What does India’s prayer “Gayathri” say, “Lord and enlighten God, who inspired us by his intelligence – US, NOT ME OR THEE. That is the social and civic sense. There you get the conception of community service which tells us that unless we strive to evaluate all he elevation of a few is the country’s degradation and decay our “Gayathri” reads like the stirring time of the english poet who prayed “make no more grants God, but elevate the raceat once.” Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. The core of corporate public relations is that humankind has now moved from “ME” generation which means that in the past man has pursued a philsophy of “Every man for himself and the devil care the hindmost.” In the whole of the Vedas and Upanishads we have no prayer for “I” but the whole community. They, in effect, said”when a man, see a fellow man in rags, in filth, starving in slums, unless I raise him I have not raised myself.” ELEMENTS The discipline of Corporate Public elations practice cn be summed up as follows: First, Foundation of business is credit. Second, Foundation of credit is confidence. Third, Foundation of confidence is character. Fourth,Foundation of character is reputation. Finally, Foundation of reputation is laid by Public Relations.
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"Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer just an addition, it is a key differentiator." Prasad Chandra, CMD, BASF South Asia Businesses today have realised that, in order to continue thriving, they have to adopt a more holistic and inclusive business model which has a direct correlation with business performance. This includes a system of triple bottom-line reporting economic, social and environmental - and a focus on transparency and accountability. Companies are now expected to discharge their stakeholder responsibilities and societal obligations, along with their shareholder-wealth maximisation goal. Even much before the issue became a global concern, India was aware of corporate social responsibility (CSR), due to the efforts of organisations such as the Tata Group. Corporate companies like ITC have made farmer development a vital part of its business strategy, and made major efforts to improve the livelihood standards of rural communities. Unilever is using micro enterprises to strategically augment the penetration of consumer products in rural markets. IT companies like TCS and Wipro have developed software to help teachers and children in schools across India to further the cause of education. The adult literacy software has been a significant factor in reducing illiteracy in remote communities. Banks and insurance companies are targeting migrant labourers and street vendors to help them through microcredits and related schemes. In June 2008, a survey was carried out by TNS India (a research organization) and the Times Foundation with the aim of providing an understanding of the role of corporations in CSR. The findings revealed that over 90 per cent of all major Indian organizations surveyed were involved in CSR initiatives. In fact, the private sector was more involved in CSR activities than the public and government sectors. The leading areas that corporations were involved in were livelihood promotion, education, health, environment, and women's empowerment. Most of CSR ventures were done as internal projects while a small proportion were as direct financial support to voluntary organizations or communities. In a survey carried out by the Asian Governance Association, which ranks the top 10 Asian countries on corporate governance parameters, India has consistently ranked among the top three along with Singapore and Hong Kong, for the last eight years. In another study undertaken by automotive research company, TNS Automotive, India has been ranked second in global corporate social responsibility. State-owned Bharat Petroleum and Maruti Udyog were ranked as the best companies in India. Bharat Petroleum and Maruti Udyog came on top with 134 points each, followed by Tata Motors (133) and Hero Honda (131). The study was based on a public goodwill index and India received 119 points in the index against a global average of 100. Thailand was at the top slot with 124 points. The Indian corporate sector spent US$ 6.31 billion on social expenditure during 200708, up from US$ 3.68 billion spent during the previous fiscal. The Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the country's largest steel company, spent US$ 21.05 million on CSR last year; Tata Steel Ltd, (which runs a 850-bed hospital and rural projects in 800 villages around Jamshedpur), spends about US$ 31.58 million as part of its annual revenue expenditure. Now there are plans to also introduce CSR in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector to increase its reach in remote areas. 2
CSR Initiatives and Green Measures India Inc has joined hands to fine-tune all its activities falling under CSR. For this, it has set up a global platform to showcase all the work done by Indian firms. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the TVS Group have collaborated to form the CII-TVS Centre of Excellence for Responsive Corporate Citizenship. The outfit, based in Chennai, will provide consultancy services and technical assistance on social development and CSR. CII's 'Mission on Sustainable Growth' has set up a code which was formulated in 2006. It provides consultancy services and technical assistance on social development and CSR. The mission's aims are to promote the reduction of excessive consumption of natural resources and emission of greenhouse gases. The code had started with 23 new signatories and the total number of code signatories had gone up to 102, by September 2008. Many large corporate houses are taking up projects — along with the help of the government — which are 'green' to promote the cause of sustainable development. •
Coca-Cola India has started with a corpus of US$ 10 million for its CSR activities in 2008. It has undertaken US$ 25–30 million a year project on water conservation, and the project "Elixir of life" to provide drinking water to nearly 30,000 school children. Coca-Cola India won the 'Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – 2008' for these initiatives.
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ArcelorMittal will spend about US$ 500 million as part of its CSR initiatives in Jharkhand and Orissa.
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BHEL has joined hands with a UN body 'Global Compact' (The United Nation's Global Compact is a partnership between the UN, the business community, international labour bodies and non-government organisations (NGOs) to partner with global corporate houses for greater focus on corporate social responsibility.
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Global Compact, in association with FICCI, is also organising the first ever national convention on 'Excellence in Corporate Citizenship and Global Compact'.
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Tata Motors and space agency ISRO are likely to launch the prototype of the world's cleanest vehicle that will run on hydrogen and leave behind nothing more than a trail of water vapour.
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Bajaj Auto, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Eicher Motors have come together to develop hydrogen-blended compressed natural gas (HCNG)-run vehicles to tackle the problem of rising pollution.
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Pepsico India has signed the CII-Code for Ecologically Sustainable Business Growth recently, and in so doing it has committed to decrease the consumption of natural resources and promote ecologically sustainable growth in the group. Its water conservation initiative has resulted in saving over 2.4 billion litres of water annually, bringing down the consumption by 40 per cent since 2005. The effluent discharge has also decreased by 60 per cent. Likewise, the company has brought down the generation of sludge in effluent treatment plants (with over 25 per cent reduction in one year alone) through the use of bio-enzymes. At the community level, the waste-to-wealth initiative has developed zero solid waste centres that helps more than 2, 00,000 community members all over the country. 3
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Reliance Power (R-Power) is planning an investment of over US$ 12.63 billion for renewable and alternative energy resources such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and fuel cell-based power. The company is planning to generate about 5,000 MW from hydroelectric energy and most of the projects would come up in water-abundant north-eastern states.
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The Indian paints industry too is making its products more environmentally friendly by opting for water-based paints and making it carcinogen-free.
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The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) industry is working to get rid of its 'global warmer' stigma through greater use of gases with zero ozone depletion potential (zero ODP).
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Sustainable Technologies and Environmental Projects Ltd (STEPS) is planning to start a project to change plastic, organic and electronic waste into petroleum without the usual harmful residue.
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Pharmaceuticals Company Jubilant Organosys Ltd runs an anti-tuberculosis programme with the government of Uttar Pradesh.
Rural Development Rural development is attracting major CSR initiatives from various corporates. •
Airtel has tied up with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) to reach farmers directly. Farmers will receive free voice messages twice daily on farming techniques, weather forecasts, dairy farming, rural health initiatives, fertilizer availability, loan information and market rates. Additionally, farmers can also call a dedicated helpline, manned by experts from various fields, to get answers to their queries.
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Reliance Communications has introduced low tariff initiative like the Grameen Programme for rural subscribers.
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SREI Sahaj e-Village Ltd will set up 25,000 IT kiosks to be known as common service centres (CSC) across West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, by 2010.
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ITC's e-Chapual has been a great developmental initiative which has also added value to its own agricultural products. It comprises improving the lives of farmers and villagers.
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HDFC has started a 'village adoption' scheme to improve the investment climate in Indian villages.
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Mahindra Shubhlabh, the agricultural business arm of Mahindra & Mahindra, aims to use especially cultured seeds to improve contract-farming productivity.
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DCM Shriram provides information services through its chain of Krishi Vikas Kendras, which have now evolved into Hariyali Kisan Bazaars.
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Hindustan Petroleum has started community kitchen programmes in some Indian villages.
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ICICI Bank has launched an ambitious rural banking and agribusiness initiative.
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The Byrraju Foundation's GramIT programme has generated a rural BPO model. It aims to employ rural people in the ITES (IT-enabled services) industry, and to create profit for the entrepreneurs or cooperatives running the BPOs.
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RELIANCE Social Responsibility & Community Development : Social welfare and community development is at the core of Reliance’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) philosophy and continues to be a top priority for the Company. It revolves around the Company’s deeply-held belief in the principle of symbiotic relationship with the local communities, recognizing that business ultimately has a purpose - to serve human needs. Close and continuous interaction with the people and communities in and around the manufacturing divisions has been the key focus while striving to bring around qualitative changes and supporting the underprivileged. Reliance’s contributions to the community are in the area of health, education, infrastructure development (drinking water, improving village infrastructure, construction of schools etc.), environment (effluent treatment, tree plantation, treatment of hazardous waste), relief and assistance in the event of a natural disaster, and miscellaneous activities such as contribution to other social development organizations etc. The Company’s CSR teams at all manufacturing divisions interact with the neighbouring community on regular basis. The Company takes pride in the fact that its CSR representatives are known by their first names in the regions that it operates.
Education ‘Teach them young’ is the very motto of Reliance as the Company believes that the quality of inputs received by an individual at an early age contributes to his or her growth as a capable human being. To ensure high quality of teaching, Reliance has made significant efforts towards value enhancement of teachers through professional and institutionalized training. Dahej Manufacturing Division conducted educational and excursion tours of students and teachers from the primary schools of neighbouring villages, and also organized ‘Balmela’ and Science and Mathematics Fair. To provide training in the field of effective techniques and modern methods of teaching to high school teachers in the Hazira area, the Company organized training of teachers in various subjects. Reliance has launched the “Sky is the limit” programme at Hazira, to address the problem of school drop-outs in the local community. The Company also provides opportunities to engineering and management institute students to undergo in-plant training/projects as part of their academic curriculum, thus enabling them to appreciate application of theoretical knowledge and get an exposure to the industrial practices. Efforts were made to enhance employability/skill development of local youths. This was done by giving opportunities to them to work in the Company’s operating plants, which in turn improve their job prospects. 5
Executive Development Programs for officers of neighbouring industries were organized in coordination with PRIA (Patalganga Rasayani Industries Association). The Company’s major manufacturing locations provide good quality education to the children of all employees and also cater to the needs of surrounding villages. Jamnaben Hirachand Ambani School, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Vidya Mandir, and Jamnaben Hirachand Ambani Saraswati Vidya Mandir are schools near the Company’s manufacturing locations at Patalganga, Hazira and Jamanagar respectively. A modern educational infrastructure coupled with extra-curricular activities and recreational facilities distinguish all these schools. To encourage school children from neighbouring villages, Nagothane Manufacturing Division based CSR cell – MGCC Area Development Research Foundation (MADER) Trust took following initiatives: · Felicitated meritorious students from neighbouring villages and tribal hamlets. Each student received a set of note books, stationary items and a school bag. · There are several Zilla Parishad schools located on the hilltop near Nagothane Manufacturing Division where all the children who are attending school are tribal. With an objective to encourage the tribal students, Reliance also provided school uniforms. Barabanki Manufacturing Division renovated a primary school in an adjoining village. Hoshiarpur Manufacturing Division provided free uniform (winter and summer), books, bags, shoes and stationery to the school-going children of neighbouring village.
Health Health Awareness Programs, covering diverse topics such as noise pollution, hazards substance abuse, prevention of HIV/AIDS and First Aid were conducted for students of schools at the neighbouring towns and villages of Patalganga. Barabanki Manufacturing Division provides medical service and awareness programs on health, hygiene, cleanliness and sanitation in neighboring villages. Hoshiarpur Manufacturing Division too conducts monthly checkup camps at neighbouring villages. Free medicines and spectacles were also provided. Round the clock free ambulance service has been provided to roadside accident victims. Hazira Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Challenged has been set up in partnership with Disabled Welfare Trust of India for capacity building of physically challenged children from the weaker sections of society.
Initiatives to Combat HIV / AIDS and TB The Company provides Community Medical Centres near most of its manufacturing divisions. These centres cater to the Governmental health care programmes like maternal and child health, TB, malaria, HIV / AIDS etc., besides providing curative treatment. These Centres have been well received and go a long way in providing the medical relief for the community. The Company has implemented HIV / AIDS and DOTS programme at Hazira and Jamnagar, and is in the process of replicating the 6
same at the other manufacturing divisions. This initiative is a publicprivate partnership between the Government, NGOs and Reliance. This comprehensive project extends from creating awareness to providing treatment, care and support. Reliance’s initiative to combat HIV / AIDS has been recognized by UNAID, World Bank and other national and international institutions.
Adoption of Public Health Centre (PHC) Reliance has adopted a Primary Health Centre (PHC) from the State Government of Gujarat and converted it into a model primary health centre. The PHC located at Dahej in Bharuch District, Gujarat, has attained the status of the best PHC in the District in a short-span of 6 months and has established itself as a centre of excellence.
Highway Rescue Intervention To provide emergency and trauma care to victims of highway accidents, Hazira has tied-up with an NGO to run the project on the State Highway in Gujarat starting from Sachin to Bharuch, and the State Highway via Hazira - Olpad - Hansot - Ankleshwar. The project will benefit thousands of commuters who use this highway on a daily basis. Traffic Police personnel are the first government agency to respond to an emergency involving a chemical tanker or a truck. With the increase in the number of accidents on roads and the unending addition of new chemicals, it is important that these personnel understand the hazards and the basic steps to be taken to safeguard themselves and the general public from the hazards of chemicals. The Company’s initiative of training traffic police personnel by its Kurkumbh Manufacturing Division in handling road transport emergencies involving chemicals will go a long way in serving the objective of community well-being.
Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Lodhivali Reliance also operates the Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Lodhivali and renders quality medical services to the rural population and highway accident victims.
Moti Khavdi Medical Centre As part of corporate social responsibility services, a community medical centre was established in Moti Khavdi, a village near Jamnagar Manufacturing Division, during the pre-commissioning stage of the refinery in November 1995. This Community Medical Centre provides comprehensive medical services free of cost and round the clock. About 1.2 lakh villagers of nearby areas like Moti Khavdi, Nani Khavdi, Padana, Meghpar, Gagva, Jogvad, Baid, Kanalus, Sikka, Sarmat, Navaniya, Mungani, Jakhar, Bara, Vasai and Amra benefit from the same.
Community Medical Services at SEZ, Jamnagar A massive workforce from all parts of India are working at the mega construction activities in the SEZ at Jamnagar. The Company has given shelter in several colonies. 7
Each labour colony has a separate medical centre. Each medical centre is manned round the clock by doctors, nurses and ambulances.
Thalassaemia detection camp and Parental counselling The tribal areas in regions near Surat, Gujarat, are highly endemic to the prevalence of a thalassaemic trait, which is a genetic disorder. The Company launched a thalassaemia detection camp in association with the Indian Red Cross in the local high school. Children from the nearby school were tested for the disorder. The opportunity was also used for detecting aneamia and sickle cell aneamia. A post-test counseling session was organized for the parents of these children.
Project “Cancer-Aid” for Cancer patients In partnership with the Lions Cancer Detection centre, the Company provides monetary assistance for purchase of medicines to cancer patients.
Mobile Dispensaries Reliance also operates free medical diagnostic and therapeutic services at neighbouring villages of several of its manufacturing locations.
Blood Donation Drives The Company’s employees organize and participate in blood donation campaigns every year across its manufacturing divisions and offices.
Public Health Care Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Hospital and Research Centre (HNHRC) Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation (DAF), with financial and technical services support from the Reliance Group, joined in 1997 the Management of HNHRC, a charitable hospital offering tertiary health care facilities to all strata of society and providing free and subsidized services to the poor and indigent patients availing of various diagnostic and treatment facilities. Thousands of patients have received treatment indoors in the various wards and specialized care areas and at OPD services at P.T. Clinic, the popular Diagnostic Centre of the Hospital. The Hospital continues its age-old tradition of rendering free service to all in the casualty ward. More than 4,000 surgeries were performed during the year, of which a major portion was special and supramajor surgeries. The Hospital carried out several Cadaver Transplants in the recent past. Further, the eye Donation drive initiated by the hospital witnessed an increased response. Some of the important outreach programmes conducted during the year included a Senior Citizen Health Screening Program in association with Rotary Club, and a medical back-up for the Special Olympics event organized by the Lions Club - International. Twice a month, the hospital continues to conduct free health check-up for senior citizens and physically challenged in Mumbai. These programmes have gone a long 8
way in educating the community on prevention of diseases, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The hospital is in the process of building a multi-storied ultra modern tertiary care hospital with state-of-art facilities and infrastructure embracing the entire spectrum of health care services. Several new facilities would be added, and many of the existing facilities would be significantly upgraded in areas like Neurology and Neurosurgery, Urosurgery, Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery and Cosmetology. A chain of blood banks would be established at various centres under a new initiative by the DAF. Educational and research activities at the hospital shall receive significant boost by way of advanced facilities and better funding. The project, when completed, would be a landmark healthcare facility in this city. Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Medical Research Society (HNMRS) DAF, through the Reliance Group, supports the scientific research activities of HNMRS. The Society has been carrying out scientific research activities since 1974 -75 and has completed more than 130 research projects. The scientists from HNRMS have presented over 180 papers at various national and international conferences. More than 130 papers have been published in peer reviewed scientific journals, about half of them being highly rated as prestigious international journals. Topics of national health priority constitute a major share of the research projects undertaken. The researchers are motivated to expand their research avenues to carry out epidemiological studies and community-based surveys. As part of such studies, children from nearby schools and susceptible population from neighbourhood communities are regularly screened by medical / paramedical professionals. Those in need of medical care are offered special attention and treatment at the institution free of cost.
Drishti Project Drishti, a nation-wide corneal grafting drive to bring light into the lives of visually challenged from the underprivileged segment of society has restored the gift of sight to over 5,500 Indians. A unique joint initiative of Reliance Industries Limited and National Association of Blind (NAB), Project Drishti has undertaken over 5,500 keroptoplasty surgeries in less than 4 years since it was started - all free of cost. It is now the largest corneal grafting surgery project enabled by a single corporate entity in India.
Drishti Painting Competition As a part of corporate initiative to propagate awareness of Project Drishti, Drishti painting competition is organized for school children at several manufacturing divisions and offices of the Company.
Community Development
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Jamnagar Manufacturing Division continues to extend a helping hand to surrounding villages and the community at large. Activities during the year focussed on improving village infrastructure, supply of drinking water, education support etc. During the year, in a unique initiative to improve rural housekeeping and sanitation, a totally fresh approach was adopted to beautify Moti Khavdi; Reliance’s adopted village. Cleaning and sanitation drive at Moti Khavdi was taken up as an ongoing project. Three MoUs were finalized with the State Government of Gujarat for development of Dwarka during the year. They are to (i) develop the temple square in front of the famous Dwarkadheesh temple (ii) construct ‘Sudama Setu’-a bridge to connect both the banks of Gomati river behind Dwarkadheesh’s temple and (iii) develop ‘Panchkui’ area on the sea-shore where five wells, believed to be dug by Pandavas, still give fresh potable water right on the seashore. To maintain and support village cows in surrounding villages, two more brand new cow-sheds for Kanalus and Kanachikari were constructed and handed over to the respective villages. These cows and cow-sheds (“Gaushala”) receive regular fodder supply from the Company’s Jamnagar Manufacturing Division. Construction of a public lavatory, water tank and avedo (common drinking water facility for villagers) was done at Nani Khavdi during the year under report. Drinking water through water tankers was supplied during a crisis period in Sikka, Nani Khavdi, Meghpar and Padana. At Kanachikari, Drinking water pipelines were laid during the year. A new primary school building at Navagam was constructed and repairing of some village schools was taken up. Participation and distribution of sweets in village schools during the Independence Day and the Republic Day; support to Government of Gujarat’s drive for girls’ education; distribution of gifts to girls of villages during Navratri festival; supporting Navratri celebrations in Jamnagar were some of the salient aspects of Jamnagar Manufacturing Division’s Community Welfare Cell as part of routine and regular activities. In a major initiative to celebrate Navratri, the world’s longest dance festival on a large scale; Jamnagar manufacturing division took a lead to form Gujarat Industries Navratri Festival. A gala festival was organized and celebrated at state capital Gandhinagar’s helipad ground for nine days jointly with leading industries of Gujarat. The event brought to fore the role of industries, handicrafts, art and culture etc in the development of Gujarat as a vibrant state. The event evoked tremendous response and applause from every quarter of the society at large.
Reliance Rural Development Trust (RRDT) The work to improve the rural infrastructure under the Government of Gujarat’s rural development plans was continued with full energy by RRDT. During the year under report, the RRDT created 760 facilities in the rural areas at a cost of Rs. 24.07 crore. The facilities included 247 concrete roads, 465 anganwadis, 38 drinking water facilities, 1 panchayat office, 2 community halls, 5 check-dams and 2 other amenities 10
in the rural areas of the State of Gujarat. RRDT has turned out to be an exemplary corporate NGO steadily and silently implementing government’s developmental plans for rural areas of Gujarat. It is a unique synergy between a corporate giant like Reliance Industries Limited and the Government of Gujarat, formed to carry out rural development projects in private public partnership. Dahej Manufacturing Division has been playing a pivotal role in the development of the society. Social initiatives undertaken by Dahej Manufacturing Division are concentrated towards promotion of education, health awareness and medical facilities, infrastructure development and supply of safe drinking to the villages. Some of the initiatives undertaken by the Company’s E&P Division near KG-D6 include 1) gainful employment for local communities, 2) vocational training for the youth, 3) employment for members of Gadimoga panchayat, 4) financial assistance for community activities, 5) sponsoring of cultural and sports events, 6) financial relief to affected communities, 7) compensation to local fishermen, 8) academic and financial assistance and educational support through distribution of books, 9) improvement of village school infrastructure and 10) medical help to local communities. After successfully implementing zero garbage concept at Nagothane Manufacturing Division, the Company’s CSR cell took the initiative to propagate the concept of solid waste (dry and wet waste) management in the neighbouring villages so as to help villagers in keeping their village environment neat, clean and garbage-free. Reliance has also solved the long-standing drinking water problem of villages near its Manufacturing Divisions located at Naroda and Nagpur. Further, Reliance has created public bathing facilities and toilets for truckers and residents of villages for improving hygiene near its Allahabad Manufacturing Division.
Empowerment of Women and Youth Reliance has conducted many training programmes, which would help the rural women and youth to be self sustaining and generate income for themselves and support their families. The training programmes conducted at Vadodara for the rural women and youth of surrounding villages of Vadodara Manufacturing Division during the current year are: 1) Women Empowerment, 2) Dress making & Designing, 3) Beauty Culture & Healthcare, 4) Hospital attendant (Helpers for Hospital & Nursing Homes), 5) Plumbing & Hand Pump repairing training, 6) Computer Hardware, 7) Motor Vehicle Driving, 8) Mobile Repairing and 9) Doormat making. Several persons participated and benefited from the above training programmes. Nagothane Manufacturing Division based CSR cell-MADER Trust is supporting several Self-Help groups in income generating activities such: Hatsadi tandul (brown rice cultivation), phenoyl making, agarbati-making, candle-making, papad-making and supplying it to industrial canteens and also hand-carry-bag making. Hoshiarpur 11
Manufacturing Division conducts free stitching courses for the women of nearby villages. Skill Up-gradation Reliance runs special training programs to equip the young people of neighboring villages with life and work skills necessary for sustaining livelihood. Nagothane Manufacturing Division conducted training in fashion designing courses for the ladies to upgrade the skills of those women who are already trained in basic tailoring. This division also conducted computer education courses and nursing assistant training courses. The trainees also received hands on training at the local hospitals and primary health centres at Nagothane. The Company also trains the youth in vehicle driving courses and also helps them in getting a driver’s license so that they can earn a livelihood by starting their own business as motor drivers. The Company’s Polymer business division organised technical training programmes at 50 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) all over India to enhance skills of artisans for new and advanced technique of plumbing with PPR pipes. The Company also offers plumbing kits, free of cost, to various plumbers as well as to ITIs to promote this new energy efficient application in the building industry. PPR pipes are faster to install than metal pipes. This results in improving daily productivity of plumbers thereby increasing in their earnings. This initiative covered many plumbers across the country.
Eco-friendly Initiatives In addition to the above initiatives, the Company also focusses on the development of the eco-system and improvement of the green belt across its manufacturing and E&P sites.
Transforming lives at the bottom of the Pyramid Reliance constantly aims at creating and living up to rising expectations among its valued stakeholders. The Company cares for providing clean and green environment on a sustainable basis. It recycles used bottles to produce value added products. When most of the environmental concerns are subsidised, Reliance has found a solution for being environmental friendly on a sustainable basis. In the case of recycling bottles, Reliance is indirectly providing livelihood to around 200,000 individuals. This business has transformed lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Packaging solution to farmers (Leno bags) Reliance organised extensive awareness programmes on improved packaging solutions for potato and other vegetables for farmers all over India. This included demonstration on use of Leno bags, which are more durable, functionally more efficient and cheaper than traditional materials. This programme helped the farmers reduce the cost of packaging of potato. These bags also helped farmers to reduce wastage while keeping in cold storage. The Company’s efforts helped the farmers to improve their earnings. The programme covered more than 10,000 farmers across India. 12
Polyethylene (PE) Biogas Domes for Renewable Energy Source Biogas technology for rural development has been a focus area for Government of India. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) promotes family-type biogas plants under the National Project on Biogas Development (NPBD). The project was launched in 1981-82 with the objective of producing clean and alternate renewable energy for cooking and lighting, enriched organic manure for agricultural usage, improving sanitation and hygiene and reducing drudgery of women. The two cubic metre “Deenabhandu” model is the most popular family type fixed dome biogas plant developed with conventional brick and cement. Many of these plants get defunct due to dome cracks leading to gas leakages. The Company has developed a 100 per cent leak-proof Rotomolded PE Dome, which gives end-users a unique combination of properties like good strength, stiffness, light weight, seamless construction, ease of installation and very little maintenance. The PE-based dome has been developed by Reliance and has been approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Sports for the Physically Challenged Reliance has joined hands with the organising team of Special Olympics Gujarat (Bharat) for the physically challenged children of Gujarat. Several hundred children participated in the events that were organised at the Reliance Sports Complex, Vadodara.
Real Indian Heroes On the occasion of Shri Dhirubhai Ambani’s 75th birthday, 60 years of Indian Independence and 30 years of Reliance, the Company took up a unique initiative to salute the Real Indian Heroes of Independent India. Partnering with the TV Channel, CNN-IBN, a series of programmes to felicitate the unsung heroes of India was launched. CNN-IBN identified 24 Real Heroes, which included six each from the four zones of India. In recognition for their outstanding contribution to society, Reliance felicitated each of these 24 Real Heroes to further encourage their contributions.
Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation (DAF) Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation (DAF) was established in 1995 by Shri Dhirubhai Ambani, the Patron Trustee of the Foundation. A public charitable trust registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950, DAF has for its objectives a broad spectrum of worthy causes ranging from health and environment, to promotion of social and economic welfare, and rural development. However, its main thrust has been on education and public healthcare. DAF systematically pursues philanthropic activities to promote national welfare and social good. Reliance lends valuable support to DAF in terms of financial contribution and wherever necessary, infrastructural support. Reliance also draws on the DAF expertise in evolving and coordinating the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives and other group companies also help DAF initiatives wherever possible. Thus, DAF initiatives reinforce Reliance’s commitment to social responsibility. 13
Education: Rewards and Scholarships DAF SSC Merit Reward and Undergraduate Scholarship Schemes: The Foundation’s much acclaimed SSC Merit Reward and Undergraduate Scholarship Schemes continued to encourage and assist meritorious students at the district level to pursue higher education in different vocations to enhance the Human Resource potential of the country. Now in their twelvth year, both the schemes are currently applicable in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and the Union Territory of Daman, Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli. The first three in overall merit and one physically challenged student securing the highest marks in each of the 64 districts at the annual SSC and HSC examinations of the respective state Boards, as well as the first ten CBSE students from Maharashtra and Gujarat and 2 from Goa, in the merit list of CBSE New Delhi, are eligible for the Rewards and Scholarships.
Reaching out to other states: To offer equal opportunities to the physically challenged meritorious students from the rest of the country, the Foundation has extended the Rewards and Scholarship Schemes to the first five physically challenged students from all the States and Union Territories of India that provide the list of such meritorious students. Accordingly, in 2007-08, physically challenged meritorious students from Rajasthan received SSC Merit Rewards and Undergraduate Scholarships at a function held in Jaipur, whereas at a function held in Hyderabad, 20 Physically Challenged meritorious students from the state of Andhra Pradesh received the Rewards and Undergraduate Scholarships for the years 2006-07 and 2007-08.
Reliance Kargil scholarships scheme Children of martyrs / disabled soldiers of the Kargil war received financial support under this Scheme for their education from Std. V to XII. The unique feature of the Scheme is that the corpus was created with contributions from Reliance Group employees, with the Management responding by making equal contribution. “Dhiruhbai Ambani Shareholders
Scholars’
scheme”
for
Meritorious
Children
of
Reliance
The Scheme was announced in 2003 as a one-time measure to commemorate the silver jubilee of the company’s listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange. In the first year, 900 meritorious children of the shareholders received the scholarships. Of these, in 2007 - 08 which is the 4th year of the Scheme, a total of 101 scholars continued to receive the scholarship for their education, leading to Degree / Diploma course, the rest having completed their education.
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Sony -CSR Environmental Conservation Activities Established Partnership with NGO to Address the Issue of Climate Change In July 2006, Sony signed an agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) global environmental NGO, to join its "Climate Savers Programme". Under the program, Sony has agreed to partner with the WWF to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Sony's sites around the world, reduce CO2 emissions from product use by lowering the annual energy consumption of major Sony products and cooperate with the WWF to raise consumer awareness of global warming prevention. Promoting Product Energy Saving In February 2007, Sony received a Sustainable Energy Europe Award from the European Commission, the first consumer electronics and entertainment company to earn this prestigious prize. The award recognized Sony for its voluntary commitment and efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its products, as well as its disclosure of information to consumers. As of February 2007, all Sony televisions sold in Europe had a standby power consumption below 1 watt, with 30 models achieving a standby power consumption of only 0.3 watts, below the market average. In Japan, Sony's KDL-40J3000 model BRAVIA LCD television has achieved an energy-conservation level of 180% relative to Japan's energy-saving laws, representing the industry's highest energy-saving performance2 .
Environmental Conservation at Sites Sony is engaged in a variety of environmental conservation activities at its sites as it works towards its "Green Management 2010" mid-term group environmental targets, to be achieved by 2010. In fiscal 2006, Sony's emissions of greenhouse gases (calculated in terms of CO2) totaled approximately 2.03 million tons, down 9% from fiscal 2000 levels. Furthermore, waste from Sony sites was approximately 193,000 tons, down 30% from the fiscal 2000 level, while the amount of water used dropped approximately 16% from fiscal 2000 to 24.18 million cubic meters.
SONY ESTABLISHES FIRST NATIONWIDE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT’S RECYCLE AMERICA Program Open to All Consumer Electronics Devices NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2007 – To encourage consumers to recycle and dispose of electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, Sony has established a national recycling program for consumer electronics. The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allows consumersto recycle all Sony-branded products for no fee at 75 Waste Management (WM) Recycle America eCycling drop-off centers throughout the U.S. 15
The program, which begins on Sept. 15, was developed in collaboration with WM Recycle America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. The program also allows consumers to recycle other manufacturers’ consumer electronics products at market prices, and may include a recycling fee for some types of materials. This is the first national recycling initiative in the U.S. to involve both a major electronics manufacturer and a national waste management company. As the Sony Take Back Recycling program expands, the number of eCycling drop-off centers will increase to at least 150 sites within a year, with at least one location in every state through a combination of WM Recycle America locales and WM external service partners. Sony and WM Recycle America are also working towards the goal of having enough drop-off locations in all 50 states so there is a recycling center within 20 miles of 95 percent of the U.S. population. Consumers will also have the option of shipping their used Sony electronics products to select WM Recycle America locations. The Sony Take Back Recycling Program is part of Sony’s broader global commitment to environmental stewardship, which spans product design, recycling, facilities management and energy conservation across all categories. "Providing the highest level of service and support doesn’t stop once a purchase is made. We believe it is Sony’s responsibility to provide customers with end-of-life solutions for all the products we manufacture,” said Stan Glasgow, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics. “Through the Take Back Recycling Program, our customers will know that their Sony products will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.” Glasgow said that by making the recycling of Sony products easy and convenient, the company expects to reach its goal of recycling one pound of old consumer electronics equipment for every pound of new products sold. “People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically,” said Patrick DeRueda, president of WM Recycle America. “This program serves consumers’ needs by offering a convenient and cost-effective waste management solution, while demonstrating our shared commitment to providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship.” As the technology industry sees continued growth, the amount of electronic waste is also increasing. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that in 2005 used or unwanted electronics amounted to about 1.9 to 2.2 million tons. Of that, some 1.5 to 1.9 million tons was primarily discarded in landfills, and only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled. By recycling old electronics products, useful materials -- such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used in the manufacture of other products. Recycling not only minimizes the amount of waste disposed, it also minimizes the 16
extraction of new raw materials from the earth and resources required for processing, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases in the process.
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The wealth generated by Jamsetji Tata and his sons in half a century of industrial pioneering formed but a minute fraction of the amount by which they enriched the nation. The whole of that wealth is held in trust for the people and used exclusively for their benefit. The cycle is thus complete: what came from the people has gone back to the people many times over. For Jamsetji Tata, the progress of enterprise, welfare of people and the health of the enterprise were inextricably linked. Wealth and the generation of wealth have never "been ends in themselves, but a means to an end, for the increased prosperity of India," The Times of India said in 1912 of the Tatas. Successive generations of Tata Group leaders have always held the belief that no success in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the interest of the nation and is achieved by fair and honest means. Conscious that the task of social progress, especially in a country as diverse as India, cannot be undertaken by the Government alone, J R D Tata the Chairman of the Tata Group from 1938 to 1991, believed that, "to create good working conditions, to pay the best wages to its employees and provide decent housing to its employees are not enough for the industry, the aim of an industry should be to discharge its overall social responsibilities to the community and the society at large, where industry is located."
Education Tata Steel has influenced the integration of tribals in the economy in a less obvious and immediate way by propping up the education of tribal children and youth of various ages and at various stages of their academic career. Infants and toddlers are prepared for formal schooling in the informally run balwadis (crèches/nurseries). The drop out rate of tribal 18
students in schools and colleges has been checked with financial assistance and sponsorships. The TCS bears the entire expense of two tribal students who secure admissions for management education at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. It also coaches students for entrance into administrative, technical and the public services. An unusual project called Sahyog, implemented in five schools, helps tribal students to develop selfesteem and plan their future. The Xavier Institute for Tribal Education near Jamshedpur has also been supported by Tata Steel to produce professionally trained personnel.
Health and Hygiene The tribal population is dispersed across a wide geographical area of Jharkhand and Orissa, where most of Tata Steel's operating units are located. To promote better health among them, Tata Steel operates 46 mobile clinics in areas within Jamshedpur, surrounding rural areas and the mines and collieries in Noamundi, West Bokaro, Sukinda, Bamnipal and Jamadoba, among others. The clinics provide diagnostic treatment and free medicines at a cost of Rs. 3,75,000 per annum. Tata Steel also organizes eye camps, which provide free treatment to cataract patients, 75 per cent of whom are tribals. The Company also ensures safe drinking water for the tribals by not only installing new tube wells but also repairing and maintaining existing ones at a cost of Rs. 5,50,000 per annum. Life Line Express, a unique hospital on rails, has been sponsored ten times by Tata Steel with the intention of making available medical facilities to people living in remote villages of Jharkhand and Orissa. The medical specialists of the Life Line Express perform corrective surgery for cleft, lip and palate and cataract cases and also conduct workshop for men, women and children. For some of them, such workshops are altogether a new experience.
Culture Efforts to support tribals may well leave them at the doorstep of development without a sense of belongings and their cultural heritage. With a view to helping the tribal population preserve its rich inheritance, Tata Steel has set up the Tribal Culture Centre (TCC) at a cost of Rs 35,00,000. This Centre showcases the tribal legacy of four major and five minor tribes of Jharkhand 19
and Orissa and evokes a lot of interest amidst scholars, researchers and even laypersons. TCC not only documents relevant research but also enables the continuation of the tradition by sharing it with the youth and non-tribals. Additionally, a Santhali Language Laboratory has also been initiated in the Centre since 2002-03.
The centre was instrumental in reviving the now almost forgotten 'Kati' - a game played between two teams that attempt to score points by hitting the opponent's Kati - a semicircular piece of wood by a long wooden stick using their feet. Known to be a game that used to be played by youths in non agricultural season, it tests the team spirit, physical strength and concentration levels of the players.
Environment Management Tata Steel believes that environment management is integral to sustainable business. The company's commitment in this area can be further gauged from the fact, that Tata Steel is the first company in the country to be conferred ISO-14001 Certification for its main steel works and utility services in Jamshedpur. All its mines and collieries are also ISO-14001 Certified for environmental management.
Tata Steel's collieries and mines which support the 'Save Forests' campaign are a benchmark in environment management, Further augmenting its commitment in this field, Tata Steel, has planted 1.5 million surviving trees as a part of the “Green Millennium” campaign. It may be worth mentioning that Jamshedpur has the best tree cover in the country.
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Sharing wider responsibility
'Generation Next’
Counselling
Our Success Mantra- What Is It That Actually Worked?
HIV/ AIDS Care And Prevention
Sharing wider responsibility As a corporate responsibility, today 37 villages across India have been adopted. This includes making substantial investments for nearly a decade and a half in them to make them fully self reliant, providing them fresh drinking water, sanitation facilities, medical facilities, enhancing their income standards by imparting vocational training and agricultural innovations. However, BPCL also firmly believes that the only vehicle for raising the villagers from their present state is by educating both the young and the old, a focus on providing grants for opening schools and opening adult literacy camps as well. Name of the village
Activity NGO/BPCL Community centre , vocational G.P.T. T.M. - ( R ) Agra guidance and non formal education / sensitization, Hand pumps (No. 3), Bhogalpura (U.P.) sanitation blocks and appointment of NGO for running the activities have been carried out. Babukheda (U.P.) Provided Medical van cum mobile G.P.T. T.M. Lucknow education van. Extension of community centre to accommodate school upto 5th std. / distribution of uniforms and books to the children. Conducted medical camps, Mid-day meal scheme . Approach road, bore well provided Basantgarh (U.P.) Community centre , compound wall Faridabad Population-740 approx for existing school, provided SC Population furniture to school , educational support (distribution of uniforms and study material), medical camp, cattle camp and eye camp have 21
been carried out Chawri (U.P.) Non Formal School Up To 2nd Std., G.P.T. Uniforms & Mid-Day Meal Scheme , Dispensary Provided Srinivasapura Operating Mid-day meal scheme to V.G.K.K. Vivekananda / Munneshwara 75 children ,bore well , school Girjana Kalyan kendra karnataka building, educational support , (Ramkrihan Mission ) vocational training - agro based, Dr.Sudarshan Health centre Jyotinagar Karnataka Repair and maintenance of school Desur ( T.M. - R ) building , open well , sanitation blocks carried out and development activities will be revised Ramthenga Orissa Educational support, Medical camp, Bhuvaneshwar T.M. LPG sewing machines , Intensification of RAC - agreement up to fishing ponds & Improvement of 30/04/2005 Infrastructure during 2004 / 2005 onwards Brindabanpur Provided bore well, conducted Not to be progressed / Farikkadanga W.B. medical camps and cattle camps. Jahajpur W.B. Road, Bus shelter, Tank for fishing, Kalyan(kalyan krishi Medical centre, Vocational training, vigyan kendra ) through R.K.Mission Uttar Goalpara W.B. Solar street lighting through Tata BP solar & Medical facility through ST. Jones Ambulance established . Balance activities like sanitation, tree plantation and horticulture will be taken up in due course of time. Mankara W.B. Road primary school, Hostel (extn.,) Sevavrata Workshed for training women Kadambankulam Community centre, bore well and Community Action For Tamilnadu sanitation block established, repair Rural Devlopment and maintenance, vocational (CARD) training, non-formal education and medical facilities. Low cost housing (19 No.s) Kuruchi Tamilnadu Community Hall with Medical Gramiya Social Welfare centre, Community Kitchen, Library, Society DGM (HRS) Toilet Block & Veterinary Centre South R.. Ravi kumar Kizhmaruthur Creche facility provided Gramiya Social Welfare Tamilnadu Society DGM (HRS) South Pulianthurainallur Integrated sanitary facility provided Gramiya Social Welfare Tamilnadu Society DGM (HRS) South Nangal Govind Community Centre, Hand Pumps, G.P.T. Jaipur - T.M. LPG Rajasthan Educational Support, Medical Camp Neelgarh M.P. Pedawada /Manjripal 22
Chattisgarh Laakarkhawar Jharkhand
Provided community centre, tube Not to be progressed well, Educational support, Boat (1), Big nets (2), one goat to each family, lanterns & Blankets . Mungadih/ Jardih Dimra Community centres ( 3 ) , low cost Kalyan (Kalyan Krishi / Obar Jharkhand latrines (10 ) recharge tank ( 3 ) , Vikas Kendra & Bio - gas plant ( 10 ) non formal Sevavrata & Divyayan ) education, Bee-keeping (training These NGOs are part of and inputs ) mushroom production ( Ramkrishna Mission Training and inputs ) small animal Lokasiksha Parishad & rearing ( training and inputs ) the agricultural training Villagers have become self- centre at Narendrapur sustaining , per capita income has (W.B.) gone up between 30,000 to 50,000 per annum. Kasabkhede/Pohey Community centre repaired and Saffi T.M. (R ) Maharashtra established. Medical facility, cattle Manmad camp, non - formal education, solar lighting and open well will be provided Bhaktachiwadi Community centre, vocational MogreJ/Mahul/ Tembre training, medical camp, fertilizers, Refinery villages /Washala Maharashtra smokeless chullahas etc. are provided. Kaparada Gujarat Surat T.M. ( R ) Kharabairaja Gujarat Drinking water, Community centre, Jamnagar / Rajkot T.M. sewing machines, medical facilities (R ) are provided through Red Cross . G.konduru Andhra We have developed hostel to house Vijaywada T.M. Retail Pradesh 64 Nos. SC/ST students. Under the guidance from collector and additional dist. magistrate. Provided 8 living rooms with amenities and facilities of toilets and bathrooms, dining room, kitchen etc. Also provided lockers, fans and electrical fixtures for providing conducive atmosphere for studies. Pinapaka Andhra Construction of the school building, Pradesh Provided desk / benches sets - 30 Electrical wiring, fans / lights provided
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Case Study on BPCL’s village adoption at Karjat Arming Them Towards Self Sufficiency The rationale behind selecting Karjat for community development initiatives was that the company wanted to work for vulnerable groups.. The Karjat endeavour began with construction of a community hall, which was like a meeting place for villagers and way of reaching out to village women. Later many programs like medical assistance, grain bank, marketing artifacts, conducting certified vocational training courses, etc were carried out. From last 10 years farmers in 21 villages of karjat are helped through our interventions. There are eight villages, which are covered through BPCL’s projects in and around Washala. Washala is situated in Shahpur taluka in Thane district. It is made up of tribal population. The various on-going activities are:
Farm facts: For agricultural upliftment, we arrange training through Pune Agricultural University, distribute seeds and fertilizers every year. There are lectures arranged on technical guidance, use of less water for farming, teaching newer methods of agriculture, etc. They also educate the farmers about fish farming and provide them all necessary information. Guidance is also given as regards buying of seeds. The methods of multiple cropping are taught. Every year farmers are given free fertilizers. Bamboo cultivation is also promoted. 5000 Bamboo saplings are planted every year, by giving it to villagers who will take care of it. Along with it, even mango, chikku and guava saplings are provided.
Cattle care: At Karjat, We conduct exhibitions of cattle of various breeds, training sessions are arranged for improving the health of available cattle, there is vaccine program conducted on regular basis for all pet animals. Competitions are also held among cattle and prizes are given to the best cattle. Once a year there is a camp organized in which doctors from veterinary inspect all the cattle.
Education: For motivating intelligent students coaching is provided to students. Balwadis is available for small children as pre-school intervention.. Tree plantation programs are held at Adivasi ashram schools.
Health: A dispensary with a doctor is available and regular health camps are conducted. General health camps are organized twice a year. To cater to the needs of all villagers, may it be men, women, senior citizens, children and so on. To ensure proper eyesight, eye camps are conducted periodically. their sight back through this endeavor. There are camps held for pregnant women regarding guidance in pregnancy, stress on nutrition, etc.
Grain Bank: In the villages of Karjat, Institute Of Rural Farmers were dependent on moneylenders for money as well as seeds and grains and thus in turn fell in the debt trap. The moneylenders would harass them and exploit them. For e.g. for every one quintal of grain borrowed, the farmer would have to return it three quintals. To avoid such exploitation, IRCED came out with the grain bank scheme. The concept of grain bank was to make grains easily accessible to the farmers and to keep them away from
the clutches of the moneylenders. Grains are made available to the farmers without any advance and they also do not have to return anything extra than 24
what they had taken. Through BPCL, there is also a small room allocated for the purpose of maintaining the grain bank in every village so that the grains do not get spoilt. Community centre: We have provided a multipurpose Samaj Mandir at Pinglas Karjat for the Villagers to have a meeting point. There is a community centre which encompasses classes for villagers on tailoring, mehendi, beautician course, bamboo article making, multi-skill training, etc. Cane Weaving and Bamboo making classes are conducted regularly. Tailoring is helping the girls in income generation. Later there is also an exhibition held in Mumbai for sale of the bamboo articles made in these villages.
Rain water harvesting: To make available water in case of scarcity, there was a need felt to start a project on rain water harvesting. The work has just begun. As this is a hilly area the problem of ground water and land water still remains. For provision of water, tube wells and small dams are made for the villagers.
Infrastructure development: We have constructed shed for schools. For e.g. repairing the fans, replacing broken furniture, etc jetty for fishermen so that they can rest in the night when they are not fishing. We have also constructed a public toilet. We are vigilant in keeping the surroundings clean. Timely garbage disposal is also taken care of. Tree plantation programs are carried out on a regular basis. .
Every village: Sakhi Shejarni A group of women came together in Karjat who felt the need of being together and saving some amount of money. They started meeting regularly and since then they collect savings and deposit in the bank This is a scheme whereby every village will have one woman leader. This leader is trained in such a way that she is able to manage the whole group of other women, take training sessions for them, conducts awareness programs and also provides counseling help. Such women leaders are termed as SAKHI, which means a friend in Marathi. Thus the groups serve a double purpose, that of starting a small-scale business and that of learning through various sessions. These meetings help them to improve their quality of life.
Counselling Initially counseling began in BPCL to overcome the different problems of employees at work. But now, the company have come closer to their lives. Thus now counseling does not only aim at solving disputes at work but involves a whole gamut of issues ranging from employee’s overall development to the development of their families. Thus there is a shift from what used to exist earlier as our orientation is towards prevention. Over the time, recoveries and success stories started flowing in resulting in values of counseling being upheld as an important contribution for employee’s well being. Thus at the refinery counseling is seen as a mission which aims at making people live lives fruitfully. The help received through counseling is what is valued by most of our employees. As a continuation to individual help, We feel proud to say that we are one of very few companies who regularly visit employees at their plant. This helps us to understand employees better and plan intervention. Accordingly. Plant talks have made a positive effect in the minds of the employees as they get an idea that the company is really interested in their issues
Addiction-The Slow Poison Alcohol and drug use is extremely common in today’s world. In spite of the awareness of the ill effects of these substances, people continue to get addicted to 25
it. The abuse and addictions result in malfunctioning of an individual in major spheres of life. Addictions lead to poor work performances, disrupted relationships and adjustment problems. The rising awareness about employee welfare and raising the quality of work, various companies’ today make efforts to reduce addictions. We have been one of the first companies to engage in continuous endeavours to help our addicted employees to overcome their problems. We have successfully partnered with Kripa Foundations De-addiction Center for sustainable efforts in this direction. Kripa foundation is one of the largest Non- Governmental organization in India helping people suffering from Chemical Dependency and HIV Infection. Kripa offers a non-discriminating, supportive community living, helping people to introspect and bring about change in lifestyle. •
Our Success- Strength Of Sobriety Although difficult to believe, the success ratio is 60% at the refinery level, whereas the addiction improvement rate worldwide is 45.50%. Through counseling employees who recovered from alcohol addiction and the other personal problems became our biggest strength for extending our chain of human help. These peer educators are very efficient at work and they they aid our CSR activity by being of help to the other addict employees and the community too.
•
The Pune Centre A de-addiction center has been set up at Pune for both men and women addicts for all over Maharashtra. The Kripa Foundation runs it. We are supporting them and helping them in their efforts
Family Wellbeing Through all the Employee assistance programs, prominence is given to family as a system. It is a known fact that family is one of the most closely knit system which needs to be enriched to cope with the stresses and strain of life. Thus when an employee comes with a problem, joint counseling sessions are also conducted including his family members to ensure resolving of problems amicably.
Grooming Children As Caretakers Of Next Generation Children are tomorrow’s future, and when it comes to our own employee’s children, We ensure their development through various activities like Career guidance, aptitude tests, etc
Parenting During training or workshops, one of the main topics covered is parenting. This is important because in today’s competitive world it is very difficult to manage both work and house Thus to ensure care of children, parenting sessions are conducted about emotional problems and problems encountered by children at different stages, puberty issues, etc.
Women Empowerment In women lie nature’s best qualities of motherhood, compassion, humanity and love. Because they have been blessed with the capacity for giving and nurturing life, women also have the capacity for a deep commitment for preserving and nourishing not only their own offspring, but of the entire planet as well. BPCL is also blessed with efficient women staff who are enthusiastic and who come forward to help others. Women power in the true sense is seen when women meet regularly and discuss on varied issues and the stands they take. LIKE WOMAN IS WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND. It is normally said that a woman is a woman’s worst enemy. But at the refinery, the bond within the women is exceptionally charged with making a 26
difference to their personal as well as work life.
Safety Ambassdors This is a new activity being started at the refinery. Some of women employees are made safety ambassadors to ensure safety in the plant. These women would co-ordinate with the safety observers at the plant level and ensure that their co-employees take adequate safety measures. It is process to help the employees help themselves for their own safety and that of the others HIV/ AIDS Care And Prevention AIDS is a major concern worldwide. It is forth killer of human beings. It has spread far and wide across nations, caste, creed, sea and racial boundaries. The UN AIDS estimates 5.3 million sero positive people housed in India alone in 2004. The growing number of sero positive people in the productive age group affects the economy in the long run.. BPCL too encountered presence of sero positive employees. However the comprehensive health policy of the company protects the employees and their family. Considering the significance of interventions in this area, the Social Welfare dept. initiated plant talks on ‘Family Life Education’ and ‘Health and Well being’. Various awareness programs were conducted in the refinery on HIV/AIDS. Avert Society, a triplicate body of USAID, NACO and Government of Maharashtra, noticed the efforts of BPCL. The Avert Society invited BPCL for long-term partnership for an AIDS Intervention Project in the refinery, and the adjacent community. The project identifies three major areas of intervention, viz. workplace intervention (including around 30000 workers), Mahul and 25 villages from Karjat. The activities under this project include one to one intervention at village level, counseling at workplace, behaviour change communication, street plays and folk media to spread awareness about the same.
'Generation Next' BPCL is passionate about the ‘Generation Next’, and thus also supports various education initiatives at all levels. This involves granting aid to schools, acknowledging and rewarding meritorious students and an initiative called BPCL scholars. BPCL scholars are a group of approximately 100 Indian students, who yearly, seek full study-assistance from BPCL in doing their post graduation, both in India and abroad. We support these students, the future of tomorrow, the fuel of tomorrow’s growth, with all humility and passion.
Our Success Mantra- What Is It That Actually Worked? Bringing people together for a common cause: We were able to bring people together for a common cause, the cause being wellbeing of all. We were blessed with committed staff who also took the initiative to work for their own good. Employees also sustained their enthusiasm and motivation throughout which added to our strength. Non-biased attitude: May it be a worker or an engineer or a driver or any administration staff, we 27
give equal treatment to all. Never do employees feel that some are favoured and others are not. Trust: Employees do have the trust in whatever the department does. The department has helped them help themselves in such a way that it has left a long lasting effect on their minds. This trust made it obvious for them to keep participating actively in all the activities. Transparency: The department has been totally transparent regarding all its activities. Employees were made equal partners in conducting any activity. Because of this there was no point where employees felt left out. Need based activities: We at BPCL have never arranged activities for the sake of doing it. We have conducted activities as and when people demanded, may it be our own employees or people from the communities. Thus we have indirectly given onus to the people to decide when, why and which activity they need. Involvement of all: We have been successful in involving people of all cadres at the refinery level, right from the managers to the workers, and from the various departments to the different unions. This helped us to get the opinions and contributions of all. At the community level, all the people are involved right from the planning level. People take decisions along with us.
Human stories of revival helped: We had many success stories of our employees which constantly motivated us to work consistently. The recovered addicts are our strength. They help us to help the others who are in similar problem. The hands of social welfare have touched the lives of many, including the beneficiaries, the employees, families of employees, the management, families of management staff, etc. due to this strength of people, it gave rise to a snowball effect, year after year the department started doing better than early and even today its work has been recognized and appreciated. Leveraging India’s title for the second largest oil major, we are making every effort spent in social commitment count for that much more BPCL believes in sustainable efforts and not sporadic attempts at community development. It goes beyond charity to capacity building. This is reflected from the change in the lives of people whom we have touched through our various programs and activities. Corporate commitment is the beacon that guides our community development activities. Through various interventions in community development, we strive towards reinforcing the brand image of ‘Energizing lives’.
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SATYAM History Satyam believes that wealth creation is incomplete unless it contributes to the betterment of society as a whole. Creators of business or market value must constantly look for ways in which this value can be used to fulfill the larger social responsibility. When all segments of the society gain, the engines of growth are further energized. It is with this belief and foundation that Alambana (Sanskrit for “support”) was born.
Alambana: Hands that Support, Hands that Strengthen The Satyam Alambana Trust was registered in 2000, with an aim to transforming the quality of life in urban areas. Alambana’s services were directed primarily at the disadvantaged sections of the population in all the cities that. Satyam has offices in. Volunteers from among Satyam associates and their family members lead the services and perform the required tasks. Alambana was born out of the following four beliefs: • • • •
We have a responsibility to serve the underprivileged. Serving the needy gives unparalleled inner satisfaction. Improving the quality of life in the communities around us helps us in the long run. Working for the needy adds value to our brand.
Guiding Principles The following principles guide all that Alambana does: • Serve through volunteering, not cheque-book charity • Partner with others, not be ‘exclusive’ • Own results, not activity • Synch with Satyam brand The services planned to be offered included: • Providing world-class trauma and emergency care services • Facilitating access to high quality healthcare services through medical camps, improving the functioning of public healthcare systems etc. • Rehabilitation of alms seekers and other destitutes • Imparting livelihood skills in Multimedia, Desk Top Publishing, BPO, MS-Office, home nursing etc. • Improving the quality of education in adopted municipal schools 29
• Improving the environment through tree plantation, development of gardens and parks, waste management, sanitation • Improving the quality of life in slums through a set of multi-pronged interventions World AIDS DAY - 2008 As a run up to World AIDS Day, Wake up Pune, a consortium of NGO’s to fight AIDS, had come up with a series of interesting events to create awareness about the various issues on HIV/AIDS, like condom cricket, rock concert, a folk rock CD, Boot camps, street plays, positive living workshops, poster exhibitions etc. All the events were targeted towards youth who are more open to new ideas and concepts. These events commenced from the month of September 2008 and culminated in December 2008. During December for the World AIDS Day, distribution of Red Ribbons to Satyam associates, community, setting up kiosks in all Satyam locations, Street plays and a Rock concert were the highlights. The Rock concert by “Agnee” an International Hindi Band was a runaway success, with good music interspersed with messages on HIV. 20 youth groups from colleges, youth mandals, woman mandals participated in the Street play competition conducted under the ‘Insaniyat Campaign’ organized by Lions Club, Mamata Foundation, DYS, Atharva Foundation. The plays depicted themes on stigma and discrimination and other HIV related issues. Cricket for a Cause Satyam Foundation was a part of Wake up Pune’s Condom Cricket Tournament. Condom Cricket is the same as a normal game of cricket, but the sport acts as a metaphor for the way in which HIV infects the human body. The batting team represents the immune system of protecting the human body, while the fielding team represents HIV and other illnesses trying to infect the human body. The game is overseen by two umpires who represent doctors checking whether the virus has infected the body. The aim of the game is to bring people together to watch some good cricket whilst providing a forum for open dialogue about HIV and condom use. The Grand Final of the Condom Cricket Tournament was contested at BJ Medical College Grounds, Pune, with 32 college teams originally taking part. The semi-finals were 10-overs-a-side: Bharati Vidyapeeth (BVP) Ayurved defeated Rangoonwala Dental College, while Indira College of Business Studies was beaten by the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). After a thrilling 12-overs-a-side final, AFMC emerged as champions of the Condom Cricket Tournament 2008. Underlining their dominance, both the Man of the Match and the Man of the Series trophies were also won by AFMC players. BVP Ayurved walked away with the runner-up trophy and a token cash prize. All in all, it was an exciting final, with some lively cheerleading by the kids from Deep Griha Society, joined by an ice-cream seller and an enterprising samosa salesman. The guests of honor were Dr. (Mrs.) Nirmala Borade (Dean of BJ Medical College), Claudia Ahumada and Edwin Nichols (from the World AIDS Campaign), and Amit McCann (Operations Manager of Cerillion India).
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Apart from 40 Satyam associates who volunteered, there were many outside volunteers who were involved in planning and implementation of the tournament. Volunteer experiences: “It is good that such sought of awareness is spread through the game of cricket as this game is one of the favorite games of the youth today and this condom cricket has surely created the awareness about HIV along with enjoying the fun”. – WUP volunteer “ It was an amazing experience to be a part of such a wonderful event. We had fun as well as the learning’s about HIV/AIDS. Most of us came to know about the basic facts and more importantly that we should stop discriminating and stigmatizing the people living with HIV. This game was a combination of enjoyment and awareness. I will surely like to volunteer for the future events of Wake up Pune to spread awareness among the youth”. College Student (AFMC)
Diwali celebrations Pune Chapter, teamed up to initiate an unique concept of celebrating Diwali in a Social responsible way. The idea was to encourage Satyam associates to volunteer and donate any desired amount and the amount was to be utilized in purchasing new clothes for the underprivileged Kids who are beneficiaries of two different NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs) in Pune. Around 150 volunteers contributed generously to support 100 underprivileged kids who are from Herman Gmiener Social Centre (Day care centre for singleparent children) and in one of the Mobile Crèches (Day care centre for the construction laborer’s children). The donation went on for two days and then the purchases of the clothes as per the kids’ sizes were done with volunteers’ support. Eight Satyam volunteers ceremonially handed over the clothes and sweets to each and every child in Herman Gmiener Social Centre on 24th Oct, 08 and to one of the Mobile Crèches on 25th Oct, 08. The kids had an amazing glow on their faces, while receiving the new clothes. They were overjoyed and felt honored. Most of the kids wanted to wear it immediately and show it all the volunteers who were present at the ceremony. Few of them shared that this Diwali is really very special for them. Satyam volunteers were involved in this 31
initiative right from the planning to its successful execution. Mr. Shyam Kale (Sr. Satyam Associate) was present.
Children’s Day Pune Chapter celebrated Children’s Day with the kids at Girls Observation home. The planned activity was to have a competition on individual talents with all the girls in the age group of 7 to 14 years and to give a token of appreciation to the best ones and sweets to all. Along with this, the volunteers also conducted some fun games and taught rhymes in English and Hindi. The children had lots of fun and some recited poems with their sweet voices, while some were singing action songs and some were involved in performing wonderful dances. The volunteers enjoyed spending time with them. At the end of the activity, the volunteers announced the best performances and gave away the token of appreciation and we distributed sweets to all the kids. In fact, the volunteers did not feel like parting with those kids after the activity. Training in Paper Quelling Products Satyam Foundation along with Susan Creations provided training to 24 women in difficult circumstances on paper quelling products to create livelihood. The role of Satyam Foundation is to identify the groups and provide training to the groups free of cost and provide market support for the products. The training was conducted by the resource person from Susan Creation to People Living with HIVs in Deep Griha Society. The 7 days training was conducted for 2 batches. The paper quelling products consists of attractive greeting cards, envelopes, Jewellery boxes and many more products .
Boot Camps As a run up to World AIDS Day, Wake up Pune, a consortium of NGO’s to fight AIDS, has come up with a series of interesting events to create awareness about the various issues on HIV/AIDS, like condom cricket, rock concert, a folk rock CD, Boot camps etc. All the events are targeted towards youth who are more open to new ideas and concepts. The Boot camp was organized by Satyam Foundation and Wake Up Pune for Satyam associates. The primary objective being to sensitize and improve participant understanding of HIV/AIDS, and related issues such as sexuality and drug use. Other sessions develop skills in activism, such as the creation of awareness 32
media (street theatre, films) and grassroots level advocacy. Volunteers from other corporate like Cybage, Amdocs, Geometric were present and were inspired to start similar activities in their respective companies. The resource person was from the team of Wake Up Pune, an expertise in this field. The Bootcamp began with a small game “Venus and mars “which related to our approach towards the gender, the conclusion of this game being the only difference between men and women is the biological differences. This was followed by a detailed talk on HIV/AIDS with small activities, examples and case studies. Post lunch, the volunteers were involved in an activity related to stigma and discrimination. This was followed by dividing the volunteers into groups and then each group had to act out the stigma chakra (silence, fear, ignorance, stigma and discrimination) and then there was situational role plays and finally the group had to perform a disruptive theater, through which they had to pass on the right information on HIV/AIDS to the people around. At the end of the camp, Wake UP T- shirts were distributed to the participants. The camp was a huge success with good response and active participation by the volunteers. The volunteers gave a positive feedback and they showed willingness to participate in all the Wake Up Pune events. Global AIDS Action Week (18th May to 25th May, 08) Pune observed"The Global AIDS Week of Action from 18-24th May". Wake Up Pune, a Pune based HIV/AIDS campaign with partners from the NGO community and civil society, organized a week long activity which comprised of HIV awareness at multiplexes, PLHIV workshop, Rally to fight for HIV Bill and Candle Light Vigil. Satyam Foundation volunteers participated in all the activities conducted through out the week. A daylong event was organized at the multiplexes like Inox and Adlabs where kiosks with the IEC materials (Information, Education and Communication) were put up. Volunteers from Satyam along with community volunteers distributed red ribbons, conducted HIV quizzes with the people, simultaneously explaining and clarifying important issues relating to the disease, as well as dispelling misconceptions and myths. The volunteers also performed a short street play at regular intervals to attract the crowds. There was slogan and poster making competitions and awareness games. The event went from 9 in the morning to 7.30 in the evening, and ended with the Candle Light Vigil where around 200 people lit candles to show solidarity towards people suffering from HIV. Around 300 people were impacted with one to one interaction. Red Ribbons were distributed to more than 500 people. The efforts of volunteers who tirelessly worked from morning till late evening bore fruit as the event turned out to be a success as well as very effective. PLHIV Workshop - 20th May, 08 The Workshop titled 'Positive Living- Sharing Workshop' was organized by Satyam Foundation for the PLHIV (people Living with HIV) throughout Pune city as part of Wake Up Pune events during the Global AIDS Action Week. It included sessions on Role of Exercise and Role of Nutrition on Health, Role of Medication and Role of Mental Health, by eminent doctors and a session on HIV Bill by experts in the field. 33
56 PLHIV participated in the workshop, which were interactive with practical examples. The workshop elicited positive feedback from the participants with requests to have the workshops again and if possible in slums for a larger audience. Candle Light Vigil - 25th May, 08 Over 3000 people joined in the candle light vigil, which was organized @ Walking Plaza MG Road, Pune along with Wake Up Pune. Satyam volunteers, celebrities from the music industry like Abhijit Sawant, Himani Kapoor and Amit Sana took part. Satyam Volunteers distributed candles and Red Ribbons to the participants. Other than the candle-light vigil, activities included setting up a kiosk for HIV awareness, Rallies, mock calls by Muktaa helpline, street plays, Signature Campaign, Slogan Writing Competition and Tile Painting. The volunteers and celebrities lighted the candles over the stage, with their "HIV POSITIVE" T-Shirt, sending out the right message. This was followed by speeches by People Living with HIV, a dance by the infected children, performances from Abhijeet, Amit & Himani. Volunteers were involved right from planning to the execution of the event. Volunteers' experiences: It was a wonderful and fulfilling experience being a part of such a noble cause. And I would take immense pleasure in attending sessions regarding the same in near future. -Anshuman Singh My experience at the awareness campaign for Global AIDS Week gave me a good learning experience. I was able to interact with people from different age groups and genres. Through their queries and discussions I was also able to learn a few new facts. Also, I had fun being there. I got to interact with people who were willing to extend their help and join us in such campaigns. Overall, I found the event was very well managed and organized. The number of people who took part in Candle light vigil on 18th was overwhelming! -Divya Grover 15th May, 08 World Bank Conference Satyam Foundation along with Deep Griha represented WUP in the second round of World Bank conference after winning the first round. There was WUP kiosk and information dissemination for the whole day along with presentations. My Future My Choice- Awareness program for college students Satyam Foundation launched the "My Future My Choice" project, an awareness program on HIV/AIDS for engineering college students, in Pune, Viswakarma Institute of Information and Technology , Pune, being the first college. Around 450 engineering college students were impacted by the program. This year 30 colleges will be covered under this program, in Pune. Street Children Summer Camp Satyam Foundation partnered with Shishuadhar to conduct the 6 day Summer Camp for the children in the age group of 8 to 14 from various underprivileged areas. 34
Shishuadhar is an NGO dealing with adoption and also works with underprivileged families of various slums in Pune. The objective of the Summer Camp being edutainment and personality development, sessions were accordingly designed for 35 children. Films were shown on wild life and Scientific toys making. The Art and Craft sessions included sessions on Warli painting, Thumb printing, Collage making, expressive faces with circles, greeting cards etc. The children had great fun in presenting their talents through these activities. Since they did it in teams, they learned to share, to cooperate and to motivate their team members to do the best. The team building and time management activities included games, Bhel and sandwich preparation by the children in groups, helped them in knowing each other better and to support their team members along with time management. The session on Scientific toys making included toys like climbing monkey and dancing doll. Though the children found it difficult to prepare it, they managed to do it with the help of their elder friends. They were all overjoyed when they could see the climbing monkey actually climbing and the dancing dolls, dancing without falling. This helped them to enjoy the activity along with the scientific knowledge. Puppet show, with a message on importance of cleanliness along with the session on Mimicry , storytelling, dance sessions were some of the other activities they indulged in. A trip to the Railway museum and Aquarium was organised on the fifth day. The Children displayed the articles and paintings prepared by them in the exhibition and they performed dances and songs for parents and volunteers who were invited for the closing ceremony. The feedback from the children and Parents were positive as most of the children enjoyed all the activities along with knowing their talents and capacities through so many activities. A common refrain from both children and parents was a demand for summer camps every year. Summer Camp at Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra Satyam Foundation had conducted summer camp in Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra (Juvenile Home) for 15 Days. During this period the children were taught Art of living course, Drawing classes, rangoli classes, and theatre workshop and sports activities by our volunteers. On the last day , for the valedictory ceremony, the children displayed their drawings, paintings and rangoli.. They also performed a Skit and a Dance, published a handmade journal which contains stories, essays, poems, and drawings by the children. The Volunteers conducted sports activities for them with a Senior Associate as the Chief Guest. Come summer, most of the children have plans to go on holidays, join a camp or make other plans to engage themselves to extract the maximum fun. Not so for the 34 children of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra, a juvenile home , where the children are either orphans or admitted under IPC. These children have neither homes or a future to look forward to. Each day is filled with loneliness leading to depression, time hanging heavily on them. Our Pune chapter organized a 3week camp for these children, with an aim to nurture their talents, introducing them to varied activities, like drawing rangoli, theatrical skills, Art of Living course, encouraging them to write and play games and sports.
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A student volunteer coordinated the camp activities, encouraged the children to take part in the activities as per their interests For three weeks the children were engaged in learning to make rangoli, writing and directing a play, writing stories, poems, random thoughts, drawing,painting, meditation, playing cricket etc. All the creative outputs were displayed for the closing ceremony. A journal titled 'Priya Sanstha' was brought out containing the stories, poems, thoughts, paintings, etc and was released at the closing ceremony. They performed a play depicting the life in an institution and the perception other people have about it. Volunteers took part in all the activities. As the superintendent said "The camp was a much needed to bring out the hidden potential of the children, increase their confidence while boosting their self esteems and dispelling their guilty feelings to some extent". Environment 5th June,07, being the World Environment Day, DVD files containing issues related to Environment were shown to the Associates in all the three locations and a signature Campaign was taken up. In August, 07, a monsoon outing was organized focusing on eco- friendly style of living. Associates visited a Jungle maintained by Adivasis (Devrai), Tata Power Plant and Tamhani waterfalls. The associates interacted with the Adivasis to know about their lifestyles, learning about environment in the process while having fun. Green consumer week Our Pune chapter observed the Green consumer Day, by organizing elocution and essay competition on the 28th of September. The topics for the competition were Reuse, Recycle and Reduce, Eco-friendly lifestyle and Global Warming. Dr. Ajay Ojha from Air Quality Management Cell, an expert in the field of environment was the Chief Guest cum Judge. Preeti Bangarwa, a participant, in her speech, focused on points like encouraging e waste management, avoiding wastage of papers and to be an environmentally conscious consumer. Participant Ritesh Agrawal's speech focused on avoiding use of floppies and disks, saving water, use of limited resources and avoiding plastic.
This was followed by Dr. Ajay Ojha's impressive presentation about environmental issues, giving scientific reasons as well as statistics for each point. He emphasized on points like: - cutting down on the usage of washing machines, water heaters, electricity and vehicles. - Avoiding eating non-vegetarian foods. - Switching off the main switches of the PC's when not in use. - Less usage of vehicles. 36
Dr. Ajay Ojha, concluded his presentation on a positive note saying 'people understand the language of money, so why not tell them about cost reduction by using limited resources and ultimately reach the goal of protecting the environment'. The program ended with the prize distribution ceremony and a token of appreciation to the Chief Guest. Preeti Bangarwa and Ritesh Agrawal were declared winners and given Rs. 1000/- Gift voucher from Fabindia which promotes eco- friendly products. As the program was interactive in nature, the discussions with Dr. Ahuja, resulted in creating awareness among the associates on protecting environment, as well as triggering a thinking process among the associates. On the same day, stalls were set up by various NGO's, exhibiting eco-friendly products like handmade paper bags, pen stands, calendars, diaries etc, at three locations. River clean up
Hand- in Hand clean up The Indian Maritime Foundation under the Ocean Conservancy (Washington DC), Friend's Society-NIGC had launched a massive movement, to involve youth and society on relevant social issues. Part of this movement was cleaning up a stretch of the Mula Mutha river on the banks of Deccan Gymkhana in Pune. Inaugurated on 2nd October, the program attracted volunteers from every sphere of the society including special needs students, other students from various schools and colleges, volunteers from organizations and corporates, including 10 volunteers from Satyam who joined the activity on 13th October. The whole activity was aptly named, Hand-in-Hand Clean up! Armed with Data Cards, Gloves, First Aid kits and other material required for the clean up, volunteers enthusiastically went to work. They segregated the waste into bio-degradable waste and dry waste which was thrown in a green bag and a black bag respectively. Within two hours the volunteers gathered nine huge bags of garbage. This activity not only helped clean the polluted river but also successfully sensitized the participants and the general public who witnessed the cleanup about the environment. "Perhaps it is not possible to weigh the contribution we made to the whole clean up activity in two and a half hours, but the whole experience gave us valuable insights 37
into the huge problem known as pollution. Small acts like disposing garbage correctly, taking and acting responsibility to care about the environment, and acknowledging the importance of teamwork go a long way to make an impact and to make a difference" says our Volunteer coordinator- Ritu Nanhorya. Plantation Drive was taken up in December '07 in all the 3 Satyam locations in Pune. Most of the plants were medicinal and others were fruits, flowers and show plants. Health 4 Blood Donation Camps were conducted in which 159 units of Blood was donated by Satyam Associates. During this year , two Blood donation camps were organized in 3 Satyam locations in Pune on 28 July and 6 Aug in which 238 units were collected. The camps were organized in association with A H Wadia Blood Bank and around 19 volunteers were involved in planning and organizing the event and to motivate our associates. Volunteers from Pune distributed notebooks,drawing books and oil pastels to 56 children of Mobile Creche an NGO. They also conducted rapport building games for the children, took sessions on hygiene, Cleanliness etc. Education Satyam Foundation works with the Night School with the objective to teach English communication to the 10th and 12th std students as one of the initiative of Education forums. There are few children who have to earn their livelihood by working whole day because of their poor economic background and get no time to go to regular schools. Hence, they go to night schools to complete their education. Night School serves a good medium for fulfilling the educational interests of such children. Last year, our M7 team had conducted the spoken English classes for the 9th and 11th std children. These classes have helped the students to enhance their communication skills for better job opportunities. According to the School authorities, many of them scored very good marks in English due to the effective classes in English by the M7 team. We had also organized a Felicitation function in the month of June, and gave Scholarship of Rs. 3000/- , including the fees and books to six of the deserving students from the last batches. The scholarships were sponsored by five of our associates and one of the project team. This year, Our M7 team conducted the classes for 10th and 12th std, from 14th June to 30th August, 07. The number of students in 10th is 48 and the number of students in 12th is 36. Around 10 students from Day school also attend the classes for their benefit. M7 team conducted total 12 sessions conducted for both 10th and 12th std students. The average attendance of the students was 90%.
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Sessions Conducted: 1) Introduction to the course that we are conducting and students introduction. 2) Noun, Pronouns and Proper Nouns. 3) Verb - Sentences. 4) Adjective - Sentences. 5) Tense: Past, Present and Future Tenses. 6) News paper reading and Discussion. 7) Essay and Speech Competition on the eve of Independence Day. 8) Extempore in English Correction of sentences and discussion. All the sessions were interactive. Each and every student was given an opportunity to express himself, but in English language so that they improve in communication and then the volunteers guided them about the sentence formation, pronunciation and the meanings of the words that they did not know. The students seemed to be enjoying this kind of learning where they got an opportunity to express their views and opinions frankly as well as learning to speak English. The Essay and Speech competition was a real boost to them as they were all excited to present their talents and get appreciation from Judges. The best three speeches in each class were given English Essay books as a token of appreciation. Our volunteers played the role of Judges. The School authorities requested to conduct the same classes for the 9th and 11th std as the 10th and 12th std students were busy with their exams and the teachers had to complete their syllabus in time. Hence, last session was conducted on 30th August, 07 by the m7 team. The M7 team began with the Teacher's Day celebration on 6th September for the 9th and 11th std. Sweets were distributed to all students of 9th, 10th , 11th and 12th std. The first session was based on introduction and about their expectations from the M7 team. This would help the M7 team to conduct effective sessions. One of our senior volunteer has taken initiative to prepare the modules for the children. All the forthcoming sessions will be based on these modules. Volunteers Experiences: "While imparting what I have, gave me sense of belonging of working for the welfare of the students, who work in the day to earn a living & study at night to make the best of their lives. And becoming a part of this process makes me feel happy. Night school volunteering was a learning experience which taught me managing the students, going to their level & understanding their difficulties."-Nivedita Wagh "The experience of volunteering was very nice, the students are showing their interest and also have the eagerness to learn, and I feel that gradually they are becoming more involved in this learning activity. I feel that as we go ahead with 39
these sessions, they are definitely going to gain more advantage from it." -Sudhir Pancholi
"I find the night school activity to be a very useful one. The students seem to be liking the classes a lot. They show eagerness to learn. They want sessions like these to be held frequently." -Santosh Venkataraman "It is rightly said: Sow a thought, and you reap an act, Sow an act, and you reap a habit, Sow a habit, and you reap a character, Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. And here in Satyam foundation I have found my destiny. Since childhood I always wanted to do something for the kids who could not study due to many reasons. Satyam Foundation has given me an opportunity and a platform to fulfill my dreams. After teaching in night school I feel satisfied as I could do something in my way to help the students who work during the day hours and study at night and in the due course I too have learnt many things. Thanks to Vandana and Anjana to provide me this opportunity and believing in me and also helping me out in all my activities. I wish that several other people come forward and render their help to the society." -Shweta Varshney "Being a part of Night school activity gives a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure because this gives us an opportunity to directly do something for our society and country. How many people get a chance to directly associate their work for society, I am so happy" -Nitu Sharma Livelihood The first IT school was inaugurated on 2nd July 2007 in Pune by Satyam Foundation in alliance with Deep Griha Society, and NGO. 5 batches were completed successfully with 75% of students getting placed in good firms. Plans are on for starting a second IT school in alliance with Sahasee in July, 08. Sr.No Batch No.
Duration- Dates
No. of students
1
Batch-1
2nd July 07- 8th September 07
2
Batch-2
10th September 07-3rd November 07
3
Batch-3
21st November 07-12th January 08 22
4
Batch-4
21st January 08-17th March 08
5
Batch-5
24th March 08-17th May 08
24
6
Batch-6
27th May 08-19th July 08
25
19 24
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During the 1st Week of April, 08, Satyam Foundation has initiated Greeting Card project along with Forbes Marshall which is a corporate working in informal 40
settlements. The objective is to train the underprivileged women to prepare greeting cards and earn their livelihood. Satyam Foundation approached the Resource person who trains in this area. The training was conducted at Forbes Marshall for 15 women of SHG. One volunteer went to the training place and monitored the training. The training has been successfully completed and now the women are in the process of preparing greeting card for marketing. Apart from this, regular activities at Sweekar, IT School, Saathi, Mobile Creche, Night School, Old Age Home at conducted and will be continued in which Satyam Volunteers take part. Volunteers from Pune distributed notebooks,drawing books and oil pastels to 56 children of Mobile Creche an NGO. They also conducted rapport building games for the children, took sessions on hygiene, Cleanliness etc.
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Waste Management Solid Waste Management Comprehensive, eco-friendly, sustainable solid waste management project is primarily focused as a pilot project at V phase of KPHB, Kukatpally. Sensitization and bringing behavioural changes within the community is the key initiative of the project. Total 200 Days sensitization programmes held through Door to door campaigns/Public Address system/Special events/workshops/Sports and games. 1. Collection 2. Segregation 3. Compost
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Workshop conducted for Trash collectors’ of all the phases of KPHB on identifying their needs and their alternative livelihood options. Around 75 Trash Collectors participated in the programme
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A comprehensive eco friendly Solid Waste Management program has been implemented as a pilot project in Kukatpally circle of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation covering approximately half a million population, to create a zero waste environment. • Ten members from Trash collector family attended hand made paper bags workshop • Twenty two servant maids attended source segregation workshops • Video documentation of source segregation case studies • 135 House keeping staff sensitized on source segregation Total 3000 HHs (Collection/Sensitization) • 2500 HHs - Collection • 569 HHs- Segregation 46
• 3000 HHs Sensitization Outcomes of the project: • Clean surroundings • Removal of Community Garbage bins • Active participation of HHs in the process of segregation
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SOURCE: www.karmayog.org www.tatasteel.com/corporatesustainability/civic_am.asp www.satyamcsr.org/foundation/html_pune.php# Business Ethics & Corporate Governance by SOMA SHARMA
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