These advanced wheelchairs have empowered over 784 individuals, transforming not just their lives but also the lives of their families and communities. This year, the initiative aims to touch 1,000 more lives, restoring independence, dignity, and dreams to those once trapped by immobility. Through this initiative, beneficiaries are identified through ongoing social interventions, visits to rural areas, and collaborations with the neurology and orthopaedic departments of multi-speciality government hospitals and community welfare centres.

The wheelchair, once charged, allows users to navigate up to 30 kilometres, offering them not just a means of transportation but a symbol of empowerment and the possibility of a better life. In partnership with CSR Initiative Partners, Team Aahwahan recently distributed 300 automated wheelchairs to beneficiaries at Victoria Government Hospital in Bangalore. This initiative has already brought hope and joy to many individuals, and with more efforts underway, the organization is just beginning to make a lasting impact on the differently-abled community.

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

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The event kicked off with powerful keynote speeches, setting the tone for an evening of heartfelt engagement and purpose-driven action.

Sunitha Krishnan, Padmashree Awardee and Co-founder of Prajwala Foundation, captivated the audience with a deeply moving keynote address. She emphasized the transformative power of giving, saying, “Giving is not just about contributing to others; it’s about nurturing your own compassion. It’s an act of gratitude in motion.” She also highlighted how even small acts of giving can create exponential ripples of change in society. “It’s not just the privileged who benefit society; when we give, we also grow personally, expanding our capacity for empathy and kindness.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Govind Iyer, All India Chair of SVP India, who stressed the need for active and engaged philanthropy. “Our role as donors is not merely financial. It’s about becoming active participants in shaping outcomes,” he remarked. “These NGOs are transforming challenges into opportunities, and our engagement helps ensure these solutions reach their full potential.”

Following these stirring speeches, three Hyderabad-based NGOs—Blood Warriors, Good Universe, and Inqui-Lab—presented their visionary DREAM projects, highlighting their unique approaches to addressing critical social challenges.

Blood Warriors, an NGO committed to tackling Thalassemia, focused on its groundbreaking initiative to make carrier testing more accessible. Their DREAM project aims to cut the medical expenses significantly—currently estimated at ₹25,00,000 incurred over a patient’s lifetime—by investing only ₹24,000 to test 30 individuals for early detection of HPLC carriers. The estimated ROI of this campaign will be ₹21.25 crores which implies for every ₹1 there is a potential impact of ₹61.

Good Universe is on a mission to implement a sustainable menstrual health program that will benefit 1,500 adolescent girls in rural Mahabubnagar. This program will provide these girls with access to eco-friendly menstrual products, menstrual education and general awareness about sustainable practices, and will prevent about 720,000 single-use pads from ending up in landfills.

Inqui-Lab took a different approach by nurturing future innovators and changemakers. Through their “Think & Make” program, they are encouraging public school students to find local solutions to local problems by developing their skills in problem-solving. The program will be led by Youth Innovation Fellows, aged 21-25, guiding 320 students in designing, prototyping and implementing creative solutions to increase student confidence and readiness for the future.

By raising ₹35 lakhs during the event, the NGOs saw a huge boost to their spirits, fuelling their determination to drive greater impact through their invaluable work.

You too can contribute to these DREAM projects, until 31^st October 2024.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Ram Kaundinya, Chapter Chair of SVP Hyderabad, said, “At SVP Hyderabad, we are dedicated to fostering grassroots solutions that can redefine communities. Our focus is not on short-term contributions, but on long-lasting, sustainable impact.

The gala attracted prominent figures like Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao, Indian filmmaker; Manisha Saboo, Head of Infosys Foundation and 65 partners from the Hyderabad Chapter. Additionally, 16 NGO partners of the Hyderabad chapter set up stalls to showcase their work, and raise funds for these initiatives.

The event was an important milestone in SVP Hyderabad’s growing ecosystem of social entrepreneurship and NGO support. This initiative is part of Daan Utsav, representing the greater movement in India towards generosity and social responsibility.

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

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As we commemorate World Forestry Day, it’s imperative to recognize the critical role that forests play in sustaining life on our planet. In India, where forests are not only rich in biodiversity but also crucial for millions of livelihoods, the conservation and expansion of forest cover are of paramount importance. Fortunately, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have taken up the mantle to safeguard and enhance India’s forest resources. Here are ten NGOs at the forefront of this noble endeavour:

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)

Founded in 1998, WTI has been tirelessly working towards the conservation of India’s wildlife and forests. With a multifaceted approach that includes habitat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement, WTI has made significant strides in safeguarding India’s forests. Their projects often focus on creating wildlife corridors, reforestation initiatives, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

Foundation for Ecological Security (FES)

FES operates with the belief that local communities are the custodians of their natural resources. Through participatory approaches, FES works closely with rural communities to restore and manage degraded lands, including forests. Their emphasis on community-led forest governance has led to the revival of numerous degraded forest areas across India, ensuring sustainable resource management and livelihood opportunities for local populations.

Greenpeace India

Greenpeace is renowned worldwide for its environmental advocacy, and its Indian chapter is no exception. In the realm of forestry, Greenpeace India has been instrumental in campaigning against deforestation, illegal logging, and promoting forest conservation policies. Through research, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, they strive to hold governments and corporations accountable for their actions impacting India’s forests.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

CSE’s approach to forestry revolves around promoting policies and practices that reconcile environmental conservation with developmental imperatives. Their work encompasses issues such as forest governance, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. CSE’s research and advocacy efforts have been instrumental in shaping India’s forest-related policies and fostering public awareness on the importance of forests.

The Nature Conservancy India

Leveraging its global expertise in conservation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) collaborates with local stakeholders to protect and restore India’s forests and biodiversity. TNC employs science-based approaches to identify priority conservation areas, implement restoration projects, and engage communities in sustainable land-use practices. Their holistic approach considers both ecological and socio-economic dimensions, aiming for lasting conservation outcomes.

Vanashakti

Operating primarily in the Western Ghats region, Vanashakti focuses on protecting and restoring forest ecosystems, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. Their initiatives range from advocating for the declaration of protected areas to conducting tree plantation drives and biodiversity surveys. Vanashakti also actively engages with local communities to promote ecotourism and sustainable livelihood alternatives, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between people and forests.

Aaranyak Foundation

Aaranyak Foundation focuses on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Northeast India. With a particular emphasis on the Eastern Himalayas, Aaranyak works on habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and community-based natural resource management. Their initiatives aim to conserve critical forest ecosystems while promoting the socio-economic well-being of indigenous communities.

Sankalp Taru Foundation

Sankalp Taru Foundation specializes in large-scale afforestation and reforestation projects across India. Through innovative techniques such as aerial seed bombing and community-driven tree planting campaigns, Sankalp Taru aims to restore degraded landscapes, combat desertification, and mitigate climate change impacts. Their efforts have led to the establishment of numerous green corridors and carbon sinks.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

BNHS is one of India’s oldest and most respected organizations dedicated to the study and conservation of nature. In addition to its research activities, BNHS undertakes various conservation projects aimed at protecting India’s biodiversity hotspots, including forests. Their work involves habitat restoration, species conservation, and environmental education to promote greater awareness and appreciation for India’s natural heritage.

Kalpavriksh

Kalpavriksh, meaning “Tree of Life,” is an environmental action group that focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice. In the context of forests, Kalpavriksh advocates for the protection of natural habitats, indigenous rights, and community-based forest management. Their initiatives often involve research, policy analysis, and grassroots activism to address issues such as deforestation, land degradation, and forest-dependent livelihoods. Kalpavriksh’s work emphasizes the holistic relationship between humans and nature, striving for equitable and ecologically sustainable solutions to forest conservation challenges in India.

As we reflect on the significance of forests for the well-being of present and future generations, it’s heartening to see these NGOs leading the charge in safeguarding India’s forest cover. Their dedication, innovation, and collaborative efforts offer hope for a greener, more sustainable future where forests thrive, biodiversity flourishes, and communities prosper in harmony with nature. Let us celebrate and support their invaluable contributions to India’s environmental heritage.

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1. Sightsavers

Sightsavers is an international NGO working to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with visual impairments in India. Their work is focused on several key areas, including eye health services, inclusive education, and accessibility advocacy. Sightsavers’ initiatives encompass a range of activities that have a direct impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals.

One of their primary goals is to provide comprehensive eye care services. Sightsavers operates eye hospitals and clinics, conducts vision screenings, and performs surgeries to address eye conditions. They also work with local communities to raise awareness about eye health, the prevention of blindness, and the importance of regular check-ups.

In addition to eye care, Sightsavers is actively involved in promoting inclusive education. They collaborate with schools and educational institutions to ensure that visually impaired children have access to quality education. This includes providing assistive devices like Braille books, audio books, and accessible technology, as well as training teachers and staff to create inclusive learning environments.

Sightsavers also engages in advocacy efforts to improve accessibility for visually impaired individuals. They work closely with governments and other stakeholders to promote policies and regulations that ensure accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and digital platforms. By advocating for inclusive practices, Sightsavers strives to create a society where visually impaired individuals can participate fully and independently.

2. ADAPT

ADAPT, formerly known as the Spastics Society of India, is a prominent NGO in India that focuses on promoting the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. ADAPT provides a wide range of services aimed at addressing the diverse needs of disabled individuals and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

Education is a key focus area for ADAPT. They operate schools that cater specifically to the needs of children with disabilities. These schools provide specialised educational programs and therapies tailored to each student’s requirements. ADAPT also offers vocational training programs for disabled youth, equipping them with skills that enhance their employability and independence.

Rehabilitation services are another crucial aspect of ADAPT’s work. They provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to individuals with disabilities, helping them improve their functional abilities and quality of life. ADAPT’s rehabilitation centers also offer counselling and support services for both disabled individuals and their families, addressing emotional and social challenges that may arise.

ADAPT actively campaigns for policy changes to improve the lives of people with disabilities. They advocate for inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, and equal opportunities in employment. By working closely with government bodies, ADAPT strives to create a barrier-free environment that enables full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in India.

3. CBM India Trust

CBM India Trust is a leading Indian not-for-profit development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other marginalised communities. The organisation has been working alongside persons with disabilities to remove cultural and environmental barriers to their full participation in health, education, and livelihood in over 25 states.

CBM India Trust takes a holistic approach to development, addressing the unique needs of disabled individuals in various aspects of their lives. They focus on healthcare services, inclusive education, livelihood programs, and community-based rehabilitation.

In the area of healthcare, CBM India Trust collaborates with local partners to provide accessible and affordable medical services to people with disabilities. They ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary resources to cater to the needs of disabled individuals. CBM India Trust also conducts awareness campaigns to promote health-seeking behaviour and raise awareness about specific health issues affecting the disabled community.

Education is another crucial area of focus for CBM India Trust. They work towards creating inclusive education models that ensure that children with disabilities have access to quality education. This includes providing support to schools, training teachers, and implementing assistive technologies and resources to facilitate learning for disabled students.

CBM India Trust also promotes livelihood programs that empower disabled individuals to become economically self-reliant. They provide vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance opportunities, enabling disabled individuals to start their businesses or find sustainable employment. By addressing the intersection of poverty and disability, CBM India Trust aims to break the cycle of disadvantage and promote inclusive development.

4. Rising Flame

Rising Flame is a disability rights organisation in India that focuses on the intersectional rights of women and girls with disabilities. They work towards promoting inclusive policies, challenging stereotypes, and creating opportunities for disabled women to thrive.

Rising Flame conducts research on issues related to disabled women and girls, aiming to generate knowledge and data that can inform policies and programs. Their research initiatives shed light on the unique challenges faced by disabled women and contribute to evidence-based advocacy.

Capacity-building programs are another key aspect of Rising Flame’s work. They provide training and skill development opportunities to disabled women, enabling them to enhance their leadership abilities and advocacy skills. Rising Flame also facilitates peer support networks and mentoring programs that connect disabled women and provide a platform for sharing experiences and expertise.

Advocacy is at the core of Rising Flame’s efforts. They actively engage with policymakers, media, and civil society organisations to raise awareness about the rights and needs of disabled women. Through their advocacy campaigns, Rising Flame strives to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive and equal society where disabled women have equal opportunities to succeed in all spheres of life.

5. Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is a notable NGO in India dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. With a strong belief in equal opportunities, Samarthanam Trust works towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for disabled individuals across different domains.

Education is a fundamental focus area for Samarthanam Trust. They run inclusive schools and educational programs that cater to the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Through their educational initiatives, they ensure that disabled children receive quality education, support services, and assistive technologies that facilitate their learning and development. Samarthanam Trust also offers scholarships and financial assistance to empower disabled individuals to pursue higher education and vocational training.

To facilitate employment opportunities, Samarthanam Trust provides vocational training and skill development programs. They collaborate with various industries and businesses to create inclusive workplaces and promote the employment of disabled individuals. By equipping them with relevant skills and fostering partnerships with employers, Samarthanam Trust enables disabled individuals to secure sustainable employment and achieve financial independence.

The NGO also places significant emphasis on sports and recreation for disabled individuals. Samarthanam Trust organises sporting events, training camps, and competitions to foster the physical and mental well-being of disabled athletes. By providing a platform for disabled individuals to participate in sports, they promote inclusivity, build confidence, and nurture a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Samarthanam Trust actively engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote the rights of disabled individuals. They collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community leaders to influence policies and regulations that foster inclusivity and equal opportunities. Through their advocacy efforts, Samarthanam Trust aims to dismantle societal barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive society.

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What is danaVidya?

danaVidya is a WhatsApp Chat Bot that uses a combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to answer user questions from its large database. To get started with danaVidya, users simply have to say Hi to +91 7777035895 on Whatsapp or click the API. This chatbot was created by the Center for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP); Aria CFO Services, a CFO service for Social Enterprises; Glific, a WhatsApp-based open-source communication platform for NGOs and danamojo, India’s First Payment Solutions Platform for NGOs, which has onboarded 1,000+ NGOs.

danaVidya’s Coverage

The WhatsApp-based chatbot provides automated assistance to NGOs & Corporate CSR Teams. It covers questions related to Income Tax (12AB/80G), Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the newly launched Social Stock Exchange (SSE).

For any other questions not already in its vast question bank, the chatbot prompts a human volunteer to respond to the unique query within 24 hours of the user’s question. Every automated response has been vetted by a resident expert, the CEO of CAP India, Noshir Dadrawala, who has been offering compliance-related advisory to nonprofits and social initiatives of corporates for over 35 years.

Wealth of Knowledge

Speaking about the launch, Noshir Dadrawala, CEO, Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy, said, “They say that to share or give your knowledge is one of the best gifts and perhaps the highest form of daana or giving. The daana of vidya, in my opinion, is a wonderful opportunity for sharing one’s wealth of knowledge and experience and, in the process, enhancing the giver’s thirst for learning more and drinking deeper at the fountain of knowledge and wisdom. danaVidya promises to be one such platform for cross-learning, peer-learning, and to become a proverbial ‘watering-hole’ for thirsty seekers of knowledge in the jungle of legal compliance for NGOs/NPOs.”

Easing Compliance by Making Knowledge Accessible

Ritu Jain and Ravi Bagaria, Co-Founders & Partners, Aria CFO Services, said, “Finance and compliance are a crucial part of any NGOs growth and survival strategies. In this ever-changing landscape of laws, rules and regulations governing the sector, danaVidya can be the perfect platform to further the ethos of making the knowledge of compliance – accessible and digestible. It is a decoded bible that will provide practical guidance for compliance-related issues faced by the sector. It gives us immense joy to be a part of this journey. This collaboration of experts and technology resonates a lot with our ideologies at Aria.”

Field Expertise

Dhaval Udani, CEO, danamojo said, “The biggest highlight of danaVidya is that it is driven by organisations who work exclusively with NGOs and therefore are experts in the field. Each of us understands the challenges and journeys of NGOs and the complexities of the law with respect to their operations and have therefore created this easy-to-use and accessible platform together.”

Impact of danaVidya on the Social Sector

danaVidya is a game-changing tool that has the potential to significantly impact the social sector in India. It provides a much-needed platform for NGOs and Corporate CSR teams to get quick answers to their compliance and legal queries, ensuring that they can operate smoothly and efficiently. By providing a free service, danaVidya is breaking down barriers to access critical knowledge and support that has traditionally been limited to those who can afford expensive legal counsel.

Moreover, danaVidya is a prime example of the power of collaboration between specialised organisations that serve the social enterprise sector exclusively. By bringing together the expertise of organisations like CAP, Aria CFO Services, Glific, and danamojo, danaVidya is well-positioned to provide comprehensive, accurate and reliable information to its users.

The Future of danaVidya

danaVidya’s creators envision a future where the chatbot will be able to answer queries related to other areas beyond compliance, such as program design, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. As danaVidya continues to grow and evolve, it has the potential to become an essential tool for the entire social sector in India.

danaVidya is an innovative and much-needed solution that has the potential to revolutionize the way NGOs and Corporate CSR teams operate in India. By leveraging the power of AI and NLP, danaVidya provides quick and reliable answers to compliance and legal queries, helping organisations to focus on their core activities and deepen their impact.

The initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between specialised organisations. It is hoped that more such collaborations will emerge to support the social sector’s growth and development. With danaVidya, the social sector in India has taken a significant step towards greater efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.

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Top 10 NGOs in India

Following is the updated list of the top 10 NGOs that performed phenomenally well in 2022.

1. Smile Foundation

In 2002, the Smile Foundation was established in Delhi to support disadvantaged children’s education. This foundation assists over 15 lakh children and their families each year. In 25 Indian states and over 2,000 rural villages, they have established humanitarian initiatives focused on healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education. A group of young business workers founded this charity in an effort to make their life brighter, happier, and more pleasant. Some of their programs are Smile on Wheels, Mission Education and Smile Twin e-learning.

2. CRY

Child Rights and You (CRY), regarded as the most reliable NGO in India, works hard to give India’s underprivileged children better and healthier childhoods. By collaborating with parents, teachers, Anganwadi workers, communities, district and state-level governments, and the kids themselves, CRY addresses the vital needs of children in the areas of healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection from child labour and child marriage. Over 3 million children in 19 Indian states have benefited from CRY’s work over the past 42 years.

3. Nanhi Kali

The Nanhi Kali Project seeks to improve India by emphasising the education of women and girls. The Naandi Foundation and the KC Mahindra Education Trust share management of it. Both monetary and academic help is provided to the Nanhi Kali project students. In addition to instruction in math, science, and language, this gives pupils access to school supplies like textbooks, uniforms, and shoes. Funding for this nonprofit organisation comes from both private contributors and businesses. With the help of the Nanhi Kali project, the Mahindra group educates 22,000 young girls.

4. HelpAge India

HelpAge India was established in New Delhi in 1978. This organisation mostly focuses on elderly care and assists them in raising their standard of living. The goal of HelpAge India is to stop elder abuse, give pensions to seniors, and manage their health care.

They perform all responsibilities that they can to help the elderly who are in need and work to give them a respectable and healthy life that makes them happier and enables them to live happily ever after without feeling guilty or unsatisfied. Elders who feel rejected by their families and the community they have been a part of for years might benefit greatly from the words and deeds of HelpAge India.

5. Goonj

This multi-award-winning NGO, with its headquarters in Delhi, gives the impoverished dignity by utilising local resources and conventional wisdom. Anshu Gupta, the company’s founder, is a Magsaysay Award winner and one of Forbes’ most significant rural entrepreneurs. Goonj has been established for more than 20 years and, under his direction, has inspired widespread civic engagement in matters like rural infrastructure, water scarcity, education, and disaster assistance.

The fact that everyone is treated equally as a stakeholder is the secret to its success. Numerous long-running initiatives are run by Goonj, including the rural development programme Dignity for Work (formerly Cloth for Work), the disaster relief and recovery effort Rahat, the educational programme School to School, and the menstrual hygiene initiative Not Just A Piece Of Cloth.

6. Care India

CARE India has been working in India for 68 years and is a non-profit organisation focusing on reducing poverty and social injustice. Its overall goal is to empower women and girls from poor and marginalised communities and improve their lives and livelihoods. The NGO works towards achieving this objective through well-planned and comprehensive health, education, livelihood, disaster relief, and response projects. Care India reached 31.5 million people directly through 43 projects in 14 states, covering more than 90 districts.

7. Pratham

This is one of the largest NGOs in India and focuses on quality education through innovative learning. Pratham was founded back in 1995 yet continues to find new ways to ensure that children learn and stay strong. What started off as an education initiative for kids from a slum in Mumbai, Pratham has scaled up its reach and strength. It works directly with children and young people in 22 states and union territories of India.

The NGO’s TaRL approach (Teaching at the Right Level) was so impactful on learning outcomes of school kids here that it is being adapted for schools in other countries.

8. SaveLIFE Foundation

SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF) is an independent, non-profit, NGO focused on improving road safety and emergency medical care across India. Founded in 2008, the foundation combines evidence-based research with policy advocacy, communication, and on-ground execution of projects in the two areas of crash prevention as well as post-crash response.

Over the past few years, SLF has facilitated the enactment of the Good Samaritan Law in India, which insulates lay rescuers of injured victims from ensuing legal and procedural hassles, adopted the Mumbai Pune Expressway- to transform it into a zero-fatality corridor, trained several thousand of Police personnel and citizens in basic life-saving techniques, and built technology platforms to assist road uses and those interested in road safety.

9. Salaam Baalak Trust

Salaam Baalak Trust was born in 1989 with a portion of the proceeds from the film ‘Salaam Bombay!’ directed by Mira Nair. The Trust began its work with an aim to give street children more choices in life. In the last 27 years, Salaam Baalak Trust in Mumbai has helped thousands of children come off the streets and into a safe and nurturing environment. Today they provide an integrated safety net of services catering to the individual needs of street children in Mumbai.

The NGO has three Day Care Centres in Mumbai (Chowpatty, Andheri and Kalyan) and a Balwadi at the Chowpaty centre. There is also a Careers Project that gives direct training and subsequent employment opportunities to street kids in partnership with CSR and other NGOs.

10. Oxfam India

Oxfam India is a movement of people working to end discrimination and create a free and just society. The organisation works to ensure that Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, and women and girls have safe-violence-free lives with freedom to speak their minds, equal opportunities to realise their rights, and a discrimination-free future.

The NGO conducts research to find lasting solutions to end rising inequalities and exclusion of marginalised communities from getting decent jobs, quality free education and healthcare. It campaigns with the public to demand policy changes from governments to create a just and inclusive country as envisioned in the Indian Constitution. It also mobilises support to save, protect and rebuild the lives of the poorest of poor affected by crisis and humanitarian disasters.

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The following 4 NGOs are committed to breaking the stereotype and bringing a celebratory outlook to serious problems.

Bal Utsav

Bal Utsav is an education-based NGO who works towards the revitalization of government schools across southern India and has impacted over 8 lakh children. During the inception of Bal Utsav, founders decided to take a celebratory approach in problem-solving and were never involved in depicting an image of misery. In all their messaging since then, whether on their website, social media pages, brochure, banners showcased happy faces of children, and them enjoying the facilities in their schools and celebrating their childhood. Along with this positive outlook and their flagship programs like iShaala and Sampoornashaala, BalUtsav aims to not only provide children with quality education but also combat the underlying stigma associated to government schools in India.

Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is an Indian social development organization which directly benefits over 15 lakh children and their families every year. The foundation works towards educating, empowering and cultivating better citizens. As the name signifies they also work around the narrative of bringing and spreading smiles. Their social media pages showcase the smiles of all the people they have impacted through their programs. The foundation works intensively through focused welfare projects in four major areas – child education for poor children, healthcare for families, skills training and livelihood for youth, and community engagement through women empowerment. In tandem to their efforts to uplift the citizens of India they also aim to uplift the overall notion around India through their positive outlook.

Nanhi Kali

As part of the Mahindra group, project Nanhi Kali is a sponsorship program that has reached out to over 500,000 underprivileged girls across 14 states in India. From far-flung areas such as the hamlets of Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu to the rural outskirts of Banaras, from the tribal hills of Araku in Andhra Pradesh to the sub-plan tribal district of Udaipur, and from the crowded slums of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, to the more remote but cooler locations of Darjeeling, Project Nanhi Kali is ensuring that girls complete 10 years of formal schooling. Along with their efforts to provide schooling for girl children , through their social media accounts and website, they take a positive narrative to combat the stigma around educating girls.

Sightsavers

Sightsavers’ work in India has enabled thousands of people to lead lives of independence and dignity. They have been working with local partners to strengthen organisations and communities, and have supported the treatment of millions of people with eye disorders. The organization has educated, counselled, trained and rehabilitated people who are visually impaired or blind, and helped extend the reach of eye services to the least served areas of India. Most importantly they tell stories of people who have achieved success even with their disabilities. In addition to helping persons with disability they also use a positive approach to drive the notion of equality for all and the idea that no disability can make a human being less capable.

The post 4 NGOs Using a Novel Approach to Serious Problem Solving appeared first on The CSR Journal.

1. Amid the approaching third wave of COVID-19, what role does the Foundation seek to play in containing the pandemic?

Just like how we worked during the first and the second wave! Yes, we were always there standing fast on the ground throughout the pandemic and again we are all set to venture in with our service and support.

We at AROH, are already in touch with our respective district authorities in about 90 districts at the pan India level and started off in all possible capacities to support the government machinery in dealing with the pandemic, helping people in need, and simultaneously being the constant support to the medical, law & order & district machinery. Through a strategic holistic approach, we plan to step in to support government, people and corona fighters through all possible means. The series of relief measures included the supply of food packets and water to the needy ones, Safety gears to medical professionals, patrolling support for lockdown implementation and online counselling sessions to the people in distress. At present, a lot of AROH’s volunteers are engaged in psychological counselling, offline community screening and education. We have been developing corona awareness collaterals and very responsibly sharing through our social media platforms.

We have also introduced a portal for online fundraising so that people who are bound by restrictions can also contribute. Outpourings of generosity during the coronavirus pandemic are part of a shift toward direct giving. These funds shall be transparently utilised for an uninterrupted supply of relief measures. Relief work is updated on regular basis on our corona dedicated page at www.arohforpeople.in

2. How can non-profits contribute towards resolving the issue of rising unemployment in the country after the pandemic?

Unemployment is not a new stumbling block of our nation’s progress. India’s unemployment rate reached a four-month high of 7.91% in December as compared to 7% and 7.75 per cent in November and October 2021, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed on Monday. Covid just aggravated the situation while shooting up the unemployment rate with an all-time high since 8.3% in August.

AROH has been working in income generation skill training activities for the past two decades now. in fact, we started off the journey of AROH in 2001, with the Government of India’s flagship DDU GKY skill development project only. And by far we have been successful in training more than 25000 youth, 22000 women and establishing them into small-medium entrepreneurs or placing them with leading employers of the nation. However, we agree with the paradigm shift, that we have seen in the employment and skill sector.

NGOs in India are hailed for their deep nexus in the remotest villages of the country. According to the Union Labour and Employment Ministry, over 1.14 crore inter-State migrant workers returned to their homes during the lockdown. And so the role of NGOs becomes very crucial in identifying, skilling and placing these candidates back as the workforce.  With the advent of yet another wave of COVID, this becomes far more important for NGOs need to design COVID – relevant skill sets to be trained in, more virtual training modules and identify the neediest candidates as beneficiaries. It is essential to put this large chunk of the population back as contributing force in the economy.

3. What are some of the key areas that AROH Foundation is working in?

AROH has been working closely with the Government of India, leading PSUs and Corporates in implementing vast projects in the domain of Health & Sanitation, Education & School Infra Development, Holistic Rural Development Programs, Water & Natural Resource Management, Skill Development & Livelihood Generation projects, with a special focus on Women Empowerment as cross-cutting agenda within all its interventions. AROH also specializes in establishing enterprise and entrepreneurs, micro-credit enterprises while creation of SHGs or restoring indigenous crafts etc.

By far AROH has positively touched the lives of more than 5 lakh people in 18 states of India. This included the most difficult & isolated locations including the Naxal affected Chhattisgarh, Red Corridors, Interiors of Meghalaya, UP, Bihar and Orissa too.

AROH is hailed for its transparent reporting mechanism through its robust MIS, expert manpower and highly ethical policy of working.

3. What does the AROH foundation do to ensure that the projects they initiate sustain even after they withdraw their presence from the region?

Sustainability is the core of all of AROH’s planning and processes. Within a project, AROH’s core sustainability policy relies on engaging existing resources and manpower in project implementation, which ensures that the implementing gear is set within the site only.

AROH ensures training and upgrading local manpower & resources towards maintenance and monitoring of interventions. The local manpower is later handed over the responsibility to maintain and sustain the asset and the interventions.

Close liaison between the manpower and local administration & political wings are established, which ensure seamless working and maintenance after exit.

Community contribution in terms of physical, financial and emotional content is also ensured, which instils a sense of responsibility and ownership within the community.

Apart from this extensive awareness and mobilization are placed as crucial tools to instil an understanding of the importance of an asset or the activity.

4. What role can CSR play in furthering the cause of women empowerment in rural areas?

India is aiming to be a 5 trillion dollar economy. It is also sitting on a goldmine of raw talent in the form of rural females, waiting to be nurtured, developed, and added to the growing human resource pool. A big economic opportunity for India lies in creating competent and trained female manpower.

CSR should prioritise rural women empowerment as the foundation of the development strategy of the nation. Especially as the pandemic continues to rage in the country, our economy has taken a massive hit, and many have been left without jobs and livelihoods, unemployment rates are at an all-time high and the most affected are those from the rural areas, especially the women and so empowering these female rural youth, who constitute a little more than 48% of the country’s total population as per Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) shall be a stepping stone for India towards being the trillion-dollar economy. . The saying ‘the hand that rocks the cradle’ has enormous economic connotations for India’s ambitions towards an inclusive workforce.  The benefits of skilling and empowering Indian rural women amount to a staggering increase in GDP.

CSR should plan and place models that can develop villages into self-sustaining revenue models which focus on skills and empower women. Small enterprise or Self Help Groups set up in Agri or allied or village relevant business shall do the required. Old indigenous craft can be revived, branded and promoted within the proper framework. The opportunities are numerous, but the will and work are required.

5. What are some of the geographical regions and causes that require CSR attention in your experience?

We have witnessed that although a whole ministry, department and many individual agencies are set up to implement, monitor and assess the development within villages. The government also runs vast welfare schemes, a dedicated quota for villagers but the ones who are looked over often are the urban poor. Considering them as a part of developed metros, we often ignore the basic necessities of these slum dwellers, residing in large numbers in unauthorized colonies of metros. They often are seen struggling with basic needs of Water, Electricity, Safe Defecation, Drainage, Hygiene, Health or even Education.

In this deadly crisis of COVID, it becomes even more important to address the needs of these slum setups as they are often the ticking bomb of viruses in absence of maintenance of protocols.

AROH invoke CSR investors to design and dedicate their projects for the welfare of these urban poor too.

6. Education has taken a major hit amid the pandemic. What needs to be done to bridge this gap as we struggle to cope with the pandemic?

This is an ideal time to experiment and deploy new tools to make education delivery meaningful to students who can’t go to campuses. It’s a chance to be more efficient and productive while developing new and improved professional skills/knowledge through online learning and assessment. It is also a fact that the use of technology in education is resulting in different concepts in the system, for instance, the move from teacher-centric education to student-centric education.

The new methodology shall be serving mutual interests to both student and the teacher. Not only do the virtual classrooms reduce the exorbitant overhead of running a physical school, the recurring costs of buying stationaries, dresses, conveyance etc shall also be reduced for the ward and their parents. The planning to put the systems in place is taking shape slowly and the target to make the virtual classrooms and the engagement between the teacher and students as close to a real is implemented.  The solutions to the doubts shall be just a click away. Going forward, these tools can also make the teachers and parent meetings as well as staff/management meetings more time and cost-saving while providing the necessary interactivity. Pedagogy in digital education is an important link between course content, educationists, technology and course-takers. Going forward, the use of technology in teaching or recruitment will lead to a new era wherein the best of faculty will be available from across the globe to students.  Most importantly, once the mandatory infrastructure is ensured, especially at the rural set-up, the physical barrier of unavailability of a school, a trained teacher, opportunities to a bright future, transparent assessment, capacity building and cross-learning shall be mitigated immediately.

A key aspect of coping with Covid-19 is to ensure that the learning remains a continuous process virtually. Connecting students and teachers through digital platforms and necessary software through the use of laptops or phones is the latest transition in education trying to eradicate the physical need of teachers or classrooms. This is an ideal time to accept technology and its latest offerings in order to make education delivery to students more efficient and make it more productive through online learning and assessments. All these steps will help strengthen the country’s digital learning infrastructure in the long run. Covid-19 has only accelerated the adoption of technologies to deliver education.

7. What should be the focus of CSR initiatives to build a sustainable healthcare system in rural areas in India?

Our healthcare system suffers major inadequacies, especially in rural setups. The Indian rural health care system is a three-tier system comprising Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHC), and Community Health Centres (CHC). There is currently a shortfall in health facilities: 18% at the Sub-Centre level, 22% at the PHC level and 30% at the CHC level (as of March 2018). Although the number of facilities has increased over the years, the workforce availability is substantially below the recommended levels as suggested by the World Health Organization. Rural India has 3.2 government hospital beds per 10,000 people. Many states have a significantly lower number of rural beds than the national average. The health care services and systems in India are still developing and have challenges of workforce shortages, absenteeism, poor infrastructure and quality of care. Despite the National Health Mission and Government’s commitment, adequate and affordable healthcare is still a mirage.

The Pandemic indeed gave a wake-up call to CSR investors to prioritize investing in healthcare in India. However, it is a fact that out of the total of over Rs 52,533 crore, companies incurred a CSR expenditure of over Rs 9093 crores in healthcare in past 5 years. This shows a rightful spend of CSR funds in healthcare, which helped the nation to fight two deadly COVID waves in 2020 and 2021. Clearly, Health & Sanitation has been a CSR Priority.

Further investor needs to directly invest in building up PPP models for developing hospitals, infrastructure and trained professionals in rural setups. This is also the crux of ambitious PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, announced by PM in the 2021 budget.

8. How can rural India support the country in meeting its SDG targets? What kind of external support would enable them to achieve this?

Rural setups in India have the potential to change the complete development and sustainability game in India. In India, it’s the bottom-up development starting from rural to urban set-up that can create a sustainable model.

The rural population comprises about 70 and 60 per cent of the population of low and lower-middle-income countries, respectively, and about 80 per cent of people below the poverty line live in rural areas. The SDGs cannot be achieved without progress in rural development. Important changes in rural development strategies are also necessary for the protection of natural capital, located mostly in rural areas and subjected to serious depletion due to the current strategies of rural development.

The World Social Report 2021, titled “Rethinking Rural Development,” puts forward the radical idea of ending the rural-urban divide too. The localisation of SDGs is an agenda of central importance. In line with the principle of cooperative federalism and larger devolution of funds to the States, and then to the districts and lastly the villages, the villagers are the primary stakeholders in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in India.  It’s with the villages, that when they adopt SDGs locally, that the district, and the states

Rural setups are mines of potential, which, if provided with the right guidance, infrastructure and opportunities can accelerate the SDG targets with much ease.  They just need a small push and opportunity from outside. Be it the support from government schemes through easy convergence, administration and political will is certainly required to utilize complete potential of the villages.

9. Do you have any specific comments on the socio-economic development of India and the role of individuals or government in it?

Yes, I have a firm belief that India’s Socioeconomic development largely aligns with the framework of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals that form the blueprint for its prosperous and sustainable future.

As one of the world’s great geopolitical powers, India has played a leading role in the formation of these goals. Accordingly, there has been a renewed push by the Indian Government on socio-economic programmes aimed at reviving jobs, investments, exports, enhancing the delivery of healthcare, housing and water for all, infrastructure development and supporting the agricultural sector. Even at AROH, we very strategically align all our interventions with relevant SDGs.

And yes each individual needs to contribute to this, or otherwise, we cannot aim for bigger goals in future. Its starts with each of us as individuals, that we understand our role and responsibility in sustainable development, and that we start standing against the exploitation of nature, climate, manpower, resources, and then only we can start questioning the policymakers and the government about our rights. We cannot keep making our planet a junkyard and scream at the government that why haven’t they cleaned the junk? Right! So yes, each one can either be the Caitiff or the Contributor in SDG, so choose your role wisely.

The post Dr. Neelam Gupta of AROH Foundation Elaborates on the Role of NGOs in the Development of India appeared first on The CSR Journal.

What is International Volunteer Day?

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 17 December 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on 5 December.

The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is the theme for 2021?

The  theme this year is: Volunteer now for our common future

When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all.

For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.

How to Volunteer

1. Robin Hood Army

 The Robin Hood Army is a volunteer-based, zero-funds organization that works to get surplus food from restaurants and the community to serve less fortunate people. Their local chapters are run by friends and colleagues, who hope to create a difference in their own unique way. For example, restaurants in the neighbourhood Green Park, will contribute to the homeless of the locality, through volunteers who live in Green Park. “Robins” are largely students and young working professionals – everyone does this in their free time. The lesser fortunate sections of society Robins serve include homeless families, orphanages, patients from public hospitals, and old age homes.

How to volunteer: All you need to give is 3 hours of your time per week at least twice a month to make a real impact. Fill up the volunteer sign-up form here. If you manage a restaurant or generally want to contribute regular meals from your family or workplace, connect with Robin Hood Army to contribute surplus food. Another way to volunteer is teaching kids at the Robin Hood Academy. Creating access to education is the purest form of nation building.

2. People For Animals

Animal welfare is not just about animals. It is about us. Our living conditions, our children, our earth. People for Animals, also known as PFA, is India’s largest animal welfare organization with a nationwide network of 26 hospitals, 165 units, 60 mobile units, and 2.5 Lakh members. They work to rescue and rehabilitate sick and needy animals. PFA sets up and run shelters, ambulance services, sterilization programs, treatment camps and disaster rescue missions for animals. They conduct education programs in schools, fight cases in court, and lobby on animal issues in parliament.

Are you passionate about animals? Do you want to work for the welfare of the least privileged creatures? People For Animals are in constant search of people who are caring towards animals, sensitive towards the environment and dedicated towards their work.

How to volunteer: You can volunteer at Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, Raja Garden, Near Shivaji College and Home Guard Office, New Delhi. The nature of work includes public relations, adoption and donation drives for stray animals, social media management, grooming, cleaning and feeding animals. Interested volunteers need to write to Ms. Ambika Shukla: ambikashukla@yahoo.com and find the Volunteer Form here.

3. Save the Children

Save the Children is India’s leading independent child rights’ NGO, which works in 18 states of the country. Beginning its journey in 2008 in India, and registered as ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’, we have changed the lives of more than 11 million (1.1 crore) children. Undertaking various initiatives in the field of education, health & nutrition, and child protection, we are constantly on the lookout for passionate individuals driven to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.

How to volunteer: Save the Children believes that until and unless members of the civil society are involved actively in the process of change and development, nothing can happen. To make this change happen, they invite you to come and be part of the Save the Children volunteer programme. Volunteer at Save the Children – to work for the welfare of poor children and underprivileged children and their families. The NGO truly believes that volunteers are the backbone of every organization – not only do they carry the organization’s ideals within them and help the organization in implementing them on the ground, they also spread the message far and beyond, sensitizing the society towards the cause.

To get started, fill up the Save the Children volunteer registration form on the link https://www.savethechildren.in/volunteer/

4. Bhumi

Bhumi is one of the largest volunteer organisations in India. Founded in August 2006 by a group of friends, Bhumi works on a conviction that every underprivileged child deserves quality education. It works with a volunteer-based system wherein it invites the youth of the country to channelise their talents to pave the path for educated and poverty-free India.

Bhumi takes in young volunteers below the age of 30 to spread the message of the importance of literacy in street children’s lives, as well as environment conservation. The organisation is present in Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai and Delhi, among other cities in India.

How to Volunteer: Bhumi asks for an individual to volunteer for a minimum of two hours a week for teaching or mentoring children at a community centre or an orphanage. The volunteers can also work on ideas to save the environment, use creative skills to make posters, think of fundraising campaigns, and help during events. All one needs to do to join the organisation as a volunteer is fill out a registration form at Volunteer – Bhumi. When the organisation receives the information of the aspiring volunteer, they reach out to them for further coordination.

5. Sounds of Silence

Founded in 2012 by Sumit Gandhi in Mumbai, Sounds of Silence is an NGO with just one aim: brighten the future of hearing-impaired students. It is an initiative straight from the heart of a chosen few who wish to fill the lives of a million hearing-impaired children across cities, borders and nations with the beauty of expression and the art of communication. Their vision is to ensure deafness with dignity, and a society where deaf people have equal opportunities to participate in all walks of life.

Sounds of Silence (SOS) is India’s first technology based NGO, empowering the hearing impaired individuals to overcome the barriers to communication that they face, and providing them a new way to interact with the world. It aims to improve the lives of deaf and mute kids by launching 2-month training course on Search Engine Optimization, Email Marketing, and Data Entry.

How to Volunteer: The SOS Volunteer will be responsible for teaching in Schools for the hearing impaired in Mumbai covered across a period of 3 to 4 months. The medium of instruction will be strictly in English as we aim to empower the hearing-impaired for chat-based tech support. The volunteers need to have good communication skills and fluency in English, good interpersonal and soft skills, ability to teach and engage the deaf and dumb, and maturity of handling hearing impaired kids. The volunteering program requires a commitment of 2 hours a week for 18 weeks spread across a period of 3 to 4 months. To register, visit Volunteer with SOS – Sounds of Silence.

UN Volunteers Programme

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate over 10,000 qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

UNV works under a dual mandate – to mobilize volunteers for the United Nations System and to advocate for the importance of volunteerism in development worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly created UNV in 1970, with an initial mandate to provide qualified and motivated volunteers for the United Nations System in support of peace and development in operational countries. Over nearly five decades, the scope of UNV’s mandate has expanded, driven by a constantly changing global environment and wider recognition of the value of volunteerism. A series of UN decisions now direct UNV activities and results to also focus on youth engagement and on demonstrating how integrating volunteering in peace and development projects and programmes can widen and deepen impact.

How to Volunteer: In order to volunteer for any agency or programme of the UN, an individual has to apply through UNV programme. To volunteer for the UN, an individual can visit The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme | UNV, to find the volunteering opportunity that suits them the best, and apply for it.

Volunteering for the UN can be very different from volunteering for an organisation because the former would require tremendous commitment. Most of these opportunities are not part-time, but full-time volunteering opportunities. These opportunities provide the volunteers a chance to make a difference at the grassroots level, and be committed to resolving the issues.

The post International Volunteer Day: Volunteer to Make a Difference appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Hope shone in this dark tragedy through the work of NGOs—a catchall term for the roughly 3 million nonprofits working across the country — who have risen to the occasion and ramped up aid efforts. They are leveraging their extensive reach with community leaders and a large volunteer base in the community. They all know that a pandemic response rooted in cooperation makes everyone safer.

In the face of infrastructural collapse, civil society groups are stepping forward to meet the needs of the moment. It would not have been possible for the government alone to holistically address the pandemic — develop, implement and ensure that assistance reached the last mile. We see that every day, in the heroic work of health care workers, first responders, and everyday people reaching out to lend each other a hand.

Mhaswad is a mere blip on India’s vast geographic radar but the women there are in the vanguard of a social revolution that is transforming the lives of low-income women in western Maharashtra. The harbinger of this transformative movement is the Mann Deshi Foundation set up in 1996 by a trained economist Chetna Gala Sinha who combines her intellect with a rare brand of passion and determination for rural uplift.

The rich social capital built over the years by Mann Deshi is now being harnessed to provide relief to those affected by the current crisis. More than 10,000 frontline workers (including ASHA workers) are creating awareness about the preventive aspects imposed by social distancing restrictions, delivering clear public health messaging, implementing testing and contact tracing and distributing medical protective gear including facemasks and gloves and other medical and relief material. 6 lakh masks have been distributed, providing income support to local entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing face masks and protective gear.

For the least fortunate segments of the population, more economic pain is a virtual certainty. An already stretched health system has proved incapable of tracing, isolation, and quarantine. Sinha’s team is operating two hospitals in Satara district under PPP model, in collaboration with the district government and corporate partners. It has launched a fully oxygenated 350-bed facility designed specifically to house and care for COVID patients. It is fully equipped with ventilators, jumbo oxygen cylinders, CR system, etc. It has also set up a 20-bed quarantine centre for covid positive patients in Mhaswad.

Sinha is leveraging local medical infrastructure for expertise, equipment, training and triage and treatment services. Her organization has partnered with a private hospital in Mann taluka to provide free CT scan facilities for women and girls. It is also constructing and operationalising its own medical diagnostics and consultancy centre in Mhaswad. A dedicated Mann Deshi Oxygen Bank provides oxygen concentrators to Covid positive patients across the Satara district for seven days, free of cost.

NGOs like Hemkunt Foundation, Unity and Dignity Foundation, Seva Sahayog and Khushiyaan Foundation are doing exemplary work on the same lines. They are also providing free oxygen cylinders and services to patients in need. It is up to responsible citizens like you and me to support their noble cause in any way we possibly can.

Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.

Dr. Moin Qazi is an author, researcher and development professional who has spent four decades in the development sector. He has worked for three decades with State Bank of India as a grassroots field officer, program manager, policymaker and researcher in development finance.

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