this project is Rs 22.96 Lakh.

Infrastructure development work

A library is being constructed at Shahid Shakti Nath Mahato Smarak Uchh Vidyalaya in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad at an expenditure of Rs 24.36 Lakh.
A Hostel is being constructed at Premiya Rishikesh Vishwavidyalaya, Amlabad, Chandankeyari at an expenditure of Rs 27.38 Lakh.
Separate toilets for male and female students are being constructed at Bhuneshwar Yadav Sukhdeo Narayan Inter College Dhanbad at an expenditure of Rs 8.13 Lakh.
A common room is being constructed at Chetna Maha Vidyalaya, Sehraj Govindpur (A tribal school) at an expenditure of Rs 11.79 Lakh.
Sanitary Pads procured through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at an expenditure of Rs 3.6 Lakh has been distributed to female students of Govt. schools of Dhanbad with an aim to promote menstrual health and hygiene.

3. Supporting the underprivileged

Multi-Purpose Hall

A multipurpose hall is being constructed at Pragha Village, Belgaria to facilitate social gatherings, celebrations of the locals at an expenditure of Rs 45.34 Lakh.

Drinking Water Facility

Water Supply facility has been fixed at Ghutway Village under Damoda Colliery, Barora Area at an expenditure of Rs 13.71 Lakh.

 

BCCL’s Commitment to Sustainability

Cleanliness

BCCL has undertaken extensive cleanliness efforts, identifying 110 sites for the campaign. As of now, 66 sites have been successfully cleaned, covering an area of 35,363 sq. ft. The remaining 44 sites are on track for completion, with further initiatives to enhance workspace hygiene and safety.

Scrap Disposal Efforts

BCCL aims to dispose of 230 metric tonnes of scrap materials. So far, 164 metric tonnes have been successfully disposed of, generating revenue of Rs 62.14 lakh against the expected Rs 88.02 lakh. The scrap disposal efforts have freed up critical space for operational efficiency and sustainability.

Waste to Art Initiative

As part of its Special Campaign 4, BCCL has launched an innovative ‘Waste to Art’ initiative, transforming discarded materials into creative installations. This project, showcased at the company’s PB Project Office at Jharkhand’s Loyabad, highlights BCCL’s commitment to environmental sustainability by promoting the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Initiative

As a tribute to motherhood and nature, BCCL has launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, under its ongoing Special Campaign 4.0. This plantation drive encourages employees and local communities to plant saplings in honour of their mothers, symbolising the nurturing care that both mothers and nature provide. The initiative has already seen the planting of over 28,000 saplings across BCCL’s operational areas, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

 

 

CSR: Priceless Planet Coalition advances its global efforts towards restoration of 100 million trees

CSR: Priceless Planet Coalition advances its global efforts towards restoration of 100 million trees
Together with partners Conservation International and the World Resources Institute, Mastercard is expanding the Priceless Planet Coalition’s global portfolio of restoration sites. The Coalition, comprising 150 corporate and financial institution partners, is introducing three new restoration sites and expanding six existing projects. The project’s aim is to increase investment in areas that have significant potential for positive global impact.
The three new restoration sites include Eastern Himalayas (India), Kaeng Krachan National Park (Thailand), and High Andes (South America).  The site added in Eastern Himalayas which is home to species such as the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and Snow leopard. With over 200 indigenous groups, this region serves as a critical water source to millions both upstream and downstream.
This development brings the total number of Priceless Planet Coalition’s restoration projects to 22, further solidifying its dedication to restoring vital ecosystems worldwide. This expansion is a crucial step towards the coalition’s goal of funding the restoration of 100 million trees. The addition of these new sites and the enhancement of current projects underscore the coalition’s continuous efforts to maximize benefits on climate, communities, and biodiversity.
The project portfolio of the Priceless Planet Coalition includes diverse geographical representation in the following locations: Asia Pacific(Australia, Cambodia, China,  the Philippines, India, and now Thailand as well); Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and now including High Andes restoration sites in Ecuador and Peru); Europe (France, Portugal, Spain, Scotland); Middle East & Africa (Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, United Arab Emirates); and North America (Mexico, United States, Canada).

New Restoration Sites

The three new sites have been chosen based on their potential for strong positive impacts on climate, biodiversity, and local communities. This expansion reflects the coalition’s approach to selecting locations that have strong implementation partners and socially and ecologically appropriate restoration strategies.
Across the globe in the Eastern Himalayas of India, 400 hectares of forest will be restored in partnership with ATREE. According to Conservation International, the Eastern Himalayan region is extraordinarily rich in biodiversity, containing one-twelfth of all species on the planet, while also supporting the livelihoods and survival of nearly a billion people who depend on its natural resources. Despite its ecological importance, this region ranks among the most climate-vulnerable globally. Since 2000, it has lost 9.5% of its green cover, and in 2022 alone, 1.5 million people lost their homes to extreme weather events. The Priceless Planet Coalition’s work to fund restoration in the Eastern Himalaya will aim to support the restoration of the region’s biodiversity, while mitigating climate change and supporting the local communities.
“Co-identifying and co-designing restoration activities with relevant stakeholders in the region will be the primary focus of our work. Biodiversity and ecosystems are inextricably linked with the wellbeing of the people in the Eastern Himalaya and landscape/ecosystem restoration is key to building resilience for nature and people,” adds Sarala Khaling of ATREE.
Another new site added is in the High Andes, where coordinating organizations Global Forest Generation (GFG) and Asociación de Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) are powering an ambitious restoration initiative, Acción Andina. This initiative will help protect and restore native forest ecosystems across the Andes, including Ecuador and Peru. These ecosystems act as the water towers of South America by absorbing and redistributing moisture and glacial meltwater to feed streams, rivers, and major metropolitan areas, all the way to the Amazon. The absence of healthy, native forests leads to detrimental drought and flood cycles, endangering local economies and prompting migration to urban centers. Acción Andina is committed to working with local communities to restore these ecosystems by planting and restoring trees. In tandem with restoration efforts, the initiative includes community engagement activities such as building water catchment systems, wells, and reservoirs, conducting forest fire prevention and management trainings; distributing clean cookstoves; providing livestock management support; developing irrigation and water infrastructure; and offering literacy programs.
“Acción Andina has already planted millions of trees in the high Andes and involved tens of thousands of local people to bring back native forests and water for the continent. We are on a mission to grow this locally-led initiative into a global movement, involving diverse communities, cultures, and sectors all united to protect and restore vital ecosystems for decades to come,” says Florent Kaiser, Global Forest Generation CEO and Acción Andina co-lead. “The Priceless Planet Coalition is an essential partner that will help us take continued action towards creating resilient communities and landscapes in this century of change.”
In Thailand, a significant new project is underway within Kaeng Krachan National Park. This initiative aims to restore monoculture agriculture areas and other degraded zones, while also safeguarding conservation areas in community-managed sections of the National Park. By restoring trees and the overall ecosystem, the project will enhance biodiversity and provide benefits to both wildlife and local communities. Covering 165 hectares, this restoration effort will focus on supporting the diverse forest types found within the National Park and the flora and fauna vital to the local ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to embark on this Forest Landscape Restoration project in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The National Park provides habitat for many endemic and endangered plant and wildlife species, such as Asian elephants, leopards, gaurs and Great Hornbills, and has long been home to local communities and ethnic groups,” explains Jake Brunner, IUCN Head of Lower Mekong Sub-Region. “Collaboration will be essential to the success of this project. IUCN will work closely with The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of the Government of Thailand and local communities, combining cutting-edge science and traditional ecological knowledge to restore degraded areas through approaches such as enrichment planting, community-based agroforestry and riparian rehabilitation.”

Expansion of Existing Projects

The coalition is expanding investment in six of its 19 existing sites across Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi. This strategic expansion will build on the coalition’s existing partnership, knowledge and learnings, increasing the scope of impact, providing additional funding to maximize climate, biodiversity, and community benefits in these regions. In Colombia, for example, the Musesi restoration project in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in partnership with the Colombia Ministry of the Environment is supporting the Indigenous Arhuaco people to restore their sacred lands, ensuring that the project aligns with their cultural and environmental values. According to Conservation International, over 429 Arhuaco families from 14 communities have participated in growing and planting more than 700,000 trees, restoring almost 2,500 acres of land across three watersheds. The community-based approach has fostered technical skills and increased capacity for future restoration efforts. This initiative not only contributes to national and global climate objectives but also strengthens the governance of the Arhuaco community, helping them reclaim their ancestral territory.
Building on this success, further investment from the Priceless Planet Coalition will allow the Musesi project to restore an additional 2.5 million trees, covering an additional 4,500 acres and ultimately aiming to capture an estimated 64,140 tonnes of CO2, according to Conservation International.

Uniting in climate action

The Priceless Planet Coalition, launched by Mastercard with Conservation International and World Resources Institute, unites individuals, businesses and corporate partners in taking climate action by funding the restoration of 100 million trees. The coalition includes more than 150 partners globally, each contributing to funding forest restoration through various donation campaigns, which may include encouraging consumers to donate at points of sale, allowing consumers to use  loyalty points linked to payment cards to support tree restoration, or making donations to executing charities of the PPC after  consumers engage in certain activities, such as agreeing to receive paperless statements or when making the purchase of specific products.
As of 2023, the Priceless Planet Coalition has grown to over 150 members who have helped support the planting of millions of trees and more than 600 plant species and create 1.2 million workdays for people around the world.
“The impact that the Priceless Planet Coalition has made since its inception is a demonstration of the power of partnerships, of collaboration between non-profits, scientific experts, businesses, consumers, and local communities,” says Mastercard Chief Sustainability Officer Ellen Jackowski. “Through this expansion, the coalition is doubling down and enhancing our investment in the places where we are maximizing benefits and achieving lasting impacts on climate, biodiversity, and communities.”
The coalition’s approach integrates scientific expertise, local community involvement, and strategic partnerships to ensure the success and longevity of its restoration initiatives. Each project employs the Tree Restoration Framework, which tracks and measures factors such as ecosystem integrity, socio-economic impact, carbon sequestration estimation, and the number of trees that have been fully restored with 5-year monitoring.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Monitoring Application Developed to Aid Cyclone Dana Mitigation Efforts

Monitoring Application Developed to Aid Cyclone Dana Mitigation Efforts
Cyclone Dana is forming over the Bay of Bengal, with a low-pressure system expected to intensify into a depression by October 24, 2024. This cyclone is projected to bring heavy rainfall to regions such as Odisha, southern West Bengal, and nearby coastal areas, with landfall anticipated between October 24 and 26, and the heaviest rainfall expected around October 24.
To provide critical insights about the movement of the cyclone to authorities and the public at large, Esri India has launched DANA CYCLONE MONITORING APPLICATION today. This application integrates the data coming from IMD weather bulletins, Windy’s dynamic data, and Indo ArcGIS Living Atlas and makes it available in the form of Esri’s live dynamic dashboards. The progress of the cyclone can be tracked using Esri’s configurable dashboards that enable the authorities involved in disaster management efforts to visualize data, communicate information, and analyze real-time data on a single screen.
Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, said “Disaster preparedness helps protect lives, property, and livelihoods, while ensuring faster recovery and minimizing long-term impacts. Live data during disasters like Cyclone Dana enable the authorities to make critical decisions, such as where to issue evacuation orders, how to mobilize resources, and more. This ensures more effective monitoring and disaster response, ultimately saving lives and resources. We are keen to support these objectives with the Dana Cyclone Monitoring Application. This app can also be used by the public so that they can be better prepared.”
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

E-Rickshaws for Community Welfare, Channelling ₹50 Lakhs into Local Support

E-Rickshaws for Community Welfare, Channelling ₹50 Lakhs into Local Support
Udaan E Vehicles, a leader in the electric vehicle industry, has announced a significant step in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by distributing 20 premium e-rickshaws powered by Bilon. This initiative is aimed at supporting local communities by providing reliable transport services, particularly for the elderly and disabled.
The selected beneficiary families for this distribution were local temples, where the e-rickshaws will serve as shuttle services, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can access essential services and participate in community activities. This thoughtful allocation reflects Udaan E Vehicles’ commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who need it most.
Mitul Batraa, Co-founder of Udaan E Vehicles, stated, “We believe in the transformative power of sustainable transportation. By providing these e-rickshaws, we aim to empower communities and improve accessibility for the elderly and disabled. Our commitment to social responsibility goes hand in hand with our mission to create a greener future.”
The total investment made by Udaan in this CSR activity amounts to ₹50 lakhs, emphasizing the company’s dedication to making a tangible difference in society. Udaan E Vehicles also has plans for further CSR activities in the near future, focusing on enhancing community welfare and promoting sustainable practices.
This initiative aligns with Udaan E Vehicles’ vision of fostering a sustainable and inclusive environment, as the company continues to lead the charge in the electric vehicle sector.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Bal Raksha Bharat & Sphere India Empower Children and Youth to Lead Climate Action

Bal Raksha Bharat & Sphere India Empower Children and Youth to Lead Climate Action
 Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), emphasising a holistic approach to building resilience, reducing disaster risks, and fostering sustainable development., Bal Raksha Bharat and the Sphere India Academy have integrated on the #GenerationHope Campaign to accelerate inclusive climate resilience by empowering youth and children in India and everywhere.
The event, hosted by Bal Raksha Bharat, was attended by notable dignitaries from key disaster management agencies of India like NIDM, NDMA, DDMA. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Anil Sinha, former Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). A special address to children was delivered by Professor Vinod C. Menon, Founder Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Dr. Mukta Girdhar Senior Consultant, Delhi Disaster Management Authority & Ms. Rebecca von Schreeb, Second Secretary, Embassy of Sweden, joined a panel discussion moderated by Santanu Chakraborty, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat. Representatives from Sphere India Academy, Government Officials and other Civil Society Organisations were also present at the event.
Through a series of online and offline actions, and a consultation of 150 plus children from eight regions (Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal), children manifested their life experiences to define solutions and demands that was presented as a charter. This charter speaks about Conservation, Preservation and Collective Action and amplifies voices of the younger generation on critical climate discussions, and was presented at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The same will be presented at the COP29 later this year.
Citing the UN Secretary General, Shri Anil Sinha said, “The era of global warming is over but the era of global boiling has begun.” He also reiterated that Disaster risk reduction  should begin at an early stage in life and integrated in children’s development journey “This begins at home, with children as the greatest change agents and schools a milestone of development,” he concluded.
Professor Vinod Menon added by saying that humanity is going through a catastrophe in the face of climate crisis and the #GenerationHope campaign is taking the natural wisdom of children to secure the future of humanity. We have to leave a legacy behind, and that calls for courage of conviction.
He highlighteds the importance of youth engagement in addressing climate change, while building resilience through education, collective action, and collaboration. It serves as a platform for young people to share their stories, ideas, and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental & climate challenges.
Dr. Mukta Girdhar cited the importance of technology for disaster preparedness and mitigation and emphasised on how we need to equip and encourage the innovative minds of today’s children to bring in more pathbreaking solutions.
Sparking critical conversations around resilience, policy action, and the role of young people in driving change, the campaign also offered fresh insights into the climate crisis from the perspective of the youngest stakeholders to co-create solutions. The event also featured the launch of the global film Born Into The Climate Crisis, which highlights the human toll of climate disasters and the urgent need for action.
“Our children and youth are the driving force behind climate action. Through this campaign, we are working for and with children to galvanize this platform to lead the conversation on building a sustainable future,” said Santanu Chakraborty, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat. “Their ideas and contributions will guide our work and bring us closer to a world where climate resilience is a reality for all.”
The Generation Hope campaign reinforces the commitment of Bal Raksha Bharat and Sphere India Academy to fostering meaningful participation of youth in climate discussions and action. This initiative not only aims to raise awareness but also to inspire change at local, national, and global levels.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

‘Srijangan’ CSR Initiative to Illuminate Rural Education in Hingalganj this Diwali

‘Srijangan’ CSR Initiative to Illuminate Rural Education in Hingalganj this Diwali
This Diwali, while many prepare to light diyas and decorate their homes, Embee Software Pvt Ltd is setting a different kind of light in motion—one that shines on the future of children in Hingalganj, West Bengal. The launch of the ‘Srijangan’ initiative marks a heartfelt commitment to transforming education for children aged 8 to 13, turning aspirations into realities.
Sudhir Kothari, Managing Director of Embee Software, shares a vision that resonates deeply: “We want to create community-driven learning hubs that can be replicated in any region, serving as a model for transformative education.” It’s a mission fueled by the belief that every child holds potential waiting to be nurtured, much like a plant yearning for sunlight.
Utsav Kothari, VP of Data and Application Business at Embee, underscores the goal of empowering children: “We aim to equip them with the skills they need for success, while also respecting the wisdom of older generations.” In a world where knowledge is rapidly evolving, this blend of youthful curiosity and seasoned insight could be the perfect recipe for success.
Imagine a child, eyes bright with curiosity, stepping into one of the five village learning centers. These centers, equipped with digital libraries, offer a treasure trove of resources. Here, trained facilitators guide students through engaging, hands-on activities, igniting creativity and practical skills that are often overlooked in traditional education. It’s a space where learning becomes an adventure, and every question is met with encouragement—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good “why?”
What makes ‘Srijangan’ truly special is its innovative inclusion of older community members through ‘Inter-Generational Learning Centers.’ This initiative is like adding a pinch of wisdom to a recipe—essential for flavor. By integrating the knowledge and stories of elders into the learning process, the project strengthens bonds within the community. It’s a reminder that education is not just about books; it’s about weaving the fabric of shared experiences across generations.
As ‘Srijangan’ takes root, it stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for many children who might otherwise remain in the shadows of educational inequality. This Diwali, Embee Software is not just celebrating the triumph of light over darkness; it’s lighting the way to a brighter future for the children of Hingalganj—one filled with possibilities, dreams, and a few good laughs along the way. After all, education is serious business, but who says we can’t have a bit of fun while doing it?
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Hindi Manch

Editor's Pick