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Smile Foundation has partnered with IIT-Kanpur’s premier Technical and Entrepreneurship Festival Techkriti ’21 to support the latter’s social welfare initiatives. On February 12, Techkriti conducted a drawing completion as a part of its social

Smile Foundation has partnered with IIT-Kanpur’s premier Technical and Entrepreneurship Festival Techkriti ’21 to support the latter’s social welfare initiatives. On February 12, Techkriti conducted a drawing completion as a part of its social initiative BLISS – Brightening Lives by Igniting Social Support in collaboration with Smile Foundation’s Shiksha Na Ruke campaign.

Techkriti is a meeting of minds, an excellent platform to collaborate and bring about positive change in the education sector. The much-awaited festival witnesses nearly 20,000 participants with over 1,000 participants from abroad. Through the pandemic, Smile Foundation has implemented a blended learning approach under its Shiksha Na Ruke initiative to ensure the continued education of school children to mitigate disruption from COVID-19.

Smile Foundation’s blended learning approach improves access to education for students across India through multiple means – smartphones, tablets, television sets, radio and even through feature phones. The blended learning approach includes a methodology for continued learning, even after schools gradually re-open.

Speaking about the partnership, Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder, and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said, “At Smile, we believe that real and permanent change on the ground is only possible with the active participation of civil society. In the pandemic, people from all walks of life and organizations and institutions came together as one and showed up a resilient front which helped the most vulnerable survive the crisis. But there is a lot more to be done to get them back on their feet. Working with children for almost two decades now, we feel that children have been one of the worst sufferers of the pandemic. Particularly, less privileged children, who could not continue their education properly as they had little or no access to digital learning. Through our Shiksha Na Ruke initiative, we are making efforts to provide continued access to education for all children through a blended learning approach so that they do not drop out of the fold of education. We are grateful to Techkriti’21 for lending their support to the cause and the student volunteers who are dedicating their time to make learning engaging and fun for our children”.

Supporting NSS volunteers who continue to serve the nation even during COVID-19 uncertainties, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today announced that its road safety training ‘Honda Road Safety E-Gurukul’ has successfully

Supporting NSS volunteers who continue to serve the nation even during COVID-19 uncertainties, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today announced that its road safety training ‘Honda Road Safety E-Gurukul’ has successfully empowered over 23,000 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers across India on staying safe on roads, that too digitally, from the safety of their homes.

Across India, Honda’s specialized road safety instructors digitally trained the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers aged 16 years + on the important aspects of road safety. Noteworthy, that in just 8 months beginning June 2020, Honda reached out to the NSS volunteers of over 200 colleges of 13 universities across 30+ towns & cities of India – From East (Dhanbad, Sambalpur, Medinapore, Gaya, Durg) to West (Ahmednagar, Nashik & Pune); North (Bilaspur, Gurugram, Udaipur, Delhi) to South (Kannur, Trivandrum, Calicut, Ernakulam, Thrissur).

Speaking on this milestone achievement, Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Senior Vice President – Brand & Communications, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “For 20 years, Honda has been aggressively working in India towards its vision of ‘Safety for Everyone’ on roads. We respect the grit of NSS volunteers across the nation who continued serving the society even in the challenging times of COVID-19. To enhance their safety & inculcate safer riding habits, Honda has digitally trained more than 23,000 NSS volunteers of over 200 colleges in just 8 months. With this initiative, Honda aims to sensitize all type of road users, be it existing or new riders, pedestrians or pillions of their responsibility on roads.”

Keeping it informative yet engaging, Honda’s road safety instructors conducted a 2-hour long Road Safety Webinar based on a mix of theory, videos & case studies.

NSS volunteers were given an understanding of road safety rules, signs & markings (the difference between mandatory, cautionary & informative signs; yellow, white or double lines) and traffic lights & signals (stop, move, left turn, right turn, go straight or slow down).

The volunteers were also briefed on how they can pro-actively avoid road accident injuries by scientific techniques like the correct driving/riding posture, the importance of wearing a seatbelt or helmet and riding gears.

Further, Honda’s safety instructors also educated the NSS volunteers on road sharing manners (sticking to your lane, use of bicycle tracks & footpaths by bicycle riders & pedestrians).

The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that five central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) including BHEL have undertaken up CSR works in 41 aspirational districts in 15-odd states in last two years

The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that five central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) including BHEL have undertaken up CSR works in 41 aspirational districts in 15-odd states in last two years.

Besides Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Andrew Yule and Co Ltd (AYCL), Bridge and Roof Co (India) Ltd (B&R), The Braithwaite Burn and Jessop Construction Co Ltd (BBJ) and Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments (REIL) have taken up CSR activities in 41 aspirational districts during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 fiscal years.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar said BHEL is working in 34 aspirational districts in 12 states including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in last two years.

Whereas B&R is doing CSR works in three districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while REIL in three districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Andrew Yule and Co Ltd has taken up two districts in West Bengal and BBJ one district in Assam in last two years, the minister added.

The minister also informed that the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in its December 2018 guidelines had told CPSEs to give preference to aspirational districts under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Jaipur Rugs, the iconic family-run business, has been working towards bridging the gap between the weaver at the grassroots and the urban consumers through the revival of the dying art of carpet weaving. The brand, led by founder NK Chaudhary, envisions a society where equality

Jaipur Rugs, the iconic family-run business, has been working towards bridging the gap between the weaver at the grassroots and the urban consumers through the revival of the dying art of carpet weaving. The brand, led by founder NK Chaudhary, envisions a society where equality, justice and peace prevail through socio-economic development.

Jaipur Rugs’ key aim has been to provide opportunities for all, with the insurgent mission to serve as a social innovator promoting the cause of artisans by providing them with job opportunities, resulting in an uplifted rural society. As an inclusive development practitioner committed to promoting creativity everywhere it goes, especially in places where others are reluctant to venture, Jaipur Rugs is working with close to 100 inmates across Jaipur Central Jail, Bikaner Central Jail and Dausa Central Jail to provide them with meaningful and fulfilling work by teaching them the art of carpet weaving.

Crime tends to go hand-in-hand with poverty and illiteracy, and imprisonment makes the lives of the families of inmates even more difficult, especially if the one incarcerated is the breadwinner. One way to change this destructive cycle is economic empowerment. Jaipur Rugs feels that the capacity to imagine brings motivation, which then adds to the prestige and prosperity of individuals if nurtured appropriately.

“Let goodness, fairness and, most importantly, love prevail in business. Profits will inevitably follow,” says NK Chaudhary, Founder, Jaipur Rugs Company.

“This innovative initiative by Jaipur Rugs and the Prison Department is much needed. Through this, prison inmates are trained in rug weaving and production and their efforts get appreciated globally, leading the way for reformations. The earnings from this initiative help the families of the inmates. Additionally, 25% of the earned income goes to the victim’s families,” says Rakesh Mohan, Jail Superintendent, Jaipur Central Jail.

Jaipur Rugs also helps inmates open bank accounts to receive payments for their work directly, which makes it easy for them and their families to access their earnings. Ordinarily, inmates are given work that lacks a purpose to keep them occupied. It undermines their potential and eventually leads to an inability and unwillingness to work. Through the initiative by Jaipur Rugs, in which training and workshops are conducted and a source of income is generated, these inmates get access to socio-economic development and are empowered through support and sustainable livelihood.

The Freedom Manchaha collection is an ode to these inmates who want to express themselves creatively and still support their families through the odds.

Myntra, India’s leading fashion and lifestyle destination collaborates with Teach For Change, of which famous Tollywood Actor-Producer Lakshmi Manchu is the Trustee and Chairperson. Through this partnership Myntra is supporting the less privileged children

Myntra, India’s leading fashion and lifestyle destination collaborates with Teach For Change, of which famous Tollywood Actor-Producer Lakshmi Manchu is the Trustee and Chairperson. Through this partnership Myntra is supporting the less privileged children from various government schools across Hyderabad to spread cheer and positivity in their lives.

As part of this initiative, clothes and footwear by Myntra were distributed among 1000 children by the actor The children are beneficiaries under the Teach For Change program, an initiative to improve literacy and life skills among children studying in government schools.

Commenting on this initiative, Lakshmi Manchu, Trustee and Chairman said “I am thrilled to collaborate with Myntra to bring smiles among these children and hope they enjoy the clothes that we have curated. I had a great time distributing these boxes to the children personally. I hope that schools reopen soon and the children are back in the classroom.”

Speaking on the occasion, Amar Nagaram, CEO Myntra, said, “It is our honour to be able to
serve the children associated with Teach For Change. We feel fortunate to get the opportunity to extend a small, yet meaningful support and bring cheer to these children. This effort is truly in line with our vision of ‘making the world a colourful and happier place’ and we are extremely proud of it.”

Mirchi, a brand that has always believed in spreading happiness, has launched its third edition of The Happiness Project, with an aim to help the economically weaker section of the society during the chilly winters

Mirchi, a brand that has always believed in spreading happiness, has launched its third edition of The Happiness Project, with an aim to help the economically weaker section of the society during the chilly winters.

Through this campaign, Mirchi 95 encouraged its listeners to do their bit by purchasing fleece jackets, from their project partner – Decathlon, and donating them for the cause. It also collaborated with the Robin Hood Army who helped execute this project by identifying relevant NGOs and distributing 1,593 jackets across the city of Bengaluru.

While the year 2020 was difficult for all, the ones most affected were the unorganized as well as the economically challenged sector. And the sharp drop in temperatures in the city, only made their situation worse.

Thus, Mirchi 95 embarked on an initiative to support these affected individuals through their flagship Happiness Project. The campaign kick-started on January 13, with some of the city’s most influential radio celebrities like Mirchi Jimmy, Mirchi Sarah, Mirchi Vijji and Mirchi Riddhi spreading the word and encouraging their listeners to partake by logging on to the Decathlon website and purchasing jackets that would be used for the donation drive.

At the end of a successful two-week-long campaign, Mirchi 95 in collaboration with Robin Hood Army reached out to 6 slums like HSR in Gurukul, Koramangala in LR Nagar, Whitefield in Pillekamma Devi Temple, to name a few, distributing warm jackets and spreading smiles.

The Shree Cement corporate social responsibility (CSR) support for the senior citizens project Pronam got a boost in Kolkata with the formal inauguration of a fully-equipped office by the Kolkata Commissioner of Police, Anuj Sharma, IPS, in the presence

The Shree Cement corporate social responsibility (CSR) support for the senior citizens project Pronam got a boost in Kolkata with the formal inauguration of a fully-equipped office by the Kolkata Commissioner of Police, Anuj Sharma, IPS, in the presence of film director Goutam Ghose and other dignitaries.

Pronam project for senior citizens is a unique community-service model in India for the senior citizens of Kolkata. Pronam is run by Kolkata Police in collaboration with city-based non-governmental organization (NGO) The Bengal and Shree Cement has been supporting it since its inception in 2010.

Currently, Pronam has nearly 20,000 registered senior citizens on its roll and there is a huge demand to expand its sphere and cover more senior citizens. During corona, Pronam volunteers provided medicines and essential services to the elderly who were left on their own.

“The Pronam project has grown over the years and reached out to the senior citizens of the city providing security and moral support. The coronavirus outbreak has posed a serious question mark on the well-being of senior citizens in Kolkata, especially those who live by themselves. Many elderly residents of Kolkata have children working outside the city or country and are hard up to carry out the daily chores like going to the market or doctors. The Pronam staff with the help of Kolkata Police personnel have stood by the elderly during these trying times,” said Industrialist Hari Mohan Bangur, Chairman of The Bengal and Managing Director of Shree Cement, in a message.

Pronam is one of the largest outreach programmes in the eastern region for the elderly with Kolkata Police and The Bengal providing logistical support. The new office or Emergency Coordination Room for Senior Citizens would go a long way in reducing the turnaround time for catering to the needs of the elderly in the city. The Kolkata Police has a dedicated Senior Citizen Helpline Number for the elderly to call on and report their problem. The Pronam office works 24 hours with the helpline 03324190740.

On average, Pronam receives close to 1000 applications each month from senior citizens seeking membership. Currently, senior citizens above the age of 60 years living within the jurisdiction of Kolkata are eligible for Pronam membership under certain criteria.

Keeping in mind the need for extensive COVID-19 testing, Ericsson India Global Services Pvt. Ltd. (Ericsson) has joined hands with Smile Foundation to support government initiatives towards collecting Covid test samples for testing

Keeping in mind the need for extensive COVID-19 testing, Ericsson India Global Services Pvt. Ltd. (Ericsson) has joined hands with Smile Foundation to support government initiatives towards collecting Covid test samples for testing at designated Government labs in Chennai and Pune. The same will support in terms of speeding up Covid testing in these cities.

Ericsson has been supporting Smile on Wheels, mobile medical units of Smile Foundation, in four locations: Noida, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Gurgaon and Ericsson E-Health Clinics in Pune and Chennai. Both organizations are committed to providing quality healthcare services at the doorstep of the underserved communities free of cost in order to support the secondary and tertiary healthcare outreach of the government. Over the past five years, approx. 5 lacs underserved people have benefitted through Smile on Wheels as part of this partnership and in the coming years, the number of beneficiaries from this program will grow manifold.

As the demand for healthcare professionals is increasing, this partnership aims to skill more than 5,000 youth in the age group of 18-30 years as healthcare professionals namely General Duty Assistant and other allied healthcare services. A total of 40 Ericsson skill development centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune and Kolkata have been set up to train youth from slums. Over the past 5 years, Ericsson and Smile Foundation has touched lives of approx. 25000 youth and placed approx. 15000 informal sector jobs.

Amitabh Ray, MD, Ericsson India Global Services says,” Our partnership with Smile Foundation has evolved to include a fresh focus on COVID’19, both in terms of healthcare services to underserved communities as well as skill-building. We want to complement and strengthen the Government’s healthcare initiatives against the pandemic in terms of emergency response as well as skill-building of the youth living in slum clusters.”

Santanu Mishra, Co-founder and Trustee, Smile Foundation, said, “Smile recognizes the urgent need for a robust healthcare ecosystem. It is our privilege to join hands with Ericsson in this unique initiative for enhancing the reach of government in collecting samples of covid-19 patients and complementing the efforts of the government in providing primary healthcare services and Skill-India Mission. We have been associated with Ericsson for five years now, and we aim at supporting India’s healthcare systems and the upcoming generation by employing tools of telemedicine and engaging the youth of the country.”