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June 4, 2025
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World Food Day: Food Wastage In India, Its Implications on Nutrition and Sustainability

By
Hency Thacker
-
Artistic Tribute to Women Farmers in Celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas
Indians waste as much food as the whole of United Kingdom consumes, according to a study conducted by United Nations Development Program. While this is majorly because of a large population size of the country as compared to the UK, it is still an alarming statistic considering how much of the country’s population still suffers from hunger and malnutrition.
Weddings, canteens, hotels, social and family functions, households throw away a large amount of food on a daily basis. According to the United Nations Development Programme, up to 40% of the food produced in India gets wasted. About 21 million tonnes of wheat are wasted in India and 50% of all food across the world meets the same fate and never reaches the needy. In fact, according to the agriculture ministry, INR 50,000 crores worth of food produced is wasted every year in the country.

The Nutritional Loss

One of the major implications of food wastage is the loss of essential nutrients that could have been utilised for addressing the malnutrition challenges that India faces. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein sources are often discarded before they even reach the consumers, resulting in the loss of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are vital for health.
According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.3, which is considered to be serious with respect to the hunger in the country’s population. According to GHI, in India, 13.7% of the population is undernourished, 35.5% of children under five are stunted, 18.7% of children under five are wasted, and 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday.

Impact on Sustainability

Food wastage also takes a major toll on environmental sustainability. The food production process use various sources such as water, energy, and land. These are all wasted when the food is discarded. The carbon footprint associated with producing, transporting, and processing wasted food also adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, when food waste ends up in landfills, it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change.
Consider the scenario: a farmer invests substantial resources in cultivating a crop. This process requires water, fertiliser, labour, and energy. The harvested crop then travels through the supply chain, consuming additional energy during transportation and storage. If a significant portion of this food goes to waste, the resources invested in its production are all for naught, along with the potential to feed those in need.

Root Causes of Food Wastage

There are several factors that contribute to food wastage in India. One of them is poor storage facilities and inadequate cooling infrastructure along the supply chain, which then lead to spoilage of food. In addition, there is a general lack of awareness among consumers about proper food storage. There is also a significant confusion among consumers between “best before” and “use by” dates which can lead to premature disposal. Another factor that leads to wastage of perfectly good food is the unreasonable market demands for aesthetically perfect produce. This results in rejection of fruits and vegetables that appear imperfect but are healthy for consumption.
Another major cause of food wastage in India is the complexity of the supply chain of food in India. The food supply chain in the country has several intermediaries between farmer/producer to final consumer, including traders, distributors and retailers, among others. This often lead to inefficiencies, with food getting lost at various points along the chain due to lack of proper handling, storage, and transportation facilities. In order to improve supply chain management, there is a need to enhance cold storage facilities, transportation infrastructure, and packaging, to take care of some inefficiencies.

Why is food wastage a problem?

Food wastage is an issue in India for multiple reasons:
1. 25% of the total fresh water that is used to produce food is ultimately wasted. This is a major concern considering the fact that there are millions of people that still do not have access to safe drinking water. Putting this into perspective, the amount of water that gets wasted is a bit more than the amount of water of an average river.
2. Several acres of land is deforested to grow food. Approximately 45% of India’s land is degraded primarily due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction to meet the food demand.
3. Over 300 million barrels of oil that are used to produce food that is ultimately wasted.

What needs to be done to reducing food wastage?

In order to tackle food wastage, there is a need for a multifaceted approach that requires consistent effort from governments, industries, and individuals. For this, several measures need to be put in place:

1. Educational Campaigns

One of the major reasons for significant wastage of food is lack of awareness among consumers and the intermediaries about the way the food needs to be handled in order to increase its longevity. To address this, educational campaigns need to be conducted, at various levels of the food supply chain. These campaigns can educate the stakeholders about various aspects of food preservation including proper storage techniques, safe transportations tips, tips to increase shelf life and prioritising selling and consumption of food that is nearing its expiry date.
In addition educational campaigns can be organised for consumers to help them implement effective meal planning and creative use of leftovers.

2. Improved Supply Chain Management

A major step that needs to be taken in order to tackle a large chunk of food from being wasted is to improve supply chain management. Food is wasted at each level of supply chain from the farmer to the final consumer. While some of it can be reduced by improving efficiency and vigilance, a lot of it cannot be done without technological intervention. For example, perishable foods cannot sustain for a long time without a good cold storage infrastructure. Similarly, modernising the transportation networks and improving the efficiency of logistics can help in ensuring that the food reaches the consumers quickly, long before it loses its quality and longevity. Development of proper packaging that can help in preventing damage to food that can happen during transportation can also help in reducing wastage of food.

3. Redistribution of surplus food

A lot of food in India gets wasted because more food is prepared than consumed. This practice happens in restaurants, events and even households. This food end up being thrown out with no other use for it. Redirecting this food to an NGO that works for feeding the poor, or a food bank can prove to be highly beneficial, as it tackles two issues at once – preventing food wastage and reducing hunger.

What can you do to Reduce Food Wastage Personally?

Here’s what one can do on a more personal level to contain the food wastage:
1) Plan out your meal and make your shopping list to determine what you actually need for the week. About 20% of what we buy in urban India ends up being thrown away.  You could in the week after cut down on the surplus and soon in two or three weeks you will have a precise list of your family’s weekly consumption. You have no idea how amazed you will be at how much you buy and what you actually consume. Needless to say that the difference is but naturally wasted.
2) Buy in quantities you can realistically use. Avoid impulse buys. It will more or less find the bin.
3) If you cook at home, make sure you cook keeping in mind there is no excess. You can always complete your meals with a few fruits rather than keep some extra food in the refrigerator. It’s a lot better and a healthier practice too.
4) Select according to their shelf life. Use the green vegetables first. Don’t throw out fruits and veggies with ‘aesthetic only’ blemishes. Use canned and bottled food before expiry dates.
5) Reuse the refrigerated left-overs (if any) for the very next meal.
6) Even if food gets spoilt then compost it.
7) If you work in an office that has a canteen, check with them on how they manage excess food. Cooked food, especially since it has a low shelf life needs to be managed better and faster. Check with NGOs who offer to transport excess food to the needy.
8) If you host a family get together either at home, a marriage hall or throw a party at a hotel, make sure you plan for the food to be transported to a place like an orphanage or an old age shelter.
9) Make finishing your plate a habit. Try to inculcate it further to as many possible.

Artistic Tribute to Women Farmers in Celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas

By
The CSR Journal
-
Artistic Tribute to Women Farmers in Celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas

To celebrate Mahila Kisan Diwas, Coca-Cola India has collaborated with renowned illustrator PS Rathour to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women farmers and their journeys toward sustainable agriculture. The artist’s canvas highlights five women farmers —Regina, Rani, Suvarna, Preethi, and Basanti—from diverse Indian states brought to life through captivating illustration.

At the heart of this initiative are inspiring stories of resilience and transformation. In Kodagu, Rani revitalized barren land into a flourishing coffee plantation, turning her personal loss into a thriving enterprise while earning a steady income. Her dedication and leadership earned her a position as a board director for the Madikeri Highlands Farmers Producers Company. Meanwhile, in Kolhapur, Suvarna’s journey from smallholder farmer to successful entrepreneur showcases the power of sustainable practices. Her innovative use of vermicomposting enhanced soil fertility, significantly boosting her sugarcane and vegetable yields and ensuring economic stability for her family.

These women are not only leaders in sustainable farming; they are vital agents of change in their communities. By adopting good agricultural practices (GAPs), they enhance food security, improve the well-being of their families, create jobs, and drive local entrepreneurship, illustrating the profound impact women have in agriculture.

Reflecting on the project, illustrator P.S. Rathour shared, “Creating these sketches was more than an artistic challenge; it was a chance to capture the courage and innovation these women embody. I hope my work reflects their strength and the vital role they play in shaping a sustainable future for Indian agriculture.”

Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director-CSR and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia (INSWA), stated, “Women farmers play a crucial role in our communities, and we’re proud to support their vital contributions to agriculture. Through our work over the last decade with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation we have witnessed firsthand how empowered these women are in fostering innovation and resilience in farming practices. Their dedication not only sustains families but also paves the way for a brighter future or the community in their ecosystem.”

Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, in partnership with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, reflects and shares stories of our long-standing commitment to empowering women farmers through initiatives like Project Unnati. This program has been instrumental in supporting farmers, providing them with the resources and training needed to thrive.

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

More Than 3 crore Raised By 80+ NGOs at the 19th Edition of the Delhi Half Marathon

By
The CSR Journal
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More Than 3 crore Raised By 80+ NGOs at the 19th Edition of the Delhi Half Marathon
The citizens of Delhi and India came together again to uphold the ‘Spirit of Giving’ and celebrate #AaRangDeDilli at the 19th edition of the world’s prestigious Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The world’s prestigious half marathon has slowly cemented itself as one of India’s leading philanthropy platforms.  The event’s Philanthropy Partner United Way Delhi, has consistently strengthened its charitable impact – providing a cause-neutral platform, supporting various Sustainable Development Goals, and empowering NGOs.
For this edition, 78 not-for-profit organizations, more than 80 individual fundraisers, and 12 corporates, alongside thousands of donors, have collectively raised INR INR 3 crore for charity. This amount is almost two times the funds raised in 2023. Since its inception in 2005, the event has raised INR 81.21 crores, positively impacting millions of lives.
The fundraising is open until October, 31st 2024, for more details please log in to vdhm.unitedwaydelhi.org
To date, the overall funds raised by NGOs through direct donations are INR 11.46 lakhs, funds raised by individual fundraisers are INR 52.06 lakhs, corporate contributions amount to INR 2.36 crores, and funds raised using the Charity Bibs are INR 3.54 lakhs.
The platform has gathered support for various social causes, such as Child Development, Education, Health, Livelihood Generation, Organ Transplant, Disability (including children with cerebral palsy), cancer aid, support, and rehabilitation.
Commenting on the association and the philanthropy drive for this edition, Rina Kaushal, Chairperson of United Way of Delhi, said, “This year’s philanthropy drive at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has been an extraordinary collective effort, inspired by our motto, “Cause It Matters.” We are immensely proud of the powerful collaboration between United Way of Delhi and our 78 NGO partners, who rallied together to support critical social development goals across various sectors. We are deeply grateful to our partners, fundraisers, and donors who have supported this mission and contributed to the collective success of our drive.”
The event’s title sponsor, Indian conglomerate Vedanta, boosted the event’s philanthropic drive through innovative social impact campaigns that struck a strong chord with the runners in the last two years. Vedanta’s #RunForZeroHunger campaign pledged to provide a nutritious meal for a needy child for every kilometre logged during the race. And this year, the target is 10 million meals through its flagship social impact initiative, Nand Ghar.
“Mass-participation sports have been indelibly linked to promoting social causes since immemorial. It is a humbling experience to witness so many citizens coming together for the greater good. Congratulations to all our fundraisers and United Way Delhi for their stellar efforts in ensuring the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a silver lining to the social sector,” said Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International.
A brief profile of the highest fundraisers and their commitment towards fundraising:
Jason Joshua Moses raised INR 2,24,294 for Mohan Foundation
16-year-old Jason, who will be running the Open 10K, has raised INR 2,24,294/-  to support the Mohan Foundation, supporting a lifesaving mission of organ donation. He believes in giving back to society & supporting the underprivileged. By supporting ‘Anudaan,’ by the Mohan Foundation, he is raising funds to make a difference in helping organ transplantation, especially for children.
Rania Sarker raised INR 1,24,900 for Miracle Foundation India.
Rania Sarker has raised INR 1,24,900 for Miracle Foundation India; she is a senior grade student at The Shri Ram School Moulsari.  Her philanthropic journey started last year during an internship with Miracle Foundation India. Inspired by her father’s values of
compassion and responsibility, Rania has since participated in multiple initiatives focused on uplifting underprivileged communities. Her dedication to creating positive change drives her fundraising efforts at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. Guided by empathy and a deep commitment to serving others, Rania is determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
Deepak Sharma raised INR 16,60,199 for Udayan Care
Deepak Sharma, a passionate fundraiser & Trustee at Udayan Care, has made a significant impact by raising funds for the organization at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon since 2016. Across editions, he has cumulatively raised over INR 1.7 crore for the organization, and he continues his journey in the 2024 edition.
Deepak’s dedication to aftercare programs is evident in his heartfelt conversations. He is associated with Udayan Care in multiple ways and his humility is a testament to the richness that echoes through his dedication to contributing to society. He believes that individual efforts for social causes are vital to our country’s progress. His motivation to support this cause comes from within, driven by a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
Anil Chawla raised INR 5,37,251 for the VIPLA Foundation.
Anil Chawla has been fundraising since 2017 and this year has raised INR 5,37,251 for Vipla Foundation. Championing the Vipla Foundation’s mission to educate underprivileged children is close to his heart. A firm believer in education as a catalyst for national growth, Mr. Chawla supports the foundation’s efforts to ensure children reach age-appropriate grade levels and complete their schooling successfully.
Etasha Society raised INR 70,22,452
Etasha Society, an NGO dedicated to empowering youth through education and skill development, shared their inspiring experiences and motivations for participating in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon from 2011 to 2012. Their stories shed light on this event’s profound impact on their organization and the communities they serve.
This year, in the 19th edition of VDHM, the Etasha Society has set a new level that inspires us to believe in the power of collective action. The funds they have raised are not just numbers; they are a hope for young hearts to pursue their dreams.
Etasha Society’s Project’ Fight Berozgaari’ is an initiative to make youth from less privileged communities financially self-reliant through sustained employment and income generation. This project will help individuals become financially independent, helping not just them but their families as well. Etasha’s dedication and passion for helping these students find the spark within themselves motivate each one of us.
United Way Delhi raised INR 62,60,190
United Way of Delhi (UWD) is an independent not-for-profit organization affiliated with the United Way Worldwide Family – one of the World’s Largest leaders with 1800 affiliate chapters across 41 countries. United Way Delhi (UWD), since 2008, has been working actively to advance the ‘common good’ for the local community through innovative social impact interventions and partnerships under domains including foundational learning, quality education, healthcare, environment, livelihood, and disaster response.
United Way of Delhi, in this edition, successfully raised INR 62,60,190 through two impactful initiatives: SVASTI and Samriddhi. SVASTI is a pioneering mental health initiative to enhance emotional well-being in rural communities. By addressing mental health at a grassroots level, SVASTI is helping to build a healthier and more resilient future for these communities.
Through the Samriddhi project, United Way of Delhi empowers women from marginalized communities, equipping them with the resources, skills, and training necessary to achieve economic independence. By supporting women in their journey towards economic independence, Samriddhi benefits individual families and creates ripple effects of empowerment and growth across entire communities.
Udayan Care raised INR 20,83,058
Udayan Care is a public charitable trust in Child & Youth Care, Education & Empowerment of Girls, skilled underprivileged Youth & Women, and Advocacy for Alternative Care, Child Rights, and Family Strengthening. Headquartered in New Delhi, It has a presence in 36 cities and 15 states of India. Udayan Care’s vision is “Making Young Lives Shine.” This year, Udayan Care raised funds for their Aftercare Program to support the care leavers in building a brighter, more secure future.
Genpact Supporting SankalpTaru Foundation and United Way of Delhi contributed Rs.63,75,000
Genpact’s CSR focuses on creating a better planet through sustainable initiatives, supporting environmental programs, and improving access to health, education, and opportunities. Since 2022, Genpact has participated in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, doubling its contribution annually. Through employee giving and volunteering, Genpact has supported multiple NGOs and underprivileged students, driving meaningful impact across communities.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR: Ambuja Foundation Collaborates with ICDS and Health Department to celebrate ‘Poshan Maah 2024’ across locations

By
The CSR Journal
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CSR: Ambuja Foundation Collaborates with ICDS and Health Department to celebrate ‘Poshan Maah 2024’ across locations
Executing a number of community welfare activities and creating awareness around nutrition, Ambuja Foundation zealously celebrated Poshan Maah 2024 in the month of September. The Foundation, known for its pan-India social development work to transform rural communities, conducted a month-long nutrition campaign focusing on awareness, health camps, community engagement programs and rallies in collaboration with ICDS and Health Department of the districts.
Many events such as ‘god bharai’, ‘Annprashan’, counselling on breastfeeding and family planning were organised, focusing on maternal nutrition and balanced diet in association with ICDS and Health Department at AWCs and Block level.  Even at the skill training centres and amongst women and adolescent groups health camps and check-up sessions.
Special camps were also organized for pregnant and lactating mothers to counsel them about nutrition and its importance for them. The women were educated about improving maternal and child health through nutrition awareness and community engagement and discussions were also held on the role of nutrition in early childhood development.
The campaign aimed to spread awareness around the problem of malnutrition by improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. A series of nutrition demonstration sessions were organized across various Anganwadi centres aimed to education and empower communities, particularly mothers and caregives on the importance of balance nutrition for young children and pregnant women. At the sessions, beneficiaries learnt how to prepare affordable nutritious meals emphasizing the significance of a diverse diet.
During the first week of September, the foundation organised a nutritious meal ‘Kichidi’ cooking session in one of the locations with mothers and children in alignment with the ICDS department. A sensitization campaign was executed on the theme of ‘What you eat makes you who you are’ which indicates food selection is significant in our life as it directly affects our health.
Speaking on the success of ‘Poshan Maah 2024, Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said, “Good health and education go hand in hand. With the launch of ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi,’ we want to build a foundation of health and education at grass root level that lasts a lifetime. Our initiative aims in creating awareness around lifestyle choices, nutritional habits, deficiencies, poor sanitation and hygiene. Critical issues of malnutrition, specially amongst children, pregnant women and lactating mothers will be addressed for the betterment of the society in these areas.”
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

International Day of Rural Women: The Indian Story of Rural Female Empowerment

By
The CSR Journal
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International Day of Rural Women: The Indian Story of Rural Female Empowerment
India is a great mix of both urban and rural spaces. While urban spaces connect the country to technology and the outside world, the rural part of India produces food and fibre for the entire nation. But despite its valuable contributions, rural spaces in India suffer setbacks in education, technology, innovation, social change, and economic growth. Approximately half of this rural population is women which numerically accounts for 40 crore individuals, according to the last Indian Census. Each rural female contributes to the family income along with maintaining almost all the daily responsibilities by herself. In villages, the work of fetching water and firewood for food is also the responsibility of the females of the household. 
It was to commemorate all these rural women that the United Nations announced 15th October as the International Day of Rural Women. The idea is to see women as agents of change at both environmental as well as human developmental levels.
The theme for this year’s International Day for Rural Women is “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for our Collective Future: Building Climate Resilience, Conserving Biodiversity, and Caring for Land towards gender equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls”. This theme aligns perfectly well with the story of Palirani Sahu, an inspiring female changemaker from rural West Bengal.
The 2022 cyclone Amphan in West Bengal created havoc in the rural livelihood of the state. Agricultural lands were completely destroyed, leaving behind barren saline soil. This is where Palirani’s story starts.

 

West Bengal Reliance Foundation
West Bengal Reliance Foundation

Palirani’s Digital Farm School

After the cyclone, Palirani, along with her mates Prasanta Giri and Dilip Mitti started leading a local Digital Farm School or DFS. Started by Reliance Foundation, the school champions learning in innovative practises of organic and integrated farming systems By setting up the school, Reliance Foundation wanted to help local farmers recover from the aftermath of a natural disaster and rebuild their livelihood by providing important tools along with an informed knowledge system.
This could have been possible because of many rural women who could take up strong positions of leadership and dedicatedly work as a decision-maker in agriculture.  The biggest challenge India is currently facing in terms of gender inequality is the inclusion of women in the decision-making process. This is so because culturally, a female’s voice is considered less informed and weak. To address the same problem, Reliance Foundation focuses on women leaders in rural areas and strengthens them based on three pillars: inclusive development, livelihood, and social security. 
Reliance Foundation was founded by Mrs Nita Ambani to provide impetus to various philanthropic initiatives of Reliance Industries Limited. Because of its persistent push to the cause of women empowerment, Reliance Foundation has emerged as one of the largest philanthropic organisations the country has today.

 

Organic Farming in WB
Organic Farming in WB

Reliance Foundation Empowering Women Leaders of the Village

To improve women’s participation and their leadership in important places, Reliance Foundation has a Rural Transformation Information Services Programme with various partners, in this region, with Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra as partner. This is a technology solution initiative that helps farmers with complicated procedures of soil testing, warm composing mushroom cultivation, azole cultivation, and other innovative techniques. Women like Latika Haldar, Tapati Choudhuri Halder and 100 more rural women started cultivating mushrooms and organic vegetables on their farms. This tangibly improved their lives, both in terms of nutrition and income. 
This platform also enables farmer-to-farmer learning, in the same way Palirani and her friends or fellow farmers together, learned. This further enhanced the accessibility of information while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the community. The Reliance Foundation team also installed a QR code for each activity displayed along with the demonstration in the community centre.
The community decision to allot space to Reliance Foundation for demonstration and training in Bhetkipur not only created a sense of solidarity amongst farmers, but also empowered women farmers who started taking up decisions for their own farms, and futures. 
Latika Haldar is a 65-year-old widow who stays alone. Talking to us, she said, “I can earn about Rs 300 every week from the sale of mushrooms and organic vegetables from a small patch which laid barren for years.  I also cultivate fodder for my goats which makes a lot of difference. Since I got earthworms from the community centre, I could make manure at home using kitchen waste, dry leaves and cows which can get easily in the village. I don’t have to rely on anyone’s support.” 
“I started cultivating berseem variety of fodder based on the training from this Reliance Foundation. As a result, I have surplus fodder now, which motivated me to increase the herd size from 5 to 16 goats in November 2023,” said another livestock rearer, Tapati Choudhuri Halder.
For women in rural communities, Reliance Foundation’s efforts like in the case of Palirani, have resulted in greater participation and interest with steadily growing women-specific digital farm schools. Empowering rural communities with information, Reliance Foundation’s Rural Transformation initiatives have reached millions, contributing significantly to sustainable development of rural India.

CSR Campaign Launched Nationwide Awareness Campaign for World Sight Day 2024

By
The CSR Journal
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CSR Campaign Launched Nationwide Awareness Campaign for World Sight Day 2024
In observance of World Sight Day, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals launched a series of impactful initiatives aimed at raising awareness about children eye health and addressing the rising concern of vision impairment across India. The campaign spanned 12 states, with the goal of promoting eye care and making essential products accessible to those in need.
This year’s World Sight Day theme, “Love Your Child’s Eye,” focusses on the importance of protecting vision, raising awareness about vision impairment and blindness, and encouraging proper eye care practices. Uncorrected vision issues can significantly affect education and social inclusion, but simple solutions like spectacles can make a profound difference. The global SPECS 2030 initiative, launched by the WHO in May 2024, intents to ensure affordable access to quality spectacles and related services for everyone who needs them.
As part of the initiative, ENTOD organised eye care awareness camps in key regions such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Mumbai, Karnataka, Punjab, and Gujarat. These camps distributed free samples of eye drops and supplements to needy people, ensuring better access to crucial eye care products. More than 40,000 patients were reached through these efforts, supported by 5,000 volunteers and more than 30 experienced doctors. To further broaden the campaign’s reach, ENTOD produced patient awareness videos in over 12 regional languages, providing vital information on children eye health to audiences across the country.
“We are proud to have been able to contribute towards children’s eye health on the occasion of World Sight Day in particular raising the awareness of childhood myopia which affects almost 1 every 4 children in India. This initiative is just one part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that people, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds understand the importance of good eye care. Our teams and volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this possible,” said Mr. Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Aloka Hedau (Pediatric Ophthalmologist & Squint Surgeon) Hyderabad,, a doctor participating in the campaign, added, “It’s essential to educate the public about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early detection of conditions like myopia, especially in children. This campaign not only raised awareness but also provided direct care to many who may not have had access otherwise. The participation from doctors and volunteers has been incredible, and the positive response we’ve received shows just how necessary these initiatives are.”
She continued, “Managing and preventing myopia in children involves encouraging outdoor activities, limiting screen time, and ensuring proper lighting when reading or studying. Regular eye check-ups are critical for early detection, and solutions like glasses or contact lenses can significantly improve a child’s quality of life. Through campaigns like this, we hope to make these solutions more accessible to the public.”
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

MSDE partners with Meta for AI Assistant in Skill India Mission and 5 Centers of Excellence in NSTIs

By
The CSR Journal
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MSDE partners with Meta for AI Assistant in Skill India Mission and 5 Centers of Excellence in NSTIs
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced its partnership with Meta on Monday for the launch of two key initiatives: an AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and establishing 5 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur.
Commenting on the partnership, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, “Our mission at the Ministry is to empower India’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and mixed reality into the Skill India ecosystem, we are democratizing access to cutting-edge technologies enabling personalized learning pathways for the youth of the country. Our partnership with Meta today is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
Under this partnership, an innovative AI-chatbot powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model will be developed, which will enhance the learner experience on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. The chatbot, which will be integrated into the SID Portal, offers 24/7 assistance to users, enabling quick discovery of course information, interactive Q&A for course content, and access to lecture summaries and relevant videos for revision.
Available over WhatsApp, the chatbot will support English, Hindi, and Hinglish, along with voice capabilities, making it more accessible to a diverse range of users across India. In addition, users can search for specific course topics, find skilling centers, explore job listings based on location and interest, and receive tailored feedback for continuous improvement.
The chatbot will also provide valuable analytics to the MSDE to further optimize the platform. Sarvam AI, the technical partner for the AI assistant project, will be responsible for the development and deployment of the chatbot, which will be piloted over a six-month period.
By making Meta’s open-source AI models accessible to India’s AI ecosystem, it envisages a collaborative e-governance framework for adoption of impactful AI solutions with potential for catalyzing large scale socio-economic transformation in line with India’s AI Mission.
Further, these 5 CoEs at NSTIs will equip learners and instructors with the latest VR technology to learn and enhance existing skills in a safe, immersive and engaging environment. The partnership on AI assistant aims to streamline information access, improve learning outcomes and provide students with seamless support through an intuitive digital interface. The 5 CoEs will also provide realistic simulations, improve engagement and increase accessibility to skill development training.
Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India, said, “At Meta, we are committed to leveraging frontier technologies like AI, VR and MR to create meaningful impact for the economic development of India. These partnerships with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MDSE) are a testament to our commitment to bridging the gap between technology and education. Through the integration of advanced technologies like Open-Source Llama we aim to empower not just the students, but also educators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first world.”
The Skill India Digital Portal has become a cornerstone of the nation’s skilling ecosystem, with millions of students accessing courses aimed at improving their employability. With the launch of the AI chatbot, MSDE and Meta are taking a significant step forward in revolutionizing how students interact with course content and prepare for the future. Further, Skillveri, the technical partner for establishing the CoEs, will provide cutting-edge VR and MR resources, curriculum, and trained professionals to equip learners and instructors with the latest technology, enabling immersive and interactive learning experiences.

 

 

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Ganesh Eco-Utsav Contest promoting environmentally friendly practices comes to an end

By
The CSR Journal
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Ganesh Eco-Utsav Contest promoting environmentally friendly practices comes to an end
Mumbai, India: The Guardians Real Estate Advisory, a leading real estate consultancy and advisory firm, proudly announces the successful completion of its Ganesh Eco-Utsav contest. The main objective of this 11-day event was to promote environmentally friendly practices during Ganesh Chaturthi like choosing eco-friendly idols, reducing plastic waste, and using sustainable pandal decorations. By focusing on eco-conscious celebrations, The Guardians highlighted the importance of blending tradition with sustainability.
Indian festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi are uniquely celebrated with love and affection. For generations, we have celebrated festivals in the simplest ways possible without disturbing the ecosystem. In our culture, it is common to use natural materials, embrace traditional methods, and develop community relationships, ensuring that our celebrations are both meaningful and environmentally conscious.
The contest was launched with a compelling AI-generated video of Lord Ganesha, encouraging people to participate in the contest and bring Ganesha home this year in an environmentally friendly manner. The contest was for all age groups and from across the country. The contest was organised digitally on social media platforms and had three primary categories. The categories were eco-friendly idols, decorations, and immersion procedures. Participants had to ensure that all these activities were conducted using sustainable methods and environmentally friendly materials.
The contest had an overwhelming response and included participants from all over Maharashtra. The contestants’ entries were rigorously judged, and three winners were awarded. The grand winner across the three categories was crowned Eco-Utsav Green Ganesh Guardian 2024.
Jayesh Rathod Director and Co-founder of The Guardians Real Estate Advisory shared his vision behind the event. “Our aim was to combine tradition with sustainability, which has been a part of our culture for decades. This event will inspire people to celebrate responsibly, creating a community that appreciates eco-conscious practices and safeguards the environment for future generations. A conscious step taken now will create a huge impact on a brighter tomorrow. Just as in real estate, where sustainable designs are reshaping the way we live, eco-friendly celebrations can also pave the way for a greener, healthier future.” He said.

 

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

 

Indian Medical Association calls for nationwide Hunger Strike in solidarity with Kolkata doctors

By
Ahana Bhattacharya
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Indian Medical Association calls for nationwide Hunger Strike in solidarity with Kolkata doctors
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is hosting a hunger strike 15th October on Tuesday in solidarity with the doctors of Kolkata who are on fast unto death since 5th October in protest against the brutal rape and murder of trainee a doctor in the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, which took place on the 9th of August this year. The IMA has urged all office bearers and resident doctors across the country to join the hunger strike which will go on for 12 hours on Tuesday.
The medical body announced in an official statement, “Across the country, IMA will hold a dawn-to-dusk fast from 6 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, 15th October 2024. IMA will coordinate with RDAs and support their local actions.”
“Young doctors of Kolkata are on a fast-unto-death struggle for their legitimate demands. They are on their ninth day of fasting. Three of them have been hospitalised. The movement has the support of the people. IMA has appealed to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to accept their demands. IMA National President Dr. RV Asokan has visited the fasting doctors and the leaders of the movement,” the IMA further stated.
Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has also warned of a nationwide “complete shutdown of medical services” if any harm is caused to the protesting junior doctors.
Junior doctors take out a march towards Raj Bhavan in Kolkata

Junior doctors in Kolkata march to Raj Bhavan seeking justice

On Monday, the protesting junior doctors marched towards Raj Bhavan in Kolkata to demand justice in the R G Kar Hospital junior doctor rape and murder case. They have delivered a memorandum to the Governor’s secretary.
Senior doctors, common people, including senior citizens and homemakers also joined the protesting junior doctors. The junior doctors are on a hunger strike for the last 11 days in Kolkata’s Esplanade. Due to the ongoing fast-unto-death, some of the protesting junior doctors have fallen critically ill and have been admitted to hospital.
The protesting doctors are unhappy with the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case, which has held civic volunteer Sanjay Roy responsible for the rape.
“We cannot accept what the CBI has stated in its charge sheet – only one person was behind the crime. We demand a quick and transparent investigation of the rape and murder of our sister at RG Kar Hospital. We are not going to the Raj Bhavan to meet the governor and seek his intervention. But we will be giving out our message to him,” Debasish Halder, one of the protesting junior doctors told PTI.

Tata Steel Spent Rs. 580 Crores on its CSR Initiatives in FY24

By
The CSR Journal
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Tata Steel Foundation
Tata Steel is the 10th largest steel producer in the world. It is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers. Together with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, the Company’s operations are spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000.
Tata Steel is a socially responsible corporate citizen, which believes in integrating business and sustainability The company spent Rs. 580 Crores towards its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in FY2023-24, leaving a positively impact on the lives of over 4.4 million people.

1. CSR of Tata Steel

Tata Steel implements its CSR initiatives primarily through the Tata Steel Foundation, which works in close collaboration with public systems and partners. Through its CSR, the company aims to build an enlightened, equitable society wherein every individual can realise their potential. It also intends to work with tribal and excluded communities to co-create transformative, efficient and lasting solutions to their development challenges.
Through large-scale, proven Signature Theme Models of change, the company addresses core development gaps in India through its CSR initiatives. These initiatives are in the spheres of maternal and child mortalities, access to school and learning enrichment for rural children, pan-India focus on key aspects of tribal identity, and comprehensive development through empowerment of panchayats between the manufacturing locations at Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar.
The Company also fosters Regional Change Models enabling lasting betterment in the well-being of communities, prioritising those who are excluded and proximate to its operating areas. The Company undertakes its CSR Programmes in areas of health, nutrition, water, education, livelihoods, infrastructure, sports, disabilities, grassroots governance and empowering the voice of women within communities.

2. Tata Steel Foundation

Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel Limited. It is responsible for driving community engagement processes in the operational areas of Tata Steel Limited in India.
TSF has implemented initiatives in over 5,000 villages across Jharkhand and Odisha, impacting over 4 million lives in FY2023-24. It has a team of over 1,400 people working on impact-driven initiatives that focus on developing tribal and excluded communities with a process of co-creation. These initiatives are change models that can be replicated at regional and national scales. TSF embeds societal perspectives in key business processes to create value and long-term social capital.

3. Tata Steel’s CSR in India

For over a century, Tata Steel has been serving the marginalised and voiceless sections of the community across more than 4,500 villages in nine districts of Jharkhand and Odisha. Tata Steel’s overarching vision to be the global steel industry benchmark for value creation and corporate citizenship is underpinned by a resolve to “work with tribal and excluded communities we serve and co-create transformative, efficient and lasting solutions to their development challenges” and thereby create “an enlightened, equitable society in which every individual realises one’s own potential with dignity”. Tata Steel’s CSR Programme aims to create deep-rooted social capital through leading societal impact in Eastern India with its own resources, extensive public and private collaborations as well as by fostering changemakers organically from within communities.
The primary agency to plan and execute Tata Steel’s CSR is the Tata Steel Foundation, which has a diverse 800+ strong force of professionals from myriad domains who have strong relationships with communities by directly working amongst them to implement various social development programmes.

3.1 Education

Masti ki Paathshala

Tata Steel’s CSR initiative, “Masti ki Paathshala,” is designed to address the pressing issue of child labour and abuse by providing education and a safe environment for marginalized children. The program operates through both residential bridge schools (RBCs) and non-residential bridge schools (NRBCs). Its primary objective is to integrate children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, such as rag-picking, begging, and brick-kiln work, into the formal education system.
The program recognizes that these children have experienced various forms of abuse and aims to provide them with a conducive learning environment that promotes their overall growth and development. By mainstreaming them into the education system, Masti ki Paathshala seeks to reduce societal inequities in a rapidly developing and urbanizing society.
In the fiscal year 2022, a significant milestone was achieved as a total of 1,950 children were integrated into the Masti ki Paathshala initiative. Among them, 1,056 children were mainstreamed into schools, with 217 coming from RBCs and 839 from NRBCs. This accomplishment demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in providing vulnerable children with the opportunity to access education and escape the cycle of child labour and abuse.

Education Signature Programme

Tata Steel’s CSR initiative, the Education Signature Programme, is focused on developing a model that can be replicated and scaled up to achieve the universalization of elementary education (UEE) within the framework of the Right to Education (RTE) in India. The program aims to address three key aspects of schooling: Access, Learning, and Governance, with the ultimate goal of making education socially relevant and inclusive.
By focusing on Access, the program works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attend school. It aims to remove barriers to education and increase enrollment rates, particularly in marginalized communities. Through various interventions and initiatives, the program strives to reach children who may face challenges in accessing education due to socioeconomic factors, distance, or cultural barriers.
In terms of Learning, the Education Signature Programme aims to enhance the quality of education provided in government schools. It focuses on improving teaching methods, and curriculum development, and providing resources and infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment. By enhancing the learning outcomes of students, the program seeks to empower them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
The Governance aspect of the program emphasizes the importance of effective school management and administration. It aims to strengthen the governance mechanisms within schools and promote community engagement in the education system. By fostering collaborative partnerships among stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and local authorities, the program aims to create a supportive and accountable educational ecosystem.
In the fiscal year 2022, the Education Signature Programme made significant progress. A total of 460,000 children in 3,780 government schools benefited from structured learning enhancement initiatives. This indicates the program’s commitment to improving the quality of education and providing valuable opportunities to a large number of students.
Additionally, the program has contributed to the declaration of 1,623 habitations as child labor-free. By ensuring that all children are attending school, the initiative actively combats child labor and provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.

3.2 Sustainable Livelihoods

Jamshedpur Kalinganagar Development Corridor

Tata Steel’s CSR initiative, the Jamshedpur Kalinganagar Development Corridor, aims to foster holistic development across 72 panchayats in 16 blocks, spanning five districts, along the 280-kilometre road route connecting the steel production centres in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and Kalinganagar, Odisha. This initiative envisions the creation of a corridor of well-being called the Development Corridor, focusing on the overall growth and prosperity of the communities residing in the region.
In the fiscal year 2022, the program took a significant step by recognizing 39 Development Corridor Fellows from within the villages along the corridor. These fellows serve as grassroots community leaders who are empowered with the knowledge and skills to design and execute initiatives that directly benefit their communities. The recognition of these fellows not only encourages their active involvement but also emphasizes the importance of community-driven development.
The Jamshedpur Kalinganagar Development Corridor is a comprehensive initiative that goes beyond traditional CSR efforts. It seeks to address the social, economic, and environmental needs of the communities along the corridor. By investing in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and other essential services, the program aims to uplift the quality of life and promote sustainable development in the region.
By engaging local communities and empowering them to lead development initiatives, the program fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. It recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities specific to each community along the corridor and encourages local leaders to identify and implement solutions that best suit their needs.

Agriculture Activities

Tata Steel’s CSR initiative focuses on various agriculture activities to engage with marginal and excluded farmers, aiming to generate income and promote sustainable farming practices. The program encompasses a range of agriculture interventions, including Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI), Promotion of Second Crop, Kitchen Garden, and Agri-Allied Interventions.
Under Agri-Allied Interventions, the program encourages farmers to diversify their income sources through activities such as Dairy Development, integrated pond-based livelihood (fisheries and duck rearing), Tassar Cultivation, Dryland Farming, and Horticulture (mango, rose, Wadi Project). These initiatives enable farmers to explore different avenues for generating income while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
In the fiscal year 2022, the program achieved commendable results, with an average increase in annual income of ₹1.08 lakh per household across 52,000 households. These livelihood programs have proven to be effective in enhancing the economic well-being of farmers and their families.
By promoting sustainable farming practices and providing support to farmers, Tata Steel’s agriculture activities aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized and excluded farmers. These initiatives empower farmers by diversifying their income sources, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting the adoption of modern farming techniques.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of holistic development and addresses the needs of farmers in various sectors, including livestock rearing, fishery, sericulture, and horticulture. By enabling farmers to engage in these agri-allied activities, the program contributes to their overall livelihood improvement and economic stability.

4. Tata Steel CSR Outside India

In Europe, the Company maintains close relationships with employees, customers, local residents, NGOs and educational institutions in driving community development programmes and provides guest lectures on various environmental-related topics including the role of steel in our society and the processing method of steel. In the Netherlands, the Company is closely involved in the Technochallenge Foundation, which organises various activities for primary and secondary schools. During 2021, the Promotie Evenement Techniek event in Beverwijk, Holland was attended by 67 primary schools that were introduced to recent technologies. Further, on April 21, 2021, the Company also celebrated ‘Girl’s Day’ and organized an online programme to introduce female students to the world of science and technology.
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