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CSR

Issues that CSR in healthcare are trying to address

Issues that CSR in healthcare are trying to address

As per Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, it is mandated that companies meeting specific size and revenue criteria invest at least 2 per cent of their average net profits from the previous three annual years into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. Introduced a decade ago, this regulation has significantly transformed the CSR landscape in our country. Companies now actively channel funds into public service projects, elevating discussions on social impact to a higher level.

Traditionally, CSR expenditure has been concentrated in six primary areas: education and skill development, healthcare, rural and urban slum development, livelihood enhancement, environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. However, increasingly novel areas, such as gender inequality, animal rights, etc., are also being catered to via CSR projects. This shift has not only broadened the scope of CSR activities but also emphasised the role of businesses in addressing societal challenges.

Among the recent research, a 2024 study conducted by SoulAce, a prominent CSR consulting and monitoring firm, highlights the significant impact of CSR initiatives on India’s healthcare sector. As per this research, these projects have substantially alleviated the strain on public healthcare institutions and played a crucial role in fortifying India’s healthcare framework. Through investments in various healthcare-related CSR activities, companies have not only been supporting the enhancement of medical facilities and services. Still, they are also contributing to improving overall public health outcomes. This growing emphasis on CSR in healthcare underscores the evolving role of businesses in addressing critical social issues and supporting national health priorities.

A push to access and equity

India has one of the lowest healthcare expenditures as a percentage of GDP. Over the last two decades, most development with regard to healthcare facilities has taken place in the private sector or through public-private partnerships, with minimal progress in the public sector. In this context, CSR initiatives are crucial in addressing disparity in access to medical services. Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare delivery, significant gaps remain, especially in underserved and low-income areas.

CSR programmes often work to bridge these gaps by funding free clinics, providing mobile health units, or partnering with nonprofits to offer subsidised treatments. For instance, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has introduced the Sparsh Sanjeevani Telemedicine Clinics in Maharashtra, creating a network of telemedicine clinics in remote areas to offer essential healthcare services. Patients can consult specialists for a nominal fee of Rs. 100, with medications provided by an in-clinic nurse. Similarly, the SBI Foundation’s Sanjeevani initiative deploys mobile medical units to deliver primary healthcare directly to rural, tribal, and remote communities. Between 2022 and 2023, the SBI Foundation rolled out 30 mobile units across seven states, improving healthcare access in these regions.

These CSR efforts go beyond merely improving access to healthcare; they play a pivotal role in promoting equity across the healthcare sector. By supporting programs that target vulnerable populations, advocating for equitable health policies and investing in research to address disparities, these initiatives contribute to greater equality in healthcare in India. A notable example herein is Tata Steel Limited’s Maternal & Newborn Survival Initiative (MANSI), which aims to reduce neonatal and infant mortality by strengthening the capacity of government health volunteers—ASHAs workers.

Overall, CSR programmes play a vital role in overcoming barriers such as cost, transportation, and service availability, ensuring that more individuals receive the care they need.

Furthering environmental sustainability in healthcare

The environmental impact of healthcare practices is coming under increasing scrutiny due to the sector’s significant carbon footprint, which includes high levels of waste generation, energy consumption, and reliance on non-renewable resources.

In India, the healthcare sector accounts for about 2 percent of global healthcare emissions, and as the country invests more in healthcare, this figure is expected to rise. Given this context, it is crucial for healthcare CSR initiatives to address sustainability concerns as well. In this case, a notable example is Apollo Hospitals, which has incorporated environmentally sustainable practices into its CSR strategy. Their green initiatives focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling medical and non-medical waste. They have implemented specialised systems for safely disposing of hazardous and biomedical waste to minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, Apollo Hospitals has adopted water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling to reduce water wastage and promote sustainable water use in their operations. This forms a critical case study as to how CSR initiatives can promote the environmental cause while serving those in need of the right services.

Most importantly, it must be remembered that effective healthcare involves providing quality medical care and creating environments that enhance patient well-being. Several studies suggest that green buildings—designed with natural lighting, proper ventilation, and soundproofing—contribute significantly to a positive therapeutic environment. By incorporating these features, hospitals can improve patient comfort and recovery. This is how they can further strike a balanced commitment to environmental sustainability and patient care.

Forging community engagement 

The right interventions can also help create community engagement by working closely with local populations to understand their specific health needs and concerns. This often includes sponsoring health education programs, supporting local health initiatives, or fostering partnerships with community-based organisations. Project Jeevan Aastha by HDFC Life Insurance Company demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community health. The initiative organises free health camps that offer essential medical screenings and consultations to people in remote and underserved areas. It also conducts workshops and educational sessions to raise awareness about preventive healthcare, hygiene, and disease management. Additionally, HDFC Life collaborates with local NGOs and healthcare providers to expand its reach and enhance its impact within specific communities.

CSR initiatives in India are addressing some key issues and will only continue to have a profound impact as they evolve. By focusing on organising free health camps, educational workshops and fostering partnerships with local organisations, these programmes not only improve immediate conditions but also foster long-term development of the country.

Categories
Health

Having a peaceful mind: World Mental Health Day 2024

Having a peaceful mind: World Mental Health Day 2024

What provides greater joy than discovering peace in the little things in life, when your thoughts are clear and your mind is concentrated on what you’re doing? Perhaps it’s grabbing a cup of coffee in the morning, having a fancy lunch with your coworkers during a busy workday, going for a run after a demanding day or preparing your favourite dinner at the end of the day. Our tiny steps of achieving inner peace are to discover contentment and calm in otherwise mundane, everyday routines.

A calm and peaceful mind may feel like a friend you don’t often find in our “hustling culture”. At a time, when hustle culture has been glorified to be the only way to feel “productive” in life, we’re often exhausted and worn out from its commotion and grind. We don’t have enough time for the things that are meaningful to us, the things we truly want to accomplish, the activities we like doing, and the time we spend with our loved ones.

However, things don’t have to always work that way. One might choose to lead a simpler life, where they take pleasure in every task, are present in most of their activities, and are content rather than racing through tasks to get them done. And that is where the journey to feeling inner peace begins.

A peaceful mind – a better mental health

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s make peace of mind at workplaces a priority.

Keeping the mind, body, soul and spirit youthful is essential to maintaining a peaceful and healthy mind. Managing a lot of stress in today’s fast-paced existence, and finding some kind of tranquillity seems to be getting harder and harder. But let’s remember that peace of mind is very closely connected with your mental health because it helps you to make smarter choices, manage stress and anxiety, and stay positive even when life gets tough.

When you feel calm, you feel more centred, and you’re going to be much better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way. When you feel centred and at ease with yourself and your surroundings, you are probably far more capable of managing obstacles that are constant. You’re also much more likely to have healthy relationships, develop good communication skills and a sense of purpose in your life.

On the other hand, a lack of peace of mind can cause you to feel overburdened and tense, which can result in a variety of mental health issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety. It may also negatively impact your physical well-being, leading to conditions like hypertension and cardiac disorders.

One of the most effective ways to cultivate and preserve a sense of peace of mind is to be true to yourself and make your own decisions about the world and your life. To do this deed, you must travel within and locate the areas of yourself that require forgiveness, acceptance, healing and numerous self-loving acts that promote inner peace.

Help yourself and feel at peace

You see, life shall always be unpredictable. From time to time various challenges will surface, complicating your daily routine and leaving you anxious, drained or even afraid. As the normal practice goes, Ignoring those feelings to just get on with things generally doesn’t help in the long run. Suppressed emotions can intensify, leaving you far less calm down the line.

Instead, practising acceptance has a far-reaching impact. Accepting your ideas and feelings, and feeling calm with them, is an effective way to find peace in your situation. It might take some time to develop the habit of acceptance because it’s human nature to have the desire to run from pain. But with acceptance on the other hand, you’ll probably notice that you’re feeling more at ease as it grows on you.

In the same vein, practising the act of self-forgiveness is a way to nurture peace of mind. It won’t do much good to hold onto slights or resentments to aid your inner serenity. In the end, letting go could help you in more ways than you may imagine by forgiving oneself; this takes acceptance, tolerance and compassion.


Further, why not attempt mindfulness meditation for mental clarity? This age-old Hindu practice has several potential advantages, some of which include improved brain chemistry, lowered stress levels and enhanced self-awareness. Research indicates that practising mindfulness meditation in particular might help people become more aware of their current situation, whether it’s happy or painful. It generally aids in the management of emotional discomfort – a vital regulator for your peace of mind.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Women can finally cheer; the glass ceilings have been cracked

Is Climate Change More Cruel towards Women?
Is Climate Change More Cruel towards Women?

From the earliest civilisations to the modern era, women have played vital roles in various industries, contributing to economic growth, social progress and cultural innovation. But, despite decades of progress, sizable gender gaps remain in most indicators of economic success. Throughout the history of women in the workplace, women have engaged in an uphill battle for equality. And, while there is still work to be done, it is admirable to see how women have altered these standards over time.

Today women stand 180 from where they stood decades ago

According to a 2018 report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies, as the proportion of women in work has seen a continual rise from roughly 52% to 72% in the last 50 years since equal pay legislation was introduced, this increase of women in the workplace is largely the result of a huge change in working patterns at particular points in the life cycle. There are far more women in employment today throughout their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. This is in part because women are now cohabiting and having children both less frequently and later in life.

While some may think things like the biological clock and pregnancy would slow down women’s pace in the workforce, it has shown to be the complete opposite. Women are edging the gap in a lot of ways to strive for equality and diversity in all areas. From 1980 through 2018, it was found that women are narrowing the disparity of pay and advancement through education and skills. This is a complete 180 from where women stood just a couple of centuries ago.

The fight continues for the remaining 180

In earlier periods, the societal norm placed women as being primarily the homemakers and the family caregivers to children or older loved ones. The spouse was considered the “head of the household” who went into the workplace to earn a living for the family. In some cultures, and regions of the world, gender-specific norms or traditions may still be intact. However, as certain social and economic changes occurred, such as the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the creation and development of public education, the role of women in the workforce began to expand. These historic events evolved the former convention that women belonged at home and created a need and desire for women in the workplace.

A recent Deloitte study reported that the remuneration for women independent directors in Nifty50 companies has seen a significant rise, doubling over the past five financial years, compared to a 1.7-times increase for their male counterparts. From fighting for equal pay as their male co-workers, they are now getting higher pay.

Independent Directors: What, why and Women? Empowering Women in the Workplace

In a Corporate the effectiveness of a system of corporate governance cannot be legislated by law nor can any system of corporate governance be static. Rather, in a dynamic environment, systems of corporate governance need to continually evolve. Good corporate governance is the manifestation of beliefs, values and actions to ensure maximum value creation for the stakeholders. Factors like globalisation, global competitiveness, technology, regulatory changes, shareholders, activism, etc. have considerably expanded the role and duties of directors.

The decision-making and governance at the highest level in any company vests with its Board of Directors (The Board). Hence, a group of trustworthy and respectable people particularly denoted as Independent Directors who are not directly involved in the management of the company or have any kind of relationship with the company that may affect the independence of his/her judgment were needed. As per the Companies Act,2013 a listed company shall have at least one-third of independent directors of the total no. of directors on its board and at least one should be a woman.

True independence of women directors

Aparna Mittal, founder of the Samana Centre for Gender, Policy, and Law said, “A large number of companies retain women independent directors because a minimum number on board is now mandated for certain types of companies in India”. She added that for many companies, this requirement remains a checkbox exercise. Reports also suggest that various companies also appoint successful women directors to enhance their brand image. Though the discussion remains open-ended, various studies prove that while the law requires mandatory women directors, independent or otherwise, the necessity should be appreciated more in the context of the contribution that a woman on the Board brings to the Company culture and contributes to the company’s performance. 2019 McKinsey study mentions that there is a positive correlation between a more diverse leadership team and financial outperformance.

Women Directors are above the glass ceiling

Jing Dong Hua, VP World Bank said that “Empowering women is not only the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do”. It can add trillions of dollars to global GDP, boost productivity, generate higher returns on investment and promote greater organisational effectiveness.

The demand for experienced and highly skilled independent women directors is increasing as Nifty50 companies continue to grow, because of the evolving roles of the directors in the dynamic corporate environment. Here are a few behavioural traits that only a women director is better at:

  • A woman is more detail-driven, focused, patient and prudent in their reviews, and the one with better communication skills.
  • They are more inquisitive and inclusive which makes her relationship with the stakeholders more in tune as they are less risk-averse, so her presence leads to better procedures and policies for cross-checks, second opinions, etc. which results in perfection.
  • They are better equipped to handle decisions regarding HR policies, CSR policies, Marketing strategies for consumer goods, advertising and PR now increasingly on compliance-related issues.
  • A woman director, being highly educated and experienced, is also perceived as a cultural change agent and role model by other women stakeholders. Her presence can empower and groom future women directors from within.

Upskill women in the workplace to become the right fit

With the rise in demand and increase in qualified candidates, the right fit remains challenging. Though the core skills remain human-centered including empathy, ethnographic research, customer co-creation, rapid prototyping, active customer listening, etc., there are a few skills that need to be developed throughout along with the technical knowledge and know-how. These include intensive, immersive and continuous learning of line-of-work and economy-related updates with industry experts and leaders; peer networking to gain unique opportunities to exchange ideas with a diverse set of other experiences; updates on real-world problems and applications; gaining a global perspective through personalised development offered by mentors, leaders, international collaborators, etc. These help in improving strategic decision-making, leadership, influence, innovation and creativity, and legacy building for personal fulfillment of future goals. From managers to partners, CXOs to Directors, women will continue to fight their way to get an equal seat at the roundtable.

As Bill Shankly said, “Aim for the sky, and you’ll reach the ceiling. Aim for the ceiling, and you’ll stay on the floor.” Glass ceilings have been broken, but more need to be broken. It’s already got numerous cracks, though.

Categories
Smile

Best Nonprofit Blogs of India

Best Nonprofit Blogs of India

A survey conducted in 2021 revealed that merely 37% of non-profit organisations engage in a continuous SEO strategy throughout the year. The potential of the internet, social media, and blogging for organisations to create awareness and advocacy is undeniable, and this figure highlights the fact that many nonprofits are not tapping it. A blog serves as a platform for conversation or sharing information, and it is progressively emerging as a modern means of expression, interaction, and a type of journalism. Blogs boost website traffic, enhance positioning within the sector that aids in image development, and help promote causes or campaigns through hyperlinking other relevant web pages.

Let’s take a look at the approach and focus of some of the non-profit organisations who are doing this just right.

Central Square Foundation (CSF)

Central Square Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the goal of providing quality education in schools for every child in India. Their commitment is to foster impactful, scalable, and enduring transformation within the educational framework in India, guaranteeing that every child has equal access to learning resources. CSF’s essential focus areas are Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN), EdTech, Early Childhood Education (ECE) and School Governance

Their blogs focus on CSF’s focus areas with in-depth research, like their ECE initiatives, ED-tech related platforms, cost-effective technological innovations, how they are implementing them and impacting communities Several blogs serve as a crucial platform for the organisation, highlighting real effects, enhancing trustworthiness, and nurturing collaborations with governmental bodies and educational partners. They highlight their strategic alliances and initiatives, and how the foundation has enacted changes in multiple Indian states, fostering beneficial educational results. Click here to read their blogs.

The United Nations

The United Nations’ blogs share stories and news about their initiatives in India. The core of UN’s blogs centres around advancements, updates, milestones to end poverty and inequality in India and to promote sustainable development aligning with the globally committed SDGs. The blogs are straightforward, with a succinct narrative effectively communicating the excellence of their work. The stories highlight the UN’s contribution to fostering positive social change in India. This enhances the trustworthiness of their engagement initiatives.

The UN’s blogs encompass their wide range of initiatives, addressing various engaging subjects such as poverty, education, job readiness, food security, gender equality, skills development, youth empowerment, and climate change, among others. A captivating new article on women’s football discusses the theme of empowerment through athletics for women. It emphasises utilising football as a means to motivate young women, aiding them in acquiring life skills and building self-assurance, especially in areas where girls face limited opportunities.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The organisation’s works together with collaborators in more than 130 nations to tackle challenges and drive change. Their blogs encompass the most recent narratives, studies and updates regarding their projects globally, rendering them quite engaging and extensive.


Consider their blog:  How does a mother’s touch lead to a scientific breakthrough? that emphasises the foundation’s influence via a collaboration focused on neonatal health in India. It tells an engaging tale of how straightforward but impactful medical advancements, such as Kangaroo Mother Care, are preserving the lives of premature infants. This provides a summary of the Kangaroo Mother Care approach, an affordable and highly efficient strategy that enhances neonatal health results in India by delivering essential care for premature and low-birth-weight infants.

The material highlights partnerships with regional Indian organisations, specialists, healthcare facilities and governmental agencies, demonstrating the foundation’s dedication to worldwide health initiatives. This blog enhances visibility by showcasing tangible effects and bolstering the foundation’s trustworthiness in healthcare advancements.

India Development Review (IDR) 

The primary focus of India Development Review (IDR) is writing, featuring a diverse group of contributors such as specialists, practitioners, funders, development theorists, researchers, grassroots workers, and advocates. ID shares innovative concepts, teachings, and insights on some of the most challenging issues facing India. The content is grounded in facts, straightforward, pertinent, and maintains editorial independence, encouraging individuals to enhance their efforts and perform more effectively. Their site features discussions, perspectives, explanatory content, photo narratives and even humorous takes on social impact.

Their blog Every Office Has One: Your Nonprofit Colleagues employs wit to delve into the eccentricities and character traits present in non-profit environments. It emphasises that common office personalities—such as the overly enthusiastic co-worker or the self-proclaimed expert—are present in non-profit environments too, adding a layer of familiarity and humour to the workplace. This light-hearted method enhances the organisation’s presence by making the nonprofit field more relatable, captivating readers with wit, and prompting contemplation on typical workplace interactions in a manner that connects with staff and groups. IDR’s ‘Perspectives’ feature op-eds and commentary that hold a mirror up to civil society in India, reflect upon its evolution, unpack key trends, and outline the way forward.

Key Takeaways

Ultimately, key lessons for creating effective blogs highlight that compelling stories enable readers to engage on an emotional level. The use of humour shows that incorporating a light-hearted tone can captivate readers and simplify complex subjects, improving audience engagement. Demonstrating teamwork emphasises alliances, enhancing your organisation’s connections and boosting trustworthiness, attracting greater focus on your objectives.

Categories
CSR

What does it mean for a brand to be socially conscious?

Emergency Savings for Women and Their Businesses
Emergency Savings for Women and Their Businesses

Globally, businesses are an integral component in accomplishing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There is no way out for companies and brands to stop acting and accepting responsibility for their actions that go beyond profit and serve society in an era when terms like eco-friendly, social enterprise, sustainability and so forth are being used increasingly.


A firm that causes no damage, remains fully aware of the consequences of its activities, always tries to improve and addresses at least one social or environmental issue through its operations or business model is often considered a conscious business.

According to a recent Brain & Company survey from 2022, 52% of Indian urban consumers anticipate spending more on sustainable products over the following three years. More than 60% of Indian consumers are willing to pay more for “sustainability products,” according to a poll conducted by the consultancy on consumer attitudes toward sustainable brands and purchasing patterns.

What is conscious branding and why is it important?

For ‘socially conscious brands’, businesses, social responsibility and ethical practices are equally prioritised as core business objectives, not just commercial activity. As social issues like representation, human rights, the environment and racial and gender equality have grown in popularity as conversation topics, the entity of social responsibility in a business has become more and more important to consumers. Not only have news organisations and media experts started this discourse, but regular individuals are now utilising social media to mobilise friends and followers and advocate for causes they support.

Most critics have argued that the fundamental essence of business has traditionally excluded society as a stakeholder; yet, with changing times, a growing number of investors and customers are embracing social responsibility and promoting reform.

Acting in the environment’s and society’s best interests is a social responsibility requirement for both people and businesses. Hence, the term ‘corporate social responsibility (CSR)’ applies to businesses and it’s becoming more popular due to shifting social norms. Numerous businesses have integrated CSR into their core operations without sacrificing profits.

The Companies Act of 2013 requires companies with a minimum net worth of INR 500 crore, a turnover of INR 1000 crore, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore to dedicate 2% of their profits to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Through CSR programmes, companies directly contribute to the betterment of the country through a range of projects of their choosing.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) stresses that a company’s ability to run successfully and efficiently depends on its balance between adhering to social and environmental issues and seeking economic performance. A business can adopt CSR by encouraging volunteerism, giving back to the community and committing to moral hiring procedures and environmental improvements. They also owe it to their workers to treat them morally, which includes paying them a fair wage even in the absence of much employee protection legislation.

CSR is a smart business practice and failure to carry it out wisely may damage the balance sheet. It can also raise spirits within the organisation, particularly if it inspires its workers through social causes.

How to build a socially conscious brand?

By integrating social responsibility into your business practices, you can attract and retain customers who share your values and differentiate your brand from your competitors.

The brand might start by deciding which social concerns it wants to address and then directing its policies and decisions. For instance, your policies and procedures should represent your mission and values if you want to create environmental sustainability. Integrating social responsibility into your business model is critical after you’ve established your mission and core values. To do this, consider how your operations, goods, and services might have a beneficial social and environmental impact—for instance, using fair labour practices, cutting back on your carbon footprint or using sustainable materials in your products.


Incorporating a social conscience into your brand also requires active stakeholder engagement and an awareness of the evolving requirements and concerns of your suppliers, customers and the community in which you operate. Here, you might consider holding focus group discussions to gain feedback on your goods or services or conducting quarterly or annual surveys to learn about your client’s beliefs and preferences. 


Finally, nothing is possible without ongoing impact assessment, surveying and monitoring. Finding areas where the influence may be analysed and requiring improved models is crucial, as is figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

Your brand’s social media commitments can’t just be a PR strategy. If you want them to be genuinely effective, the brand’s meaning and purpose must include a social conscience. Knowing what your brand represents is critical, as is figuring out how to use that to benefit the community.

Emphasising long-term CSR impact

Being inclined toward social responsibility and advocating for sustainable development quickly becomes a distinguishing characteristic for growing brands. established by a team of business experts. Smile Foundation, established by a team of CSR experts, has always viewed the corporate sector as an ally in enacting long-lasting local change by successfully partnering with over 400 international businesses for over two decades.

Smile Foundation emphasises that if enough money is set aside and invested in the vocational education of Indian youth, particularly those from underserved social groups, a large and youthful population can become the nation’s greatest asset. It uses its Smile Twin e-learning programme or STeP, to skill children dynamically. It hopes that long-term CSR collaborations will significantly expand the range of its livelihood initiatives.

Categories
Education

How can scholarship support change lives?

Women and Their Increasing Influence in Workplaces
Women and Their Increasing Influence in Workplaces

In February of this year, a parent took to X to voice concerns about the skyrocketing Kindergarten fees in Hyderabad, disclosing that the cost for his child had reached INR 3.78 lakhs. This tweet sparked a nationwide debate on the escalating costs of education. While this case might seem specific to a high-end institution, it highlights a broader, troubling trend: the steep rise in education costs across India. This pattern aligns with a global trend.

According to data from The Hindu Business Line, the cost of primary education surged by 30.7% between 2014 and 2018. Fees for graduate programs increased by 5.8%, while post-graduate course fees rose by 13.19% during the same period. Additionally, data from the Unified District Information System for Education reveals that around 39% of students aged 20-24 drop out of college to support their families, reflecting significant financial pressures on households. CNBC-TV18 reports that education costs have surged by about 11-12% annually, with expenses potentially doubling every 6-7 years, adding a considerable financial burden on families.

Globally, the Education Data Initiative notes that the average cost of college tuition and fees at public four-year institutions has risen by 179.2% over the past two decades. This situation brings the debate about the necessity of scholarships back into focus.

Breaking Barriers to Education through Scholarship Support

In a country like India, a country marked by its diverse socio-economic landscape, scholarships can play a transformative role in changing lives. By providing financial support and access to education, scholarships can break barriers, create opportunities and work towards a more equitable society. It is evident that scholarships support change by alleviating financial burdens for students and their families.

In a time when the cost of education is rising and creating barriers for students, scholarship support can make higher education accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. This financial support often translates into improved academic performance and more significant opportunities for career advancement. For many families, a scholarship represents an economic boon, a source of hope and a catalyst for social mobility.

A striking example of overcoming systemic barriers in education is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Despite facing significant obstacles due to caste-based discrimination, Ambedkar’s academic journey was marked by remarkable achievements. He graduated from Elphinstone College in Bombay thanks to a scholarship provided by His Highness Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda, who recognised his potential and offered crucial financial support. Ambedkar’s deep passion for learning drove him forward, but the entrenched inequalities of the time made accessing quality education challenging. Nonetheless, with the right encouragement and opportunities, he made a significant leap in his academic career. This opportunity came when he pursued higher studies in the United States, a turning point that dramatically shaped his future.

In the U.S., he earned his M.A. in 1915 and his Ph.D. in 1916 from Columbia University. Later, he was admitted to Gray’s Inn in London to study law and worked towards a D.Sc. at the London School of Economics and Political Science. This intense study abroad expanded his expertise and laid the groundwork for his future contributions to social reform and policy.

An article published in The Hindustan Times highlighted that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar founded the Peoples Education Society in Bombay and Aurangabad to support Dalit students. In fact, to address the grievances of the untouchables and take their voice to the government, Dr Ambedkar also established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha. He firmly believed that educating the oppressed would empower them to advance socially, achieve economic progress and attain political independence. That financial support enabled Ambedkar to pursue his studies, which positively impacted countless lives and continues to do so today.

Empowering Marginalised Communities

In our country, many students are forced to abandon their education to support their families. In such cases, scholarships provide crucial financial support, allowing these students to continue their studies and defer the need to drop out. Additionally, access to the right network is essential for success in higher education. Unfortunately, marginalised students frequently encounter significant obstacles in connecting with these crucial networks due to limited resources and systemic inequalities. This lack of access can impede their academic and professional progress. Scholarships facilitate social transformation and provide essential opportunities for individuals to benefit from these valuable connections.

A notable example is the Eklavya India Foundation, led by Raju Kendre. Kendre received the Chevening Scholarship in June 2021, making him one of the first students from his area and a nomadic tribe to study abroad. After returning from his studies, Kendre has been dedicated to assisting students from his community, providing them with opportunities and support that were once out of reach.

Thus, scholarship support can serve as a bridge for low-income communities, creating opportunities and opening doors to typically inaccessible spaces. They are precious in providing young girls access to education that they may have been systematically denied. At Smile Foundation, we strive to empower young girls through scholarships that enable them to pursue higher education and continue their academic journey. As part of our efforts in the education sector, we have assisted numerous girls from marginalised backgrounds in accessing education that was previously denied to them due to various obstacles.

Categories
Nutrition

National Nutrition Week 2024

National Nutrition Week 2024`

Nutrition is a way of living. Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health, supporting growth and development, and enhancing the quality of life. It helps prevent malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. A balanced diet can help prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Nutrition plays a significant role in brain development and cognitive function, particularly for children and adolescents.

Good nutrition contributes to a longer and healthier life by reducing the risk of age-related diseases and conditions. Healthy individuals are more productive and can contribute more effectively to their communities and economies. These vital nutrients come from the food you eat. Ann Wigmore said, “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”

National Nutrition Week in India was first observed in 1982 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is celebrated from September 1st to 7th as a campaign organised by the Government of India to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. This week aims to address nutritional deficiencies and promote a healthier nation. It emphasises the critical role nutrition plays in overall well-being.

Additionally, it highlights the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases through good nutrition. The campaign has grown, with various activities, workshops and programmes organised nationwide to educate people about nutrition-based interventions to combat malnutrition. This year, the theme was “Nutritious Diets for Everyone”, aligning with the United Nations’ goal for sustainable development.

National Nutrition Week raises awareness

It highlights the current nutritional challenges in India, such as malnutrition, undernutrition and lifestyle-related diseases. Its primary goals are to educate, raise awareness and promote nutritional interventions. Let’s discuss a few major goals:

  • Increasing public awareness about the importance of nutrition for health and well-being is the key motto of the campaign. This includes educating people on the benefits of a balanced diet and the risks associated with poor nutrition.
  • Encouraging individuals to adopt healthier eating habits by providing information on nutritious foods, meal planning, and the importance of a varied diet. This also includes educating how nutrition doesn’t need to be expensive and that local food could provide a balanced meal.
  • Addressing issues of malnutrition, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly helps to reach the goal faster as only when the women of the house are healthy, the nation is healthier.
  • Implementing and promoting nutritional interventions and programmes, such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and food fortification, Public Health Campaigns, Rural Women’s Self-Help Groups, etc. to improve the nutritional status of the population are crucial.
  • Providing education on food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses to ensure the consumption of safe and hygienic food.
  • Highlighting the importance of physical activity in conjunction with a nutritious diet for overall health and well-being and advocating for policies and programmes that support nutritional health, including those that address food security, agricultural practices and public health initiatives.

Major interventions of the National Nutrition Week

  • At the Global Bio India Roadshow scheduled from September 2-14, 2024, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore called to minimise nutrient loss during food processing through the right processing methods, temperature control, considering fortification and using fresh ingredients. This also highlights the funding opportunities for food and beverage start-ups in the country.
  • Chirag Kumar Paswan, minister of Food Processing Industries emphasised the importance of a nutritious diet for everyone, aligning with the theme, “Feeding Right from Start”. He also spoke about the broader goals of promoting food security, reducing agricultural wastage and ensuring value addition in the food processing sector.
  • Special programmes have been launched by the Indian Government to provide nutritional support to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.
  • In line with the theme, Feeding Smart Right from Start, various public campaigns have been launched to educate the public about the importance of balanced diets and healthy eating habits. These campaigns focus on different age groups, from infants to the elderly.
  • New guidelines have also been introduced to improve the nutritional quality of meals provided in schools with more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in school lunches.
  • Government and NGOs also conducted workshops and seminars at the community level to educate parents, educators and community leaders about the importance of nutrition and how to make healthier food choices.

Nonprofits in the mighty era of social media

Nonprofits also took an active part in the National Nutrition Week. Organisations like Smile Foundation aim to address nutritional deficiencies and promote a healthier nation by encouraging balanced diets and healthy eating habits. NGOs organised nutrition fairs where farmers, vendors and community members learned about and accessed nutrient-rich foods to promote sustainable agricultural practices.  In the social media era, engaging posts, videos and live sessions with nutrition experts were also shared across various platforms to spread awareness about good nutrition practices to a wider audience.

Smile also organised Community Nutrition Camps during the week to provide free health check-ups and nutritional counselling. We also conducted special school programmes to teach children about the benefits of good nutrition. These programmes included interactive sessions, games and activities to make learning about nutrition fun and engaging. To make the nutrition programme more effective and far-reaching, Smile also collaborated with other local NGOs.

A healthy individual builds a healthy nation

Individuals can also take active participation and contribute to a healthier community by promoting the importance of good nutrition. Individuals can work with local leaders to promote and implement nutrition programmes in the community. To participate in community outreach programmes, they can also support and volunteer with local nonprofits that are working on nutrition-related projects. They can advocate for better nutrition policies in schools and workplaces. They can also take part in local nutrition fairs where people can learn about and access healthy foods. Ensuring good nutrition with regular physical activity for overall well-being through regular physical activity along with healthy meal planning to work on personal health and nutrition goals can also contribute to the nation’s overall good nutrition and well-being. 

Nutrition Week 2024 was a success

National Nutrition Week 2024 brought about significant change through several innovative approaches and impactful initiatives. By leveraging technology, social media buzz was also created to enhance digital outreach that helped conduct virtual workshops and webinars and launch interactive mobile apps to provide personalised nutrition advice and education. Consumption of local produce and Sustainable Agriculture was also encouraged for long-term food security and better nutrition. Various private companies, local nonprofits, the government, community leaders and influencers also participated to promote nutrition awareness to foster a sense of ownership and commitment. This also helped amplify the reach and impact of nutrition programmes. 

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Education

The Challenges of Vocational Education

The Challenges of Vocational Education

Education systems must equip individuals with the skills required for the workforce. Vocational education, which focuses on providing specific, job-oriented training, is one way to bridge this gap. The key objective of vocational education is to enhance an individual’s skills in a particular field by offering practical, hands-on experience to improve employability and foster entrepreneurial opportunities. Despite the growing demand for skilled labour in various sectors, vocational education in India faces substantial challenges. These obstacles, ranging from infrastructure gaps to social perceptions and policy failures, hinder its potential to contribute effectively to the workforce.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

One of the most critical challenges vocational education faces in India is infrastructure. Vocational courses often require advanced tools, equipment, and technology to simulate real-world work environments. According to sources, a significant number of vocational training institutions do not have the required infrastructure for effective skill development. The lack of state-of-the-art facilities has a direct impact on the quality of training students receive, especially in specialised fields like civil engineering and architecture, where hands-on experience is vital.

According to UNESCO’s State of the Education Report for India-2020, there should be a greater focus on vocational education and training in schools and colleges. As per the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 2011-12 report on the Status of Education and Vocational Training in India, among persons aged 15-59 years, only about 2.2% were reported to have received formal vocational training. The problem is further exacerbated in rural areas, where access to this education is limited. This lack of accessibility means that a large portion of the population is unable to pursue vocational training, deepening the urban-rural divide in education and employment opportunities.

Additionally, this education requires instructors who are industry experts, but there is a dearth of such educators in India. The country has approximately 15,000 accredited vocational institutions, however, faculty members meeting industry standards may not be at par. The UGC’s Professor of Practice Scheme seeks to address this by allowing industry professionals to teach in educational institutions, but widespread implementation remains a challenge.

Policies and Government Initiatives

The Indian government has recognised the importance of vocational education in addressing skill shortages and promoting economic growth. Recent news suggests that the government of India has been falling short in its aim to train 500 million people in new skills. Similar reports are shared by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). To make vocational education more attractive, the government launched the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in 2022. The NCrF allows students to earn credits for vocational training, which can be transferred to other educational qualifications, thus integrating vocational education into the mainstream. Additionally, skill education centers are being set up in higher education institutions to ensure vocational training is not seen as inferior to academic pathways.

However, despite these efforts, the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances reported that a high number of vocational training seats remain vacant annually. High fees are one of the main deterrents, with vocational courses in India often costing between INR 50,000 to 2,00,000 per year. This financial burden is particularly difficult for students from economically weaker sections, making vocational education inaccessible to a large segment of the population.

Social Perception and Career Viability

In India, vocational training is often viewed as inferior to academic education, which leads to low enrollment rates. The Committee on Government Assurances highlighted that many students perceive vocational courses as lacking dignity and career prospects. This stigma is evident in the fact that only 2% of the Indian workforce has formal vocational training, compared to over 50% in countries like Germany. This social perception has tangible consequences for career viability. Despite the high demand for skilled labor in various sectors, students often feel these fields do not offer the financial security or prestige of traditional academic careers.

Moreover, vocational education often requires longer career paths. It takes years of practical experience for students to gain the expertise needed to earn competitive salaries, which dissuades many from opting for vocational courses. The perceived gap between education and employment is stark, with many vocational graduates remaining underemployed or in jobs unrelated to their training. The lack of a clear and reliable job market for vocational graduates only reinforces the negative social perception of these courses.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

The challenges facing vocational education in India are varied, but solutions are within reach. To address the lack of infrastructure, increased public investment in vocational training facilities is essential. The government can also incentivise institutions through financial measures, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to enhance their infrastructure and collaborate with industry experts for more relevant training programmes.

Improving the social perception of vocational education is another critical step. Public campaigns that emphasise its importance to national economic growth could help reduce the stigma surrounding it. India can also benefit from the strategies followed by countries with strong vocational systems, like Germany. Furthermore, closer collaboration between industries and educational institutions is necessary to align vocational curricula with market demands, ensuring better job prospects for graduates. Non-governmental organisations can also enhance vocational education in India by providing resources, expertise, and training programs, bridging gaps in government efforts, and tailoring education to meet local market needs and industry standards.

The Bottom Line

Vocational education is a critical component of workforce development, particularly in sectors with high demand for skilled labour. However, significant challenges related to infrastructure, social perceptions and career viability remain. Through government initiatives, industry partnerships and efforts to change social attitudes, vocational education can become a more attractive and viable pathway to employment. With strategic investments and policy improvements, vocational education in India can rise to meet the growing needs of the economy while offering students a dignified and rewarding career trajectory.

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Women Empowerment

The Case for Investing in a Care Ecosystem

The Case for Investing in a Care Ecosystem

Women are mostly engaged in non-productive labour such as taking care of the family, children, elderly and persons with disabilities. During the pandemic, closures of schools and lockdowns raised the need for unpaid care for children, elderly parents, and people with disabilities, causing many women to quit the workforce or work much fewer hours. The mental, emotional and physical toll it can take is unimaginable. How can we redesign our social and economic policies to ensure the well-being of women in a system with better and accessible childcare facilities, dignified ageing, and proper care for persons with disabilities? A care ecosystem is essential for women and their families to address and support their diverse needs in the various circumstances that they live in.

Understanding the Care Ecosystem

A care ecosystem works to support all the diverse health and care needs in a society, thereby reducing the burden on families and women in particular. Moreover, a formal care ecosystem can offer training in care work and employment to trained women and men caregivers.

Why Invest in a Care Ecosystem?

Increasing Women’s Employment Participation: The setting up of a care ecosystem can reduce the workload on women, who typically take part in diverse domestic responsibilities and care work. This would enable women to engage more actively in the job market and concentrate on entrepreneurship, employment and other income-generating activities.

Childcare Support: A solid childcare ecosystem is secure, affordable, and readily accessible, and offers high-quality care that is tailored to the needs of families and children. There is a need to boost investments in childcare establishments near workplaces. This will assist parents in managing their career and family duties. Often, state-led initiatives are inadequately funded. The caregiving burden for families can be significantly alleviated by the expansion and improvement of these services.

Eldercare Services: The provision of high-quality healthcare and ample economic support for older people in India is necessary today. Forty per cent of the country’s elderly are in the poorest quintile and about 18.7 percent of them are living without an income. Many old people live alone in today’s world or are often being taken care of by the woman of the household. For a variety of reasons, such as financial constraints or inadequate training, family members may be unable to provide assistance. It is imperative to reduce the reliance of the elderly on their family members with better pension systems, as well as enhancing the existing healthcare facilities.

Support for Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities require the same level of healthcare as the general population. Additionally, they may have more complicated or supplementary health requirements as a result of limitations and their effects. Many families may not be able to afford or access this specialised care. It is crucial to establish an ecosystem that facilitates effortless and cost-effective access to specialised care for these individuals and their families.

Economic benefits:  The formalisation and governance of care work can contribute to promoting equitable wages and working conditions, which in turn results in increased household income, consumer expenditure and greater economic output. Moreover, improving the quality of care would also make societies more resilient to emergencies such as health pandemics and climate change, owing to the presence of a robust and formal care sector.

Role of the Government and Private Sector

Proactive engagement between the government and the private sector is essential for an efficient care ecosystem. Together, they must identify gaps, develop new initiatives, use technology, rebuild infrastructure and advocate for improved policies.

The private sector can pool in where the public sector lacks access, capabilities and resources. To leverage the skills, ingenuity, and resources of the private sector, governments should engage with companies in public-private ecosystems. In the same way, organisations should consider utilising this collaborative approach to bolster the efficacy of their own sustainability and social impact initiatives.

The primary central government programmes in India for the funding of care infrastructure and services are the Saksham Angandwadi and POSHAN 2.0, Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, and the National Social Assistance Program The provision of care services, whether in publicly managed or privately maintained facilities, necessitates ongoing monitoring. It is necessary to define basic service levels and infrastructural benchmarks for commercial, public and community-based care providers.

A dedicated skill training framework is necessary for developing and creating modules, and collaborating with international training institutes to train workers. The framework can establish requirements for care worker qualifications, wage bands and minimum care service performance criteria.

The Way Forward

We may be proud of the significant progress we have made as a nation in recent years, particularly in addressing gender inequality. But, it is now imperative to establish a care ecosystem, as it plays a crucial role in achieving gender equality, economic growth and social development.

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Women Empowerment

Women’s Safety: Will it come with Women’s Empowerment?

Women’s Safety: Will it come with Women’s Empowerment?

What does ‘women’s safety’ truly mean? Is it about physical protection or does it include creating an environment where women can pursue opportunities, explore their potential and, in wider terms, their ‘lives’, without fear of consequences? Over the years, the narratives around women’s empowerment have evolved alongside changes brought into our social lives through globalisation, technology and changing ideologies.

Starting from the fight for voting rights to the push for equal representation in workspaces, women empowerment has seen many shifts. Yet, one major question remains– Are women genuinely empowered? Are they safe to navigate the many complexities of society?

Women Empowerment in India

In India, women have historically been regarded as reflections of goddesses, but that’s where the reverence seems to stop in the lived experiences of girls and women in our country. They have faced numerous challenges, including practices like sati, early child marriages, lack of education and access to healthcare. Through great struggle and perseverance of many changemakers, women’s empowerment emerged as a fundamental vision in Indian society, granting women constitutional equality and opportunities to build lives on their own terms.

Still, we must ask– Are all women in India enjoying this privilege or should we call them ‘rights’ in their private and professional lives? Do they all have the freedom and safety to make their own choices?

As of 2024, recent statistics from the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveal that roughly 86% of women in India have received at least a primary education, with around 48% completing secondary education or higher. Regarding employment, about 22% of women aged 15 and older are part of the workforce. Access to quality healthcare services stands at roughly 60%, although this access varies significantly between urban and rural areas. These figures illustrate both progress and the ongoing challenges women face in education, employment and healthcare in India.

While Indian women are participating in both organised and unorganised sectors, a significant gender gap persists. The female labour force participation rate increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23. In contrast, the male participation rate rose from 75.8% to 78.5% during the same period. The gap becomes even more visible in pay gaps wherein men are still paid substantially more for the equal amount of work that women do too.

Given this context, we must consider creating safe spaces for women in India. If a woman does not hold equal status in society— through education, health and financial stability—she cannot be regarded as a strong individual in our society– which is often patriarchal and where the earning member holds the most respect and power in terms of real decision-making.

Government Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment with Smile

The Indian government is making significant efforts to empower women through initiatives focused on comprehensive education, quality reproductive health, nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Programmes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the CBSE Udaan Scheme aim to support the educational development of young girls and women. Health initiatives likeSurakshit Matritva Aashwassan (SUMAN), LaQshya and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) are designed to provide a safety net of education and health services, for women to develop the skills necessary at workplaces.

Moreover, financial programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Mahila Shakti Kendra empower women with financial assistance and literacy, equipping them to manage their businesses, savings and investments for a secure financial future.

Smile’s Interventions for Empowering Women

At Smile Foundation, with our commitment towards implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the belief that ‘no one should be left behind’, we work closely with underserved communities in India, particularly focusing on the education, reproductive health and livelihood opportunities for women and youth in India.

Through programmes like Swabhiman and Project Manzil, we support the learning journeys of young girls with vocational skills, while our engineering scholarships for girls reach thousands of women each year for they to receive the opportunities and support needed to stand on their own.

Our lifecycle approach advocates for holistic development, emphasising that lasting social change occurs when individuals are supported across all aspects of their lives. Education, health and skilling/livelihood opportunities are fundamentally important for women to do better in their lives and uplift their communities in the process of their own empowerment.

Recognising women as the cornerstone of communities, Swabhiman focuses on increasing reproductive health awareness so that women and their children can grow healthily. These interventions translate into success in education and employment in the long-term.

Furthermore, for financial independence, Swabhiman equips rural women with financial literacy and business skills, supporting them to establish and sustain small businesses that help them contribute better towards uplifting their families and communities.

We truly believe that real change happens when our close-knit community collaborates to meet the needs of those around us. By coming together, we can create strong leaders out of girls and women who will have a greater say in the framework of every sector including policy-making. This, we will keep doing by providing them with quality education, healthy lifestyles and livelihood opportunities they truly deserve.

You can support girls do better too

If you feel inspired to help empower these young girls and women to lead safe and independent lives—truly embodying the essence of empowerment—consider making a small donation today. Together, we can create lasting change and build a brighter, equitable future for all.

Will women in India be safe when they are truly empowered? Read the blog to know how Smile’s approach is maximising the implementation of government initiatives for women to make them empowered in safer communities.

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