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May 25, 2025
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KPIT Sparkle initiative wins ‘FICCI CSR Award’ for Exemplary Innovation

By
The CSR Journal
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Pune-based KPIT Technologies Limited has emerged as the winner of this year’s ‘FICCI Corporate Social Responsibility Awards’ in the category of ‘Exemplary Innovation. The award recognised its CSR initiative ‘KPIT Sparkle’ which is unlocking the power of IPR in India by connecting thousands of budding entrepreneurs to the incubation ecosystem every year, especially those from small towns and rural areas.
The contest helps them converge on the final objective of bringing innovative solutions to society. Every year, faculty and students of undergraduate, post-graduate and PhD courses, from the Science, Engineering, Design and Management streams of colleges and universities across India get this opportunity to turn their ideas into working prototypes for industrial production. In the last 5 years, 22000 ideas from 1500 institutions in T1 and T2 cities have been supported by KPIT Sparkle.
Kedar Sapre, Senior Marketing Specialist, of KPIT, said: “I’m grateful to FICCI’s eminent panel of juries who have understood and recognised the value that KPIT Sparkle is creating by promoting the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship right at the grassroots level. India is a land of brilliant ideas and many often the best ideas come not from big cities but from students of smaller towns and rural areas. KPIT Sparkle nurtures such innovations from idea generation to product manufacture with a supportive incubation process.”

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

Singapore Airlines and Temasek Foundation partnering with World Food Programme

By
The CSR Journal
-
Singapore Airlines and the Temasek Foundation are partnering with the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the global Covid-19 response to help transport essential medical supplies and other health and humanitarian items by air to points of need around the world. Under this agreement, the airline is making ad-hoc charter flights and freight space in its scheduled services available on a cost-recovery basis, with flight costs being covered by a contribution of up to US$6.5 million from the Temasek Foundation.
Providing the logistics backbone for global Covid-19 efforts, WFP operates a network of hubs and passenger and cargo airlinks to ensure a steady flow of supplies and support to the frontlines of the pandemic. Since these services commenced in May, World Food Programme has managed more than 800 humanitarian flights to 159 countries, with enough cargo to fill 188 jumbo jets expected to require WFP transport in the coming weeks.
“While demand for WFP Common Services grows every week, resources are stretched incredibly thin and additional support is urgently needed,” said Amer Daoudi, WFP’s Covid-19 Corporate Response Director. “We are very grateful to Singapore Airlines and Temasek Foundation for stepping up so we can continue delivering life-saving supplies to those who need them most.”
Chin Yau Seng, Senior Vice President Cargo, Singapore Airlines, said: “It is a pleasure for SIA to partner with WFP and Temasek Foundation in this meaningful programme. This will allow us to draw on our expertise as a global airfreight provider and use our international network to deliver essential supplies to the points of need and help to make a positive impact on the communities that have been directly affected by Covid-19.”
Ng Boon Heong, CEO of Temasek Foundation, said: “We are pleased to partner with the WFP and SIA to help make these flights possible. Together, we will be more capable in combating the Covid-19 global pandemic when we enable synergistic collaborations in the international community. This partnership is one way for us to ensure that essential supplies reach communities with the most need, even if they are separated by distance. We are pleased to enable two of the best in their respective fields to make this partnership possible.”
An estimated US$965 million is required to sustain WFP’s Common Services on behalf of the humanitarian and health community. To date only 21% of this sum has been received. WFP’s passenger and cargo flights are likely to grind to a halt at the end of August if no additional support is received.
During this challenging period, the SIA Group has stepped up to support the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The SIA Group has facilitated multiple repatriation flights to bring back individuals stranded away from their home countries. SIA Cargo has also been transporting medical relief supplies and personal protective equipment to places where they are needed and playing its part in keeping supply lines for essential goods open at a critical time. The Group has also donated items such as blankets and helped to supply meals to communities that have been affected by the pandemic in Singapore.

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Hèrmosa Design Studio distributes 10,000 ration kits in Kota

By
The CSR Journal
-
Hèrmosa Design Studio in Kota, Rajasthan is known for its conscientious approach to design. The health crisis that gripped the country since March has further served as an opportunity for the studio’s CEO to give back to those in need through a dedicated response to the pandemic.
Several aspects of everyday life were disrupted in light of the unprecedented lockdown, with everyday rations becoming a struggle for marginalized communities. Hèrmosa was directly involved in the relief effort by distributing food and other essentials to local shelters through a ration kit of everyday staples, including pulses, wheat, grain, flour, spices, and rice. Through their efforts, 10,000 ration kits were distributed to families with enough supplies to last a week.
CEO Pranjal Agarwal further sought to ease the undue burden placed on healthcare workers by donating newly purchased steam cleaners and sanitation equipment for plants to local hospitals to aid the fight against COVID-19. The company also worked hand-in-hand with government hospitals to arrange for PPE kits, masks, and essential medicines for all employees, amounting to 2,000 masks and 5,000 sanitizer bottles. These efforts were supplemented with the creation of a hotline number for any emergency services needed by the employees during the lockdown.
Hèrmosa also aided the local administration of Kota in their efforts to make the lockdown smoother by providing 30 commercial vehicles for the distribution of essential goods and supplies during the two months of lockdown. The same assistance was extended to its employees, and the company arranged to have their homes sanitized to ensure safety and peace of mind for their loved ones. For employees stuck at different locations due to work commitments, the company arranged for vehicles and passes that ensured their safe journey back home.
While the pandemic that has gripped the nation is unlike any other, Hèrmosa Design Studio stands strong by its commitment of aiding all sectors of society on the road to a better tomorrow.

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अंगदान है महादान, मौत के बाद भी जिंदा रहते है अंगदाता

By
Rahuldeo Sharma
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मौत के बाद भी अगर आप किसी के काम आ सकें तो इससे बढियां और क्या हो सकता है। मौत के बाद अगर आपका दिल किसी सीने में धड़के तो इससे बड़ी बात क्या हो सकती है। आपकी मौत के बाद आपकी आंखें फिर से इस हसीन दुनिया को निहारें इससे सुंदर क्या हो सकता है। ये सब संभव है, लेकिन तब जब आप ऐसा नेक और सराहनीय काम के लिए आगे आएंगे जिसके बाद दुनियां आपको याद करेगी। आपके इस बेहद ही महान कार्य को दुनिया सलाम करेगी, आप खुद अंगदान करें और दूसरों को भी अंगदान के लिए प्रेरित करें। अंगदान जैसा महादान हो ही नहीं सकता। अंगदान कर आप किसी को नया जीवन दे सकते हैं, आप किसी के चेहरे पर फिर से मुस्कान ला सकते हैं। आप किसी को फिर से ये दुनिया दिखा सकते हैं। अंगदान करके आप फिर किसी की जिंदगी को नई उम्मीद से भर सकते हैं। अंगदान करने से न केवल आपको बल्कि दूसरे को भी खुशी देती है।

अंगदान पर भ्रांतियां हावी

किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन में अंगदान के महत्व को समझने के साथ ही अंगदान करने के लिये आम इंसान को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिये 13 अगस्त को विश्व अंगदान दिवस मनाया जाता है। इस दिवस को मनाने की उपयोगिता अंगों की अनुपलब्धता के कारण बढ़ती जा रही है। अंगदान से मोक्ष नहीं मिलता, मौत के बाद भी आत्मा घूमती है, हिंदू धर्म में अंगदान नहीं किया जाता, मेरी उम्र कम है, मैं दुबला पतला हूं, कुछ ऐसे ही भ्रम आज भी हमारे समाज में फैले हुए हैं, जो ऑर्गन डोनेशन की राह में रोड़ा हैं। लाखों लोग मौत की शैया पर इंतजार करते रहते हैं कि कौन भगवान बन कर आएगा और उन्हें गिफ्ट में ऑर्गन डोनेट कर नया जीवन दे जाएगा। इस दिशा में काम तो हो रहे हैं, लेकिन बहुत धीमी गति से। इसे और बढ़ाने की जरूरत है, इसलिए वर्ल्ड ऑर्गन डोनेशन डे (World Organ Donation Day) पर आईये हम और आप शपथ लें कि अंगदान कर दूसरों को जीवनदान दें।

जागरूकता की कमी के कारण अंगदान से डरते हैं लोग

आज भी जागरूकता की कमी के कारण, लोगों के मन में अंगदान के बारे में डर और भ्रांतियां हैं। वर्ल्ड ऑर्गन डोनेशन डे (World Organ Donation Day) को मनाने का उद्देश्य इंसान की मृत्यु के बाद अंगदान करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करना है। अंगदान में अंगदाता के अंगों जैसे कि दिल, लीवर, किडनी, इंटेस्टाइन, फेफड़े अदि का दान उसकी मृत्यु के पश्चात जरूरतमंद व्यक्ति में प्रत्यारोपित करने के लिए किया जाता है। जिससे एक व्यक्ति को नई जिंदगी मिल सकती है। अंग दान-दाता कोई भी हो सकता है जिसका अंग किसी अत्यधिक जरुरतमंद मरीज को दिया जा सकता है। मरीज में प्रत्यारोपित करने के लिये आम इंसान द्वारा दिया गया अंग ठीक ढंग से सुरक्षित रखा जाता है जिससे समय पर उसका इस्तेमाल हो सके।

5 लाख लोग ऑर्गन ट्रांसप्लांट के इंतज़ार में हैं

भारत में ही हर साल लगभग 5 लाख लोग ऑर्गन ट्रांसप्लांट के इंतज़ार में हैं। ऑर्गन ट्रांसप्लांट की संख्या और उसकी उपलब्धता होने की संख्या के बीच एक बड़ा फासला है। अंगदान एक ऐसी प्रक्रिया है जिसमें अंग दाता अंग ग्राही को अंगदान करता है। दाता जीवित या मृत हो सकता है। दान किए जा सकने वाले अंग किडनी, लंग्स, दिल, आंख, लीवर, पैनक्रिया, कॉर्निया, छोटी आंत, स्किन और हड्डी के टिशु, हृदय वाल्व और नस हैं। अंगदान जीवन के लिए अमूल्य उपहार है। अंगदान उन व्यक्तियों को किया जाता है, जिनकी बीमारियाँ अंतिम अवस्था में होती हैं और जिन्हें अंग प्रत्यारोपण (Organ Transplant) की आवश्यकता होती है।

भारत में हर दस लाख में सिर्फ 0.08 डोनर ही अपना अंगदान करते हैं

एक रिसर्च के अनुसार, किसी भी समय किसी व्यक्ति के अंग के खराब हो जाने की वजह से हर साल कम से कम लगभग पांच लाख व्यक्तियों की मृत्यु अंगों की अनुपलब्धता के कारण हो जाती है, जिनमें से दो लाख व्यक्ति लीवर की बीमारी और 50 हजार व्यक्ति दिल की बीमारी के मौत हो जाती हैं। इसके अलावा, लगभग डेढ़ लाख व्यक्ति किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट के इंतज़ार में रहते हैं लेकिन सिर्फ पांच हजार व्यक्तियों को ही किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट हो पाता है। अंगदान की बड़ी संख्या में जरूरत होते हुए भी भारत में हर दस लाख में सिर्फ 0.08 डोनर ही अपना अंग दान करते हैं। यही कारण है कि बीमार व्यक्तियों को ऑर्गन ट्रांसप्लांट की जरुरत होते हुए भी उनकी मौत हो जाती है और ऑर्गन मिलता ही नहीं। लाखों व्यक्ति अपने शरीर के किसी अंग के खराब हो जाने पर उसकी जगह किसी के दान किये अंग की बाट जोहते रहते हैं। ऐसे व्यक्ति अभी भी जीना चाहते हैं, लेकिन उनके शरीर का कोई अंग अवरूद्ध हो जाने से उनकी जिन्दगी खतरे में आ जाती है। शरीर के किसी अंग के काम न करने की वजह से वे निराश हो जाते हैं, उनकी जीवन सांसें गिनती की रह जाती हैं, उसके संकट में पड़े जीवन में जीने की उम्मीद को बढ़ाने में अंग प्रतिरोपण एक बड़ी भूमिका अदा कर सकता है।

अंगदान को लेकर विदेशों में ज्यादा जागरूकता

वहीं भारत के मुकाबले अमेरिका, यूके, जर्मनी में 10 लाख में 30 डोनर और सिंगापुर, स्पेन में हर 10 लाख में 40 डोनर अंगदान करते हैं। इस मामले में दुनिया के कई मुल्कों के मुकाबले भारत काफी पीछे है। आकार और आबादी के हिसाब से स्पेन, क्रोएशिया, इटली और ऑस्ट्रिया जैसे छोटे देश भारत से काफी आगे हैं। जानकारों का कहना है कि भारत में सरकारी स्तर पर उपेक्षा इसकी बड़ी वजह है। जागरूकता भी काफी कम है। यही वजह है कि भारत में बड़ी संख्या में मरीज अंग प्रतिरोपण के लिए इंतजार करते-करते दम तोड़ देते हैं। भारत में उत्तरी और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों में स्थिति बहुत खराब है जबकि दक्षिण भारत अंगदान के मामले में जागरूक प्रतीत होता है। खासतौर पर तमिलनाडु जहां प्रति दस लाख लोगों पर अंगदान करने वालों की संख्या 136 है।

अंगदाता 8 से ज्यादा जीवन को बचा सकता है।

अंग प्रतिरोपित व्यक्ति के जीवन में अंगदान करने वाला व्यक्ति एक ईश्वर की भूमिका निभाता है। अपने अंगों को दान करने के द्वारा कोई अंग दाता 8 से ज्यादा जीवन को बचा सकता है। इस तरह एक जीवन से अनेक जीवन बचाने की प्रेरणा देने का अंगदान दिवस एक बेहतरीन मौका देता है, हर एक के जीवन में कि वह आगे बढ़े और अपने बहुमूल्य अंगों को दान देने का संकल्प लें। अगर आप अंगदान के प्रति कोई भ्रम है तो यह लेख निश्चित रूप से आपके लिए है। हम आपको यह बता रहे हैं कि ऑर्गन डोनेशन क्या है और यह किस तरह इंसान को जीवन देता है। आप भी इससे जुड़ कर लोगों को जीवन दे सकते हैं।

कौन और कब कर सकते हैं अंगदान

अंग दान-दाता कोई भी हो सकता है, जिसका अंग किसी अत्यधिक जरूरतमंद मरीज को दिया जा सकता है। मरीज में प्रतिरोपण करने के लिये आम इंसान द्वारा दिया गया अंग ठीक ढंग से सुरक्षित रखा जाता है, जिससे समय पर उसका इस्तेमाल हो सके। अंगदान की इस प्रक्रिया में अंग का दान दिल, लीवर, किडनी, आंत, पैनक्रियास, फेफड़े, ब्रैन डेड की स्थिति में ही संभव होता है। वहीं आंख, हार्ट वॉल्व, त्वचा, हड्डियां, स्वाभाविक मृत्यु की स्थिति में दान कर सकते हैं। कोई भी व्यक्ति चाहे, वह किसी भी उम्र, जाति, धर्म और समुदाय का हों, वह अंगदान कर सकता है। अगर परिवार की अनुमति हो तो बच्चे भी अंगदान कर सकते हैं। यह धारणा भी लोगों में देखने को मिलती है कि बुजुर्ग अंगदान नहीं कर सकते। लेकिन सच यह है कि 18 साल के बाद का कोई भी नागरिक अंगदान कर सकता है। अंगदान में उम्र मायने नहीं रखती बशर्ते आप मेडिकल  शर्तों को पूरा करते हों। हालांकि कैंसर, एचआईवी से पीड़ित और हेपेटाइटिस से पीड़ित व्यक्ति अंगदान नहीं कर सकते।

कैसे करें अंगदान

अंगदान के लिए दो तरीके हो सकते हैं। कई एनजीओ और अस्पतालों में अंगदान से जुड़ा काम होता है। इनमें से कहीं भी जाकर आप एक फॉर्म भरकर दे सकते हैं कि आप मरने के बाद अपने कौन से अंगदान करना चाहते हैं। जो अंग आप चाहेंगे केवल उसी अंग को लिया जाएगा। शरीर के किसी भी अंग को दान करने वाला व्‍यक्ति शारीरिक रूप से स्‍वस्‍थ होना चाहिए।

क्‍या है अंगदान की प्रक्रिया

किसी व्‍यक्ति की ब्रेन डेथ की पुष्टि होने के बाद, डॉक्‍टर उसके घरवालों की इच्छा से शरीर से अंग निकाल लेता हैं। इससे पहले सभी कानूनी प्रकियाएं पूरी की जाती हैं। इस प्रक्रिया को एक निश्‍चित समय के भीतर पूरा करना होता है। ज्‍यादा समय होने पर अंग खराब होने शुरू हो जाते हैं। अंग निकालने की प्रक्रिया में अमूमन आधा दिन लग जाता है।

कितने समय में कर सकते हैं अंगदान

किसी भी अंग को डोनर के शरीर से निकालने के बाद 6 से 12 घंटे के अंदर को ट्रांसप्लांट कर देना चाहिए। कोई भी अंग जितना जल्दी प्रत्यारोपित होगा, उस अंग के काम करने की संभावना उतनी ही ज्यादा होती है। लीवर निकालने के 6 घंटे के अंदर और किडनी 12 घंटे के भीतर ट्रांसप्लांट हो जाना चाहिए। वहीं आंखें 3 दिन के अंदर प्रत्‍यारोपण हो जाना चाहिए।

अंगदान पर भारत की कानूनी स्थिति

भारतीय कानून द्वारा अंगदान कानूनी हैं। भारत सरकार ने मानव अंग अधिनियम (THOA), 1994 के प्रत्यारोपण को अधिनियमित किया, जो अंग दान की अनुमति देता है, और ‘मस्तिष्क की मृत्यु’ की अवधारणा को वैध बनाता है।
किसी के द्वारा दिये गये अंग से किसी को नया जीवन मिल सकता है। संसार में मनुष्य जन्म से श्रेष्ठ और कुछ भी नहीं है, मनुष्य को ही संसार में ईश्वर का प्रतिनिधि माना गया है, वही दया, संवेदना एवं धर्म का मूर्तिमान रूप है और इस धरती का सर्वश्रेष्ठ प्राणी है, क्योंकि वही एक जीवन एवं मृत्यु के संघर्ष में जूझ रहे व्यक्ति को अपने अंगदान से नया जीवन देने का सामर्थ्य रखता है। मौत के बाद अवशेषों को जलाने या दफनाने से बेहतर होता है कि वो किसी को जिंदगी दे सके। इसलिये अंगदान की दयालुता ऐसी भाषा है जिसे बहरे सुन सकते हैं और अंधे देख सकते हैं। आप जो अंगदान करते हैं वह किसी और को जिन्दगी में एक और जीने का मौका देता है। वह कोई आपका करीबी रिश्तेदार हो सकता है, एक दोस्त हो सकता है, कोई आपका प्यारा हो सकता है, या आप खुद हो सकते हैं। इसलिये हर व्यक्ति को अंगदान का संकल्प लेना चाहिए, तभी विश्व अंगदान दिवस मनाने की सार्थकता और उपयोगिता है।

Delhi’s Electric Vehicles Policy 2020 Envisions Clean and Sustainable National Capital

By
Hency Thacker
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Delhi is considered to be the most polluted city in the world. In fact, the city experiences a public health emergency every winter due to the rise in air pollution, which has become a recurrent annual crisis. Vehicular pollution is one of the major contributing factor to this. In order to combat this, recently, the Delhi government has notified the Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2020. The policy lays the maximum emphasis on replacement of two-wheelers, public transport and shared vehicles and goods-carriers instead of private four-wheelers, with Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Features of Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2020

The policy envisions the replacement of the existing auto-rickshaws and State-run buses with e-autos and e-buses respectively in the Union Territory. It also aims to ensure that delivery-based services operating in the city are powered by e-mobility.
The policy also talks about increasing road tax for fuel-based vehicles, at least in the luxury segment. In addition to this it aims to impose a congestion fee that EVs will be exempt from, in certain parts of the city. This will help in promoting the adoption of EVs.
In order to encourage more people to switch from fossil-fuel-based vehicles to EVs, the policy provides for a ‘scrapping incentive’. This will allow the people to exchange an old fuel-based vehicle while purchasing a new EV, further reducing its cost. The government will also offer low-interest rate loans to people interested in buying commercial EVs. The policy also offers subsidies and road tax and registration fee waivers, for EVs bought in the capital.

Incentives for Adoption of e-Autorickshaws

The policy provides for incentives up to Rs. 30,000 per vehicle-related to the purchase and use of new electric autos. The policy has also made available an open permit system to provide permits on a first-come, first-served basis to those with valid light motor vehicle driving licences and a Public Service Vehicle badge.
A clean environment is a Fundamental right as recognized by the Supreme Court of India under Right to Life. By the adoption of EVs, the people will be able to achieve a clean environment which will go a long way in improving the productivity of the residents of the city. In addition to this, affordable, accessible, inclusive and safe mobility solutions are primary strategic levers for rapid economic development and improving ‘Ease of Living’ of the people.

Anand Mahindra: ‘Leaders on Purpose has power to change the language of business discourse’

By
The CSR Journal
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“Today, more than ever, the world needs to be able to reimagine a new future. A future in which people can feel safe and protected. The initiative being set in motion by Leaders on Purpose is an effort toward defining the new environment. It provides a much-needed aspirational framework – one which has the power to change the language of business discourse and how we regard the future. The philosophy of Leaders on Purpose resonates deeply with Mahindra’s vision and has the potential to become a movement which will define the future for generations to come,” said Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group.
He was speaking about a new coalition of global leaders including the CEOs of Mahindra, Danone, Philips, L’Oreal, and other companies representing a combined annual revenue of over $100 billion USD and a combined global workforce of over 500,000, who have endorsed a roadmap.
The roadmap goal is to create an inclusive and sustainable post-COVID economy that benefits society, the planet, and shareholders for generations to come. In an open letter, the group of fourteen CEOs called on governments to accelerate such a transition by recognizing and supporting purpose-first business as an emerging fourth sector of the economy in the lead up to UN General Assembly week in New York in September 2020.
The signatories to the letter have also committed to advance the purpose-first economy by leveraging their procurement, innovation, research, development, and investment to accelerate the growth of this critical sector. The letter provides a practical roadmap for proactively redesigning corporate structures and government policies in the development of a more supportive ecosystem for organizations that operate under a new business logic. The leaders urge businesses and governments to join them.
These actions are further supported by the launch of the Fourth Sector Policy Hackathon that brings together industry, academic, and institutional partners to unpack persistent public policy challenges, and to identify solutions requiring collective action across the public, private, non-profit and fourth sectors globally.
The group’s diverse community includes corporate leaders from across the globe, including Ajay Banga (Mastercard), Alan Murray (Fortune Media), Anand Mahindra (Mahindra & Mahindra), Dan Hendrix (Interface), Dylan Taylor (Voyager Space Holdings), Emmanuel Faber (Danone), Feike Sijbesma (DSM), Frans van Houten (Philips), Dr. James Mwangi (Equity Bank), Jean-Paul Agon (L’Oreal), John Denton (ICC), Mike Doyle (Omnicom-Ketchum), Roberto Marques (Natura & Co.), & Stefan De Loecker (Beiersdorf).
While governments around the world debate economic and social policies designed to jumpstart the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Build it Better” framework includes six key imperatives for public and private sector leaders to guide innovation of public policy as well as corporate and financial structures to accelerate the progress of the purpose-first economy. These imperatives include:
1. Recognize the purpose-first sector.
2. Carefully craft incentives and policies.
3. Incentivize innovations of financial products, risk assessment, valuation models, and ratings.
4. Design for a safe, educated, and healthy society.
5. Leave no one behind.
6. Enable a supportive ecosystem.
Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman DSM, said: “The private sector needs an integrated strategy and supportive eco-system that integrates more fairness, less dependency, more climate and sustainability focus, preparedness, and agility for uncertain times. We each have to think about the world around us, our role in it, our tremendous potential, and how we can contribute to making it better together.”
“Our world was a dangerous and troubled place even before COVID-19 took hold,” said Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever who is now working on transforming the structural impediments to sustainable business. “We have the chance to rebuild a fairer, greener society. But to do so we need courageous business leaders who are willing to act, individually and as a collective. It’s why I applaud the signatories of this letter. No company alone can solve the problems we face. But together we can begin to challenge the orthodoxies which got us here. Together we can help the world change.”
Said Henrietta Fore, Executive Director UNICEF: “As we begin the Decade of Action to achieve agenda 2030, we must work together to reimagine a better world for children, young people and their families around the world – especially in developing markets. This new initiative provides a vehicle for UNICEF to join forces with purpose-driven businesses and support countries and communities as they build stronger economies and systems that can support all people in the years ahead.”

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The Hans Foundation launches development schemes in Uttarakhand worth Rs. 100 crores

By
The CSR Journal
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The Hans Foundation (THF) has stepped up its efforts in the fight against COVID-19. Drawing strength from its remarkable presence in the sector, THF has responded to its call of duty and able to effectively provide relief to vulnerable communities across the country. More than 3 lakh families have benefitted presently with relief fund initiatives across India and support of more than INR 18.5 crores is extended so far. The Foundation has launched INR 100 crores worth schemes to set up skill development and COVID-19 testing centres in Uttarakhand.
The Foundation has supported the Govt. of Uttarakhand in providing necessary support in the form of ration kits, medical support and PPE kits worth INR 1 crore and 51 lacs. In collaboration with Americares, ventilators have been provided in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala worth $2,50,000 (Approx 1.90 Cr) for emergency response for COVID-19 patients. Several initiatives like these are being carried out by THF through their partners working in interior locations.
During these challenging times, THF remains committed to the most disadvantaged populations across the country. To date, the foundation has distributed over 98,203 ration and food packets, 50,891 hygiene and sanitation kits and 1,35,425 face masks and PPE kits to vulnerable people, including low-income families and migrant workers. Additionally, THF is working to support public hospitals and frontline workers by providing medical supplies, including setting up of 6,028 isolation beds across interior locations of Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Along with the collective strength of its partners – Govt. of Uttarakhand, VARDAN, American India Foundation, GRAVIS, Masoom Charitable Trust, Aasraa Trust, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pragya, Akshaya Patra Foundation and many others, The Hans Foundation facilitated rapid support to families in Rajasthan, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, New Delhi, Meghalaya. In order to multiply the effect of every little act of kindness, it pledged to match the equal amount to every rupee contributed to the foundation’s COVID-19 relief programmes.
Presently working with close to 150 organisations in 26 states and union territories and partnered with several State Governments, The Hans Foundation has so far supported projects worth over Rs. 10 billion in the country.

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CSR: International Youth Day 2020 – In the war against COVID-19, youth shall triumph

By
Amit Upadhyay
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In 1999, the General Assembly adopted the recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, that August 12 be proclaimed as International Youth Day.
This day offers an opportunity to celebrate and promote the voices, activities and efforts of young people, as well as their positive, universal and inclusive commitment, acknowledging the importance of youth participation in political, economic and social life and processes around the world.

International Youth Day 2020

On International Youth Day 2020, I extend my wishes to all youth around the world. You are the product of your past but you are free to do whatever you want. You are smart, violent, enthusiastic, determined, brave and ambitious. Your confidence lies in your hopes and bold ambitions. You are currently enjoying the time of greatest creative flow and trust in your abilities. Add affection and tenderness to it and show your desire, strength and determination to be the change you want to see.
Take on a hero! Set aside all the anxieties behind you. Life puts out its fruits for those who dare to dream high. Feel responsible for yourself and the whole planet. I think you have enough confidence and determination to win any summit. Put all the worries behind you. We look up to you all for a bright, better and beautiful tomorrow.

How did COVID-19 affect youngsters?

The COVID-19 outbreak is the latest disruption for young people who’ve faced global warming, unaffordable housing, student debt, political instability and the 2009 Recession. These are unusual times that prompt young people to contemplate big questions. In a little over six months, COVID-19 has morphed from a small outbreak into a pandemic, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has called a public health emergency. The accompanying socio-economic crisis is so large in scope that it has been described by the UN Secretary-General as the world’s biggest challenge since World War II.
Governments cannot underestimate the risk posed by this crisis to health, socio-economic well-being and political instability. This crisis demands globalized solutions. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda should direct the response and recovery from this pandemic and provide the foundation for building resilience.

Millennials more vulnerable in pandemic

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and many are now at risk of being left behind in education, economic opportunities, and health at the crucial stage of their development. Young people are more likely to be unemployed or in precarious employment contracts and work arrangements, and therefore lack adequate social protection. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, young people (aged 15 to 24 years) were three times more likely to be unemployed than adults, while 126 million young workers were in extreme and moderate poverty worldwide. Approximately 77% of youth are estimated to be informally employed globally and this percentage is higher for young women in low and lower-middle-income countries.
The increase in unemployment due to COVID-19 is expected to exceed the numbers following the 2009 global financial crisis. Based on the experience of 2009, without concerted policy intervention, it is likely that young people will again be disproportionately impacted by a global recession, with a higher percentage of unemployed youth as compared to adults, and a slower uptake of youth employment during the recovery period.

Disruption of education systems

The global pandemic also has an unprecedented impact on worldwide educational systems, with far-reaching social implications. Until now, 191 countries have implemented national or local school closures, resulting in more than 91% of enrolled students, or 1.5 billion children, being unable to attend school. These students face uncertain duration of disruptions in their education, with varying levels of alternative methods of delivery. School closures have a particularly detrimental impact on disadvantaged students, students with no secure internet connectivity at home, and children who rely on school support to meet their food and health needs.
Governments should ensure continuity of learning through the promotion of high-tech, low-tech and non-tech solutions to alleviate this situation. Considering the broad digital divide that exists, solutions such as providing text-based content through cellular networks rather than high-speed internet-based video conferencing, and paper-based distance learning materials should also be considered for families without access to digital connectivity.

Protect their physical and mental health

Expanding access to healthcare has been a crucial part of the answer to COVID-19. Young people face obstacles to access in circumstances where health care is related to jobs because they are overwhelmingly unemployed, work in the informal sector or are among the working poor.
It is the right of all individuals to have access to the highest attainable health standards. The COVID-19 pandemic further underlines the degree to which universal health care is of paramount public importance, as the virus can infect and spread to anyone and everywhere. To ensure that all young people have meaningful access to healthcare during this period, the issue must be addressed in a manner that respects the human rights of youth.
The current crisis and mitigating steps may have consequences for mental health. Many young people with mental health conditions are experiencing deterioration in their health status. The relevance of young people with mental health problems is expected to increase with chronic social isolation and stress. Therefore, mental health care should be incorporated as part of a wider approach to well-being.

Invest in the youth for economic recovery

Now is not the time to turn back on youth investments. The future economic recovery and achievement of the SDGs will depend to a large extent on the contribution and commitment of skilled and healthy young people to their work, ideas and expertise. The World Programme Of Action For Youth (WPAY) is calling on governments to ensure that their services meet the needs of this demographic. It is critical, under the current circumstances, that young people’s voices be heard in response to COVID-19, alongside other group voices in the implementation of health and non-health initiatives. A key element of WPAY is building up young people’s ability to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their own health.
If such measures are to ‘leave no one behind,’ it is crucial that they take into account the unique interests and needs of young people, particularly those who are not included in family-based disbursements or employment-based social security protection systems, such as those with informal jobs or in the gig economy. Most governments are taking unprecedented steps at this time to protect and secure their economies. Similar investments are needed to address COVID-19’s immediate social impact, particularly in the field of education and youth employment, as well as its long term effect on social development and growth.

Policies in partnership with youngsters

Governments and the private sector are working in collaboration with youth around the world to implement programmes that will harness actions to improve their communities. Youth-driven innovation hubs, from Nigeria to New York, are encouraging start-ups to develop technological solutions to address COVID-19. Policies that allow partnerships with youngsters in this area will yield potential economic dividends and give them an opportunity to contribute and demonstrate.
As the crisis progresses, there will be a broad variety of youth policy approaches tailored to different circumstances and needs. Countries should invest in upholding all human rights, moving beyond the right to health, and creating a more sustainable society. Decisions affecting children under the age of 18 should always be taken in the best interests of the child in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Young people key to successful CSR

The success of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for youth shows that private sector investment can surely benefit the growth of young people in a big way. Communities, education and the private sector often intersect. By working together, the three can help to mentor and guide young people to pursue higher education and/or find meaningful careers, help in providing a strong base for their future, and create communities filled with citizens with the potential to contribute to its strength and prosperity.
I want to thank all the companies making concerted efforts for youth empowerment in India through their CSR programmes. To mention a few, Hero MotoCorp is keeping its commitment to make youth employable by opening special Centres of Excellence in various states, to impart young men and women with holistic life and technical skills. Mahindra Group is passionate about educating the girl child and vocational training for young Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) has trained 50,000 young men and women and generated 65% livelihood through 45 courses in 9 states. Recently, Adani Foundation launched a project to give career-building opportunities for less privileged students and youth hailing from Kerala’s coastal areas. The CSR project will be held in association with Lifology, the world’s first career accelerator for teens. The platform determines the best fit career track for young students using Al powered psychometric assessments.
CSR of Jindal Steel and Power collaborates with village-level youth clubs in organising various sports and cultural events throughout the year to identify and nurture exceptional talent and foster stronger community bonding. Reliance Foundation uses sports as a medium to encourage learning and breed leadership among the youth in the rural areas. Bringing people from various villages together leads to stronger bond between tribes, neighbours and families. The foundation’s Sports Day brings together more than 40,000 people every year. It has transformed village teens and young adults into Community Youth Leaders and mentors to the village children.

CSR as a channel for engaging the young

While many millennials have lost jobs during the pandemic, freshers are worried about not being recruited in the recession. Various companies like HGS and Microsoft have come forward with solutions. In the wake of COVID-19, Microsoft has announced a new global skills initiative aimed at bringing more digital skills to 25 million people worldwide by the end of 2020.
The initiative will give people access to data on jobs and skills from the LinkedIn Economic Graph, provide free access to content in LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and the GitHub Learning Lab, and couple these with Microsoft Certifications and LinkedIn job-seeking tools. ICICI Academy of Skills runs 27 academies providing free-of-cost training with 100% job placement to disadvantaged youth. HGS (Hinduja Global Solutions) is conducting special workshops to help young job seekers find employment during COVID-19. Nestlé India has just announced internships for 1,000 youths. Under its flagship Rural Vocational Skills Programme, SRF Limited is ensuring professional training as well as employment of young people in villages.
A few proposals are put forth by The CSR Journal for consideration of the stakeholders:
1. Provide universal health coverage, and ensure that health systems effectively meet the needs of young people during the period of COVID-19 and throughout the recovery phase.
2. Maintain or increase funding and investment in health, education and skills development, entrepreneurship, job opportunities for young people, and improve employment opportunities.
3. Adapt the delivery of education, through digital and non-digital methods from early childhood to tertiary education to ensure continued skills acquisition and learning, with particular attention to the needs of young women and girls.
4. Develop policies that reach vulnerable and marginalised youth, including migrants and refugees, youth living in rural areas, adolescent girls and young women, indigenous and ethnic minority youth, young persons with disabilities, young people of different sexual orientations and gender identities, and homeless youth.
5. Consult and engage young people in the development of, and recovery of, health, economic and social interventions in response to COVID-19.
6. Promote youth innovation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and the management of its corollary socio-economic impacts.
7. Respect, promote and protect young people’s human rights, including the right to non-discrimination.
Here’s to a bright future for the next generation.

The author, Amit Upadhyay, is Editor-in-Chief of The CSR Journal 

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#VocalForLocalPets ending bias against Indian breeds

By
The CSR Journal
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Violence and discrimination against animals on India’s streets are on the rise. World For All Animal Care & Adoptions; an animal welfare organisation in collaboration with Tonic Worldwide; a digital-first creative agency, has launched a campaign #VocalForLocalPets, intending to end discrimination against stray animals.
#VocalForLocalPets has been conceptualized to give these defenceless and helpless animals a voice. The campaign allows pet lovers to adopt and give these local breeds all the love they deserve while being a part of their family. Under the circumstances where everyone is presenting a united front against the pandemic and the nationalistic unity is on the rise, solidarity with local animals is an emotion that would go a long way to find them their families and homes.
Given the conditions of the current lockdown scenario, the team has launched a microsite that features all the pets who are up for adoption. In addition to this, the campaign is also being promoted on World For All’s social media handles.
Pratik Hatankar, Head of Innovations & New Initiatives, Tonic Worldwide, says, “It is disheartening to see the discrimination between breeds and the violence perpetrated against the animals on India’s streets. After PM Narendra Modi urged to go #VocalForLocal, we decided to extend this thought to give a fair chance to Indian breeds. This is a heartfelt effort to encourage our country to adopt local Indian breeds as pets, give them loving homes, and become the voice of these marginalized breeds.”
Sharmee Bhatt, World For All Animal Care & Adoptions, says, “Animals on the street are often mistreated by people as they are helpless and homeless. Their life is extremely difficult with having to often suffer from extreme thirst, hunger & accidents. The Vocal for Local sentiment intends to show these desi dogs and cats as equally loving and deserving the same amount of love we give to other cats and dogs by showcasing them as a part of India. Our aim is for everyone to look at these intelligent and sturdy Indian breeds the same way they look at other breeds, and together we hope to find loving homes for them through this initiative.”

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HSC scholarship students of CSR arm of Allcargo Logistics score high

By
The CSR Journal
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Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the tenet of universal access to education, Avashya Foundation has been implementing the Allcargo Disha and Disha Career Seed projects to provide equal learning opportunities to deserving underprivileged students. The Maharashtra Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (HSC) results announced recently bear testimony to this fact as students trained and supported by Avashya Foundation have performed exceedingly well in the examination.
Avashya Foundation had provided scholarships to 450 students in Mumbai for the academic year 2019-20. Out of 450 students, 26 students appeared for the HSC exam and passed the same with flying colours. Furthermore, a few students in the Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) scored 92% and 91%, respectively. Overall, girl students performed relatively better than the boys.
Girl students – Momin Mustak and Gulshan Shaikh of Bunts Sangha Arathi ShashiKiran Shetty Junior College Kurla, scored 80% and 84.3% respectively in the HSC exams. Coming from humble economic backgrounds, both the girls received scholarships under the Allcargo Disha project for continuing their education. Avashya Foundation has been instrumental in providing emotional support to them and their families along with career counselling and guidance. Both students have been consistently brilliant in their academic performance and aspire to become Chartered Accountants.
“Bringing students from underprivileged communities into the educational mainstream is the key to building an inclusive and egalitarian society. Access to education can also prove to be a pivotal factor in helping lay the foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the students and their future generations. Avashya Foundation will continue to spearhead several student-centric programs and learning initiatives to help children realize their potential and achieve great heights in life,” stated Arathi Shetty, Non-Executive Director, Avashya Foundation.
“The relentless determination to succeed against all odds and the grit to surpass all challenges distinguish these children from their peers. Avashya Foundation will be active in extending outreach to children from marginalized communities and handholding them in their efforts to achieve extraordinary levels of academic success and excellence,” stated Dr. Nilratan Shende, GM CSR, Allcargo Logistics.
Over the years, CSR of Allcargo Logistics has been instrumental in coordinating with the students, parents and school. The organization along with its volunteers played an enabling role in helping achieve the amazing success rate in the HSC exams. The Gold Culture team of Avashya Foundation also worked hard on motivating the students to achieve their best through thorough guidance and enthusiasm.

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