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May 25, 2025
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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.”

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

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.

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

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 

To read more articles by the author, click here

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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.”

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

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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SC dismissed Plea Against Excluding CM’s Relief Fund From Purview of CSR

By
The CSR Journal
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The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by TMC MP Mahua Moitra challenging a circular issued by the Central government excluding Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from the purview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan dismissed the plea observing that she had withdrawn a similar petition in May this year.
“You shouldn’t have filed it again after you withdrew a similar petition in May. In view of the fact that the matter was dismissed on May 5, we are not inclined to hear this plea. Dismissed,” the bench said.
The plea stated that there were disparities between PM CARES Fund and CM Relief Funds, with the corporate donations to only the former being allowed as CSR spends.
CSR is defined as a corporation’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment by which a company entities visibly contribute to the social good.
The Supreme Court had on May 5 refused to entertain Moitra’s petition against the circular issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in April which directed that any donations made to the Chief Ministers’ Relief Fund will not qualify under the CSR expenditure of a company.
However, the circular said that donations made to the PM CARES Fund will qualify under CSR.
Source: ANI

Organ Donation Day 2020: Gift that keeps on giving

By
Kasmin Fernandes
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Organ Donation Day 2020 is close. We will celebrate it on August 13th in gratitude of donors and by recipients like would-be engineer Shreya Siddanagowder. Back in 2016, she was a fiercely independent 18-year-old student, when her life changed course forever. She was travelling by a Volvo bus from Pune one early morning. The bus driver couldn’t navigate a wrong turn and ended up overturning the whole vehicle. The bus dragged for 100 meters in that position, jamming Shreya’s forearms in the process. She came out alive from the near-fatal accident but lost both her arms.
Prosthetics didn’t work. Bilateral amputees face many unique challenges. “Seeing the stumps where my hands were, every morning was agonising. I couldn’t do the most basic tasks… eating, wiping my nose. I couldn’t even sit up by myself,” she says. Shreya would have been condemned to a half-life if it wasn’t for a rare bilateral transplant almost a year later (it takes 8 months of healing before the operation can be attempted).

Hand transplant

This was possible only because of a young boy named Sachin, whose parents agreed to donate his organs after his demise. Not only did his arms make Shreya’s life (and body) whole again, Sachin continues to live on through six people who’ve received the precious gift of his organs: two kidneys, liver and two corneas (apart from his arms that were transplanted on Shreya).
Shreya before and after organ donation
Shreya before and after organ donation
The hand transplant was successful under the leadership of Dr. Subramania Iyer, Professor and HoD of Head and Neck Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi. Shreya became the first person in Asia to receive an above-elbow hand transplant for both arms and the first girl in the world to receive male hands. After countless hours of physical therapy and immunosuppressants, Shreya was able ‘handle’ herself quite well. She’s able to carry out 85% of all the tasks she did before her accident.

Organ Donation Day 2020

Shreya is among the millions of people whose lives have been restored to normal because they found a donor. Organ Donation Day 2020 is all the more relevant since we are witnessing the fragility of the human body during the pandemic. Age and religion are no barriers to be an organ donor. In fact, only if you are under 18 years old do you need permission from parents or a guardian to sign up for organ donation.
There are many fears about this beautiful act of charity in people’s minds. The aim of Organ Donation Day 2020 is to clear misconceptions so that more people pledge to donate their precious organs after their death for the needy.
Did you know that 500,000 people die every year because of non-availability of organs? This number will reduce only if more people come forward to make a pledge. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has urged to come forth for the noble cause of saving lives like Shreya’s.
She is proud to have written her engineering semester exams all by herself this year, something she hadn’t pictured after the amputation. “My current handwriting matches my previous handwriting. It makes me think that our body is capable of anything, it’s our mind we have to convince,” she says. For able-bodied people out there, it’s your mind you have to convince to make a pledge for organ donation.

CSR News: Biocon joins hands with Akshaya Patra Foundation to help citizens during COVID-19

By
The CSR Journal
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History is witness to the global disruption that has been generated by the rapid spread of coronavirus. Besides being a health crisis, the pandemic also brought economic and business activities to a standstill in India. The collateral damage of this has been denial of livelihood and access to food for the economically challenged sections. It is at this inflexion point that Biocon, India’s largest, innovation-led biopharma company that is no stranger to corporate social responsibility (CSR), approached Akshaya Patra Foundation to collaborate in distributing dry ration kits to vulnerable groups in  Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Moreover, Biocon, quick to adapt to any situation, has been instrumental in developing testing kits and effective therapies for COVID-19. As a CSR Initiative, Biocon’s research arm Syngene International runs an ICMR-approved COVID-19 testing laboratory, using RT-PCR technology, to speed up affordable testing in Bengaluru.
Speaking on behalf of Biocon Foundation, Mission Director, Pratima Rao said, “Aligning with social causes has been fundamental to Biocon’s’ DNA and an integral part of the business model. We have been associated with Akshaya Patra Foundation for some time now. Initially, our primary agenda was to augment the supply of nutritious meals to schools and Anganwadi centres in Karnataka and Telangana. However, at a time when the country was battling a pandemic, the association was extended to reach relief efforts to underprivileged sections of society across several locations. As a further commitment, we will continue to invest in innovative and impactful CSR programmes in partnership with like-minded organisations, to improve the lives of the poor and marginalised communities.”
On the collaboration with Biocon Foundation, Shridhar Venkat, CEO, Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “We are deeply touched with the support we have received from Biocon Foundation during these unprecedented times. We appreciate Biocon for coming forward to collaborate with us in eliminating hunger from society.”
Incidentally, Akshaya Patra and associate foundations have served about 72 million meals to underprivileged sections of the society over the last four months.

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CSR News: Societe Generale commits over Rs. 50 million in support of those affected by Covid-19

By
The CSR Journal
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Since the beginning of the health crisis, Societe Generale has provided support in different countries of the world, namely in France and Africa. In India, Societe Generale has partnered with three of its currently supported NGOs: Action Against Hunger, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults – to assist their programmes specifically aiming at supporting those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
The funds will support frontline health professionals and hospitals to fight the virus, and also help vulnerable communities by providing them with essential hygiene and nutrition needs. More specifically, the CSR programmes are focusing on:
– supporting health professionals, community health and welfare workers and hospitals with medical gear to safeguard their health and protect them from contracting infections;
– giving essential items and creating awareness on safety through informational material delivered via phone and mobile vehicles making public announcements;
– providing those impacted by loss of earnings including migrant and daily wage workers, people with disabilities, pregnant women and elderly population with necessities;
– helping with mental wellness and counselling to families.
The importance of this financial support demonstrates the spirit and commitment of over 8,000 staff, joining Societe Generale and its Indian entities (Societe Generale Bank in Mumbai and Delhi, Societe Generale Securities India Pvt Ltd in Mumbai and Societe Generale Global Solution Centre in Bangalore and Chennai) to raise the total amount donated.
Antoine Castel, Chief Executive and Chief Country Officer of India, states: “As a Group, we are fully engaged and committed to our clients, partner associations and employees. Along with our NGO partners, we unite to alleviate the hardships of the frontline health professionals and the vulnerable communities who struggle during these times. Our gratitude also goes towards each person in our partner organisations who are on the ground implementing our CSR programmes to support those affected by this pandemic.”
Sunil Shah, CEO & Global Head, Societe Generale Global Solution Centre and Global Head, Societe Generale European Business Services, says: “This crisis has had a significant impact on vulnerable sections of society. Societe Generale’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) has always been strong, and our employees are active in volunteering and contributing to society. In this relief programme, our employees joined in mobilizing to raise funds and added to the contribution of the company. Through these CSR efforts and our partnership with NGOs, we hope to play a small role in alleviating the situation in the country.”

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