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Livelihood

NEP 2020 and India’s Big Dream: Knowledge Superpower

NEP 2020 and India's Big Dream: Knowledge Superpower
Around 360 youngsters from the urban slums of Delhi are being trained in Core Employability under Smile Foundation’s Livelihood programme - STeP.

Following Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s death in July 2015, the country’s Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi paid tribute to India’s “Missile Man.” He called Dr Kalam a true Bharat Ratna and an inspiration for every dreamer in the country. This calls for a discussion about the education system in India!

In his heartfelt tribute, PM Modi also remembered the former Indian President’s vision for India: a knowledge superpower. “Bharat has lost a Ratna, but the light from this jewel will guide us towards APJ Abdul Kalam’s dream destination: India as a knowledge superpower, in the first rank of nations,” said PM Modi.

Seven years on, the government has made significant strides towards achieving Dr Kalam’s dream. The government has taken several steps to make India a knowledge powerhouse, but the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 could be the real game-changer.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a Government of India initiative to transform the education system in India and make the country a knowledge hub. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020, replacing the previous National Policy on Education, which was last revised in 1992.

NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive roadmap outlining India’s approach to education in the coming decades. It aims to make India’s education system more holistic and learner-centric, focusing on developing students’ cognitive, socio-emotional, and practical skills.

It is based on the principles of accessibility, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. The policy recognises the need for a more flexible and multidisciplinary approach to education, lacking in India’s existing system.

The policy will enable students to adapt to the changing needs of the economy and society.

How the NEP 2020 will Transform India

NEP 2020 was announced after several rounds of consultations and discussions with relevant stakeholders. It has been formulated with care and has certain key features that can truly transform the education system in India.

1. Focus on Childhood Education System in India

A strong foundation is central to achieving academic and professional success in life. With clear basics, individuals can learn advanced concepts in their fields more easily, helping them excel at their work.

Therefore, emphasis on early childhood education is one of the key features of the National Education Policy 2020. The policy advises the establishment of a National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children up to the age of 8.

The teaching method and the importance of play-based learning have been highlighted for the comprehensive development of students. With this feature, children will receive a strong foundation and enjoy learning.

2. Vocational Education is Key

Textbook learning is essential, but skills help you succeed in the real world. The world is rapidly changing, and students must adapt their skills to ensure continued progress.

NEP 2020 recognises this and has focused on providing vocational education and skill development. The policy stresses the importance of providing students with practical skills to help them succeed in the corporate world.

The policy has proposed the establishment of a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which will enable students to acquire vocational skills while they are still in college or university.

3. Education for All

India is a developing economy, so technology and progress aren’t linear everywhere in the country. Certain sections– like the rural remote areas and urban slums, are deprived of the same employment and learning opportunities as those residing in better and upward networked spaces.

The National Education Policy 2020 will change that as far as education is concerned. It aims to increase access to education for disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Children from such sections can prosper and help improve their communities with increased learning opportunities.

The policy proposes the establishment of a Gender Inclusion Fund and a National Scholarship Portal. They will help support girls and students from economically weaker sections. NEP 2020 also calls for establishing a Special Education Zone for disadvantaged regions, which will provide additional support and resources to students in these areas.

4. Overhaul the Assessment System

Exams often bring nightmares to students. As a result, they cannot perform at their best, but the scorecard still dictates their futures.

NEP 2020 hopes to change that by overhauling the examination and assessment system altogether. The policy recommends moving away from rote learning and memorisation-based assessments, which test nothing but students’ memorisation skills.

It aims to move towards more competency-based and formative assessments that provide a more comprehensive picture of students’ abilities. It will help to promote a more comprehensive understanding of concepts and encourage students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

5. Change the Higher Education System in India

The higher education system in India is far from ideal. It primarily focuses on grades rather than skills, promoting an unhealthy environment where students’ examination grades precede skills.

Regulators like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regularly make changes to the higher education system but have yet to be successful in their mission to change the mindset.

Therefore, the NEP 2020 suggests a single regulator for higher education. The new regulator, called the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), will set standards, ensure quality, and promote innovation in higher education.

The NEP 2020 also proposes a major reform of the undergraduate education system. Students are on course to discover their passion in their early 20s and may find they’re in the wrong field during their bachelor’s.

Hence, the NEP 2020 recommends introducing a four-year bachelor’s degree program with multiple exit options. The possibility of lateral entry into higher education makes the new system more flexible and interdisciplinary. Students can choose their own paths of study and pivot more easily.

A Bright Education System in India

Educators and experts have welcomed the NEP 2020. The much-needed reform will transform the current education system in India and help students’ overall development.

Focus on higher education and skill development is also welcome, given the skill gap in the country. Smile Foundation is making concerted efforts towards skilling the youth from backgrounds that need special attention.

Our STeP or the Smile Twin e-Learning Programme is enthusiastically partnering with organisations sharing the same ethos of “skilling for respectable livelihood means”. The programme skills the youth in sectors like healthcare assistance, digital marketing, BFSI and e-logistics and has successfully placed 45000+ youth in global and national brands till now.

Implementing the NEP 2020 will require a mammoth effort from the government and other stakeholders. All parties need to work together to fully realise the goal of the NEP 2020 and we are completely ready to do our part towards realising India’s big dream to become a knowledge superpower.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Women Empowerment Through Gender Equality In Science

Women Empowerment Through Gender Equality In Science
A medical professional treating an injured child.

Science is defined as the study of natural laws and the physical world. Science has been a driving force in human progress for centuries. Whether it is germ theory or studying the pattern of stars, science has helped us in understanding our world better. 

However, the scientific community and the field of science have not remained immune to social ills. While science is an antidote to dogmas and regressive structures, the field is struggling with the problem of gender equality too.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are important issues in today’s world. This is why, when we talk about these, we cannot ignore the criticality of gender equality in science. The field, combined with technology, creates pathways for innovations for tomorrow.

In a way, science drives humanity in a certain direction. Therefore, equal representation of all genders in science is crucial to ensure it caters to everyone’s needs equally.

While speaking at IIT Bombay Techfest in December 2022, Finland’s former President lauded the step to introduce supernumerary seats in the institute for women. Tarja Halonen, who is also the first female president of Finland, said that “gender equality in science and technology will mean more inclusive innovations.” This is an important aspect when we talk about equal rights for women.

So, What is Inclusivity?

In a social context, inclusivity is when the policies and structures of the society are supportive of everyone irrespective of their gender, class, caste, etc. Therefore inclusivity in innovation would mean that new developments in science and technology include the interests of all genders. This is what the Finland president was highlighting in her speech. 

Let’s try to understand this statement from a news piece, “when a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured…”. What does it mean? It simply means that car manufacturers don’t design cars keeping women in mind. This is just one of the examples illustrating that the world is built for men. 

Inclusivity in science is especially important because science empowers humans. If there is more gender equality in science and technology, it would mean more innovations that will further create gender equality in society and the world at large.

Gender Inequality in Science

According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, only one in three scientists is a woman. This shows that even in today’s modern world, the men dominate the field of science. This disparity is because of a number of reasons. 

The general lack of support for women wanting to enter Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, wage inequality at work, and the unfair conditions create situations for women where they cannot survive in a demanding field like scientific research.

Not just that, women are also underrepresented in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to data, only 22% of professionals in the field of AI are women. This is concerning because AI is one of the biggest innovations that is happening in the field of technology today. This is why removing this gender inequality in STEM education and professions is important.

A report by the European Institute of Gender Equality suggests that the European Union can increase employment by 8,50,000 people by 2050 if it brings down the gender gap in STEM. These promising facts also apply to other parts of the world, including emerging countries like India. 

With the biggest young population in the world, India can benefit immensely by making STEM education and professions more gender inclusive. This is where the importance and role of education for women empowerment also comes in.

“Education is crucial for overcoming gender inequality. Training on issues related to human rights, equality and development is a necessity,” Ms Lachezara Stoeva, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations said at an event organised by UNESCO in March 2021. The topic of the event was ‘Gender Equality in Science, Technology and Innovation: Towards an Inclusive STI ecosystem’. The role of education in women empowerment was discussed in detail during the event.

Role of Education in Women Empowerment through Science

There are various ways in which gender equality in science can be helpful. But, the most important is that scientific innovations will be created keeping in mind the needs and requirements of all genders. 

Professor Heisook Lee explains that gender and sex are not considered important variables in critical scientific research. The male gender is a ‘norm’ making it difficult to provide solutions catered specifically to genders other than males.

This is important that both men and women respond very differently to the natural conditions around them. Their biological responses are different too. Therefore, it’s not smart to apply same standards to both genders without looking at the variance in the application.

So, while this is important, women also can bring a new perspective to the entire field of science. By having overall gender diversity in the STEM field, we may witness newer innovations and push the limits.

In fact, gender diversity in science can mean impressive growth for the entire scientific community because it will benefit from the added resource and diversity. Lastly, as mentioned above, there are fewer women in STEM professions and this creates a shortfall of capable people who can be of value to the field. 

The European data shows that this shortfall can be reduced by bringing in more women in STEM professions. Around the world, the field of science and technology needs more talented people. If we encourage more women to enter the field, it will open up new dimensions and fill the gap in demand and supply immensely.

Its 2023!

High time we stop the tiring advocacy for women empowerment and set the equality wheels running in top speed already. For the world to move forward and progress at a fast pace, the role of women is critical.

We need women to contribute in every field at the same level as men. This can be achieved by creating equal opportunities for women. While we have been discussing the role of women in society, as the world changes, we must also focus our attention on the field of science. 

Technology and Science are going to be game-changers in the coming decades. By creating a more inclusive environment in these fields, we can ensure that the future is equitable for all.

Smile Foundation and Role of Education in Women Empowerment

Smile Foundation through its women empowerment programme, Swabhiman is making women and adolescent girls take full control of their lives through entrepreneurship, digital financial literacy, important life skills and nutrition activities.

The role of education in women empowerment is a crucial one. We will soon become a world where young girls/women are independent in every way possible.

Categories
Health

Healthcare Technology Changing Consumer Behaviour in India

Healthcare Technology Changing Consumer Behavior in India
Healthcare Technology Changing Consumer Behavior in India

Technology is almost like God 

God is present everywhere (atheists and agnostics, we see you too!), and so is technology. We see technology improving our quality of life and helping us in our day-to-day tasks. So naturally, the modern adoption of technology in healthcare has made the administration of treatment to patients easy, efficient, cheap, and without errors.  

It’s true! That the penetration of mobile and telephones in our lives has brought healthcare to our homes? The true importance of healthcare technology is not only in diagnosing and treating patients but in prevention that is to keep people away from becoming patients.

What is Technology?

Simply put, technology is the real-time application of scientific concepts for finding solutions and solving real-world problems. Britannica.com defines technology as “the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.”

How has Technology changed Healthcare?

To ask, how technology has changed healthcare, is like asking how you are alive. Technology is omnipresent in medical science and healthcare. Nowadays, technology can be broadly classified into categories, such as mechanical technology which includes machines, engines, equipment, etc. 

The importance of technology in healthcare simply needs careful observation. The development and usage of machines for MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, etc., have made diagnosis and treatment of patients easy and cheap.

Another is Information Technology which involves using computer and telecommunication systems for analysing, storing, retrieving, sorting, and sending data /information. 

Indian patients, many of those from poor backgrounds, due to unawareness do not keep or know their prior medical history, knowing which at times can be life-saving. Information technology in healthcare has solved problems as doctors at least in city hospitals prescribe medicine and treatment in a typed and legible format that is recorded in the system. So now doctors and patients can retrieve medical history anytime for proper diagnosis of illness.

Himanshu Jaiswal, a senior lawyer with a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) shared, “Last year I made an appointment for my father online on a hospital’s website. I was given a time slot for when I need to visit the hospital for consultation and medical tests. We had certain tests done and the next day without going to the hospital, I got the reports online. I did not have to wait in long queues.” Now, this is the true power of healthcare technology. 

AI in Healthcare

Lastly, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Wikipedia, says, “is intelligence—perceiving, synthesising, and inferring information—demonstrated by machines, as opposed to intelligence displayed by non-human animals and humans.” AI recognizes patterns and in fields such as radiology to predict future outcomes which makes it possible to develop a personalised care plan for patients. 

The devices such as fitness bands and appended software and hardware have obliterated frequent doctor and hospital visits. You can see on your wrist; blood pressure, blood oxygen level, heart rate, etc. It can even tell us whether we are having a good night’s sleep or not. So we can keep track of our daily health parameters. If there is an alarming situation then the AI can alert us and even send notifications to hospitals, ambulances, or emergency contacts. 

Healthcare Scenario in India 

Ancient India’s prowess in healthcare was futuristic and outstanding. The Ayurveda, medical treaties of Shurusta, Charak, and Yoga, etc. are from India. Due to a series of unfortunate events of invasion and colonialism, all such progress was lost (history cannot be erased and there were some great improvements in areas related to arts, science, and infrastructure during those periods too).

In modern times, The Constitution of India, through its Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), puts the onus on the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and improve public health. The government is obligated to initiate a process of development that will raise living standards and open up to the people to provide new opportunities to lead a good life. Keeping this objective in mind, the successive governments after independence through various five-year plans have formulated and implemented healthcare policies. 

As a result, the current healthcare scenario in India has reached such a level that the government launched an ambitious scheme in 2018 called Ayushman Bharat which seeks to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Initially, the objective is to cover the poorest 40% of the population. Recently, India has also achieved WHO mandated doctor-population ratio.

Economic survey 2022-23, states various happy indicators like a decrease in maternal and child mortality rates, an increase in primary and community health centres, etc. There has been a decline in the total fertility rate and an increase in the institutional delivery rate. Out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare have decreased but still remain on the higher side. 

India dosed almost all of its population with the Covid-19 vaccine and booster doses are being continuously administered. However, the problem still persists. The spending on healthcare needs more allocation. Moreover, more and more Indians are becoming obese. 

Is Technology in Healthcare the Answer to the Sector’s Ailments? 

In India, the second wave of Covid-19 unmasked the shortage of hospital beds and oxygen. But at such desperate times, people helped each other. It was because of technology.  Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook provide requisite platforms for information flow that help people arrange oxygen cylinders for others to donate plasma to those in need. The instances of kindness shown by people for each other were possible only because of information and communication technology.   

The government of the day has acknowledged that without adopting modern technology in healthcare, and penetrating and integrating it across the length and breadth of the nation, India cannot become a world superpower. Obviously, we need healthy demography. The advancement of technology in India, apart from using modern medical machines, can also be gauged from the fact that approximately 32 crore digital health IDs have been created. The health records of over 7.52 crore people have been linked with digital IDs.

It is still a long way to go before 100% of the population is covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This is where the importance of technology in healthcare lies. The seamless integration of technology and healthcare is key to India’s achieving its ambitious goal of Universal Health Coverage. 

Handling Data in Healthcare

The healthcare sector generates large and complicated data on a daily basis. AI and Analytics have the ability to transform health data into meaningful insights, revolutionising the way healthcare is delivered. In addition to this, the advancement of medical technology in India can usher in the era of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in India as well. The CEO of Niti Aayog, the apex body for planning in India, said that technology and innovation are critical factors that will play a crucial role in improving the healthcare infrastructure of India.

Along with Ayushman Bharat, the Government launched National Health Stack (NHS). Its objective is to develop the health data of Indians. Once complete it could become the world’s largest health database. It would be accessible to hospitals, doctors, and private players for medical research and predictive analytics to aid policymaking.

Indians are using online medical applications for the delivery of medicine to doors. Making doctor appointments from home and only visiting the hospital at the given time thus avoiding long queues.

Lenskart, a technology startup, has shown that advancement in medical technology combined with logistical innovation has made eyecare reach people’s homes. There are many ways in which technology in healthcare has transformed healthcare in India for the better.

Technology in Healthcare can Bridge the Gap between Urban and Rural India 

Modern clinics, state-of-the-art hospitals, and good doctors are concentrated in urban centres in India. People residing in rural areas unnecessarily travel long distances for healthcare. The economic survey has shown that the development of the health sector in rural India is on the right path. However, the pace is not as desired. Technology can bridge this gap. 

Technology has made it possible for people in rural areas to get primary care without travelling for long distances through online, screen-based, and real-time consultations with doctors. This coupled with AI and analytics will reduce the need for travelling to cities even for non-serious ailments.  

We stated in the beginning that the advancement of healthcare technology is not just about administering medical care to patients in a safe and cost-effective manner but it’s about prevention and prediction so that people do not become patients in the first place itself.  

Would you not agree that even a seemingly simple technology such as fitness bands or smart watches reminds us of how much workout one needs to do on a daily basis? So why shouldn’t every person on the planet have it?

Smile Foundation and Technology in Healthcare

Smile Foundation uses modern technology in healthcare when providing healthcare services to the remote and urban poor population through its Health Cannot Wait programme. Contact us to know more about our work to get involved in helping those who need it the most!

Categories
Education

Exercise Positive Parenting: Children and Grown-up Topics 

Exercise Positive Parenting: Talk to Children about Grown-up Topics 
Exercise Positive Parenting: Talk to Children about Grown-up Topics 

While it’s great to see your little ones take baby steps out in the world, it’s also worrisome about the kind of exposure they may receive while they’re at it, especially in today’s digital age. It’s imperative to exercise positive parenting by sitting them down and having an honest talk about grown-up topics.

Do this to ensure they don’t feel overwhelmed or believe half-baked harmful information. One should showcase positive parenting in the situations below:

Children Navigating Hurtful Relationships Through Positive Parenting

Often, narratives in movies or television shows depict the stereotyped portrayal of a happy relationship! Men are traditionally portrayed as pursuers who can convince women to do almost anything. And women as characters who would give in if they’re chased long enough.

Being exposed, children develop rigid, stereotypical ideas about what to expect in relationships. Children should know that romance is just one part of life; work, friendships, hobbies, and more are equally important aspects of one’s life. They should also know that every story is unique with its own set of challenges and good times.

Also, there is an unequal representation of non-heteronormative relationships in story-telling mediums in general. 

Parents need to be aware of children’s screen time and encourage empathy when they watch them see anything harmful. By not having an open discussion about harmful traits, we end up normalizing them. Cathy Press, a renowned psychotherapist, shares an important tip on how to talk to a grown-up child. 

Instead of yelling at your children with ‘How could you watch that ?’, which may shame them, she suggests trying an empathizing approach by asking ‘How would you feel if somebody ripped your clothes up ?’

Instead of scolding your children over their choices, make them think critically about their ideas and discuss with them different ways of being a responsible person, which involves treating everyone with equality and oneself and others with kindness and care. 

Environmental Calamities 

It may overwhelm your children to know that we as humans are majorly responsible for putting the earth in danger. Instead of dropping all the truth bombs at once, start slowly by giving them a gist of the problems the world is facing such as climate change, pandemics, crimes, and more. 

Reassure them with the possible solutions that we as a family, community, or school can do to curb them. Share potential facts about the steps already undertaken by passionate and deeply caring people to make this world a better living place. Discuss some long-term activists, their incredible work, and innovative solutions to spark hope in them and inspire them. 

Positive Parenting and Sexually-explicit Content

According to Yoan Reed, co-founder of Outspoken Sex Ed’ parents should start discussing sex, consent & sexually-explicit content as soon as they understand the basics of bodies, reproduction, or any of the sex-related topics. This will help them confide in you every time they come across any distressing content. 

One of the good parenting tips for parents is to not get angry at children if they catch them looking up sexual content. It’s only natural for them to want to know more about their bodies, needs, and desires. 

When it comes to sexual content, don’t wholly rely on the school to do all the teaching. Sit them down and explain to them about the unrealistic expectations of sex, bodies, and gender roles, and how it often promotes sexist, misogynistic, and homophobic activities, which can be scary (use better words; always explain to them the meanings of the words that you are using and refrain from using any loaded words).

Highlight the differences between produced sexual content and sex in real life, explaining how the former does not advocate communication, consent contraception, emotions, or mutual pleasure.

Transphobia 

It can get tricky explaining to a seven-year-old about transphobia. Instead of keeping mute when they refer to a trans person as ‘weird’, have an open talk with them. Highlight how clothes are a medium of personal expression and how some boys/men/transgenders wear skirts in different parts of the world.

Talk about sexuality in detail; about how the gender assigned at birth can be completely different from one’s self-identified sexuality. Tell them just because someone looks a certain gender does not mean that’s how they identify themselves. That it’s important to ask before making judgements. 

While dealing with children who are 10 years and above, be curious about their thinking. Ask them ‘Why do they find trans people weird ?’. This way they will be able to recognize gender stereotypes in their own thought processes. 

A lot of times, teens are under pressure to fit in, which puts some at risk of getting bullied. It’s important to let your children know that different genders and expressions exist and that they are equally valid and valuable.

Pregnancy and Abortion 

Younger children may not need as many details as older children, and their understanding of the topic may be more limited. The importance of good parenting and effective communication is to keep the language simple and direct. 

Sit your children down and explain to them that sometimes a person may need to go to the doctor to end a pregnancy if they are not ready to have a baby or if some medical complications are there with the unborn baby or the mother.

Of course, remember that some topics are off-limits for really young children. Read more books and talk to child counselors about providing sensitive information to children appropriate to their age, intelligence, and environment. 

You can liken it to other medical procedures, such as getting a shot or having a tooth pulled. Be clear that it is the decision of the pregnant person or the medical authority who are experts in their field. Emphasize that the decision to have an abortion is their right to make that decision. 

Avoid using graphic or violent language that may scare or upset your children. Instead, use words like ‘pregnancy’, ‘baby’, and ‘medical procedure’.

It’s important for your children to understand that this can be a difficult decision for the pregnant person and that it’s important to be supportive and understanding of their choice.

Putting It All Together

Children are more sensitive and that makes them more aware; sometimes even more than adults. They should be given more credit for their understanding of the world and its workings– even the unpleasant parts.

Most of our fears are far more dangerous in our imaginations than in their realities. Also, imagination is so powerful that one can conquer one’s fears by using this great elixir. Positive parenting gives more clarity to children and is the need of the hour!

Smile Foundation wants children to have independent minds with hearts that open up to varied things with unending generosity and intelligence. Through our flagship programme, Mission Education, we are trying to make education an all-inclusive-learning space for our children who are born with less or no means of getting a proper education. An education with the power of changing their lives and massively impacting the lives of the next generations.

You can join us in this journey of liberation through education by volunteering, donating, or a corporate partnership.

Categories
Livelihood CSR

CSR Activities in India for Skilling The Indian Youth

Skilling Key to Reap Demographic Dividend of India 
Skilling Key to Reap Demographic Dividend of India 

“CSR isn’t a particular programme, it’s what we do every day, maximising positive impact and minimising negative impact.”

Responsible Business Summit (2013)

India’s evolving corporate ecosystem is increasingly aligning business goals with social impact. One prominent avenue is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) directed at youth skill development.

Imagine a scenario: a small tech company collaborates with a nonprofit to offer digital skills training to underprivileged youth. Employees contribute equipment and mentor participants in coding, design, and software tools. This initiative boosts community development and enhances employee engagement and leadership—showing how CSR can be a two-way benefit.

This is not an exception. Since CSR became mandatory in India under the Companies Act, 2013, businesses are now required to spend 2% of their average net profits on activities contributing to national development. As a result, CSR funding has become a powerful catalyst for addressing India’s pressing employment challenges.

Why CSR and Skilling Go Hand in Hand

With nearly 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, the country has a unique opportunity to turn its demographic advantage into economic strength. However, rising unemployment among youth highlights a clear mismatch between available jobs and the employability of the workforce.

Merely creating jobs is not enough—building employable skills is essential. That’s where skilling programmes supported through CSR become a strategic solution.

Types of CSR Activities Allowed in India

As per the Companies Act, CSR activities in India may include:

  • Skill development and livelihood promotion
  • Building hostels, daycare centres, and shelters
  • Promoting education and public health
  • Supporting women’s safety, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Training for marginalised and underserved groups

Skill development cuts across several of these categories, making it one of the most flexible and impactful CSR focus areas.

How Skill Development Aligns with Corporate and National Goals

Corporates investing in skilling programmes contribute directly to long-term national growth by:

  • Creating a future-ready workforce
  • Reducing the employability gap
  • Supporting economic inclusion in underserved communities
  • Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Companies possess resources—like digital tools, physical infrastructure, and experienced professionals—that can multiply the effectiveness of skilling efforts.

Business Advantages of Investing in Skill Development

  • Lower hiring costs by training potential candidates
  • Increased productivity from better-skilled employees
  • Improved brand reputation through social impact
  • Stronger supply chain ecosystems built through skilling MSMEs

When companies work with experienced nonprofits, such as those conducting grassroots training in digital, retail, or healthcare skills, both the organisation and the community benefit.

Example: Smile Foundation’s Skilling Model

Smile Foundation’s STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Programme) is designed to equip underprivileged youth with job-ready skills. It combines industry-relevant training with soft skills and placement assistance, creating a pipeline of capable young professionals.

The programme focuses on high-demand sectors like IT, retail, hospitality, and health services—bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world employment.

Companies that partner with such initiatives not only fulfil their CSR obligations but also build long-term talent pipelines aligned with market needs.

Final Thoughts

India’s youth population offers immense potential. Strategic CSR investment in skill development programmes ensures that this potential is harnessed effectively—for communities, industries, and the country.

For corporates, supporting skill development means contributing to inclusive economic growth while addressing their own human resource needs in a sustainable way. It’s a true win-win.

Categories
Livelihood

Budget 2023— A Shot in the Arm For Vocational Education

Budget 2023— A Shot in the Arm For Vocational Education
More than 430 youngsters from the slums of Chennai are being provided with specialised #SkillDevelopment training to enable them to earn a dignified livelihood through 11 centres.

The importance of education is slowly taking centre stage in the Indian Government’s financial blueprint. The Budget 2023-24 budget saw a significant increase in spending in the education sector, hitting a new milestone. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Ministry of Education would receive ₹1,12,898.97 crore, the highest-ever allocation for the sector.

The year-on-year increase in spending on education is vital for India’s aspirations, but what’s more striking is the government’s focus on vocational education.

India’s Skill Problem

Skills are far more critical than degrees in the evolving 21st century. Unfortunately, the Indian youth struggles with industry skills, which in turn, hamper employment.

According to the Global Business Coalition for Education (GBC-Education), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Education Commission, over 50% of Indian youngsters will not have employable skills by 2030 if the current problems persist.

Several factors, including the conventional education system, act as a barrier for the youth, preventing them from acquiring the necessary skills. The Indian Government is aware of these issues and has formulated measures to help the youth gain essential skills. The education budget 2023 takes another in this direction.

Budget 2023 from an Educational Lens

Like every budget, India’s 2023 Budget listed a set of priorities. There are seven, with the government hoping that they serve as ‘Saptarishis’ and guide the country through the Amrit Kaal. The priorities include the following:

  • Inclusive Development
  • Reaching the Last Mile
  • Investment and Infrastructure
  • Unleashing Potential
  • Green Growth
  • Youth Power
  • Financial Sector

Youth power, inclusive development, and unleashing potential are priorities focused on increasing skill development. The budget laid down the exact ways in which these priorities will be addressed and lead to skill development.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation, is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

The scheme aims to give industry-relevant skill training to youngsters in India and improve their prospects for a better livelihood. The scheme focuses on on-job training, industry partnership and aligning courses with industry needs. PMKVY 4.0 also provides new-age courses such as coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, mechatronics, IoT, 3D printing, drone, and other soft skills.

Individuals with prior experience are also assessed and certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), increasing the scheme’s reach.

In the education budget 2023, Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the government would leverage the potential of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 to create jobs. 30 Skill India international centres would be set up to ensure young Indians get their desired jobs and the industry needs are met.

Industry experts hailed the move, crediting the government for creating the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 and similar schemes to help the youth become employable. Such schemes can help the youth get the right set of language and soft skills along with tech exposure. It can help them meet the growing industry demands and help India Inc. flourish.

Skill India Digital Platform

Nirmala Sitharaman and the Union Government’s Budget 2023 is largely a budget for vocational education. The focus is on bridging the skill gap that has troubled the youth and the industry for a long time.

As part of her speech, FM Sitharaman announced the launch of a unified Skill India Digital Platform. The platform will focus on formal skilling, provide access to entrepreneurship schemes, and help people find jobs in various industries, including MSMEs.

The Skill India Digital Platform will also prepare the youth for international jobs leveraging the 30 Skill Indian international centres.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

Apprenticeship is a potent model to improve skill development in youths. It is an on-the-job training program where mentors or supervisors train apprentices for a specific skill with the aim of turning them into employees.

Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) have used apprenticeships successfully. Over 4% of the workforce in Germany and 1.7% in the UK are engaged in apprenticeships, while it is just 0.1% in India.

The lack of competitive pay is usually why youngsters in India avoid working as apprentices. Through the education budget 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is hoping to change that.

She announced that the government would implement Direct Benefit Transfer under a pan-India National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in the coming fiscal. The program will offer stipend support to over 47 lakh youth in three years. It’ll help promote the program and ensure youngsters stay motivated throughout their apprenticeship.

National Education Policy 2020

The Indian Government’s National Education Policy 2020 could be a long-term game-changer. It is a comprehensive framework aiming to transform the country’s somewhat conventional education system.

Through the policy, the government wants to promote a holistic and integrated approach to education, moving away from the one-dimensional traditional system. Emphasis on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills is the centrepiece of the National Education Policy 2020.

In her budget for vocational education, Finance Minister Sitharaman reiterated the National Education Policy 2020’s role in skill development. 

The government has armed the Ministry of Education sufficiently to leverage the policy properly. Of the total ₹1.12 lakh crore given to the Ministry of Education, the Department of Higher Education would receive ₹44,094 crores, with the Department of School Education getting ₹68,804 crores.

National Digital Library

While it isn’t a vocational education scheme in India, setting up a National Digital Library can help kids and youngsters gain additional knowledge.

Reading can solve most things, including skill development. The government hopes to inculcate a culture of reading among youngsters through the National Digital Library. Books across geographies, languages, genres and levels will be provided, helping the future of India prepare itself for tomorrow.

A Budget for Vocational Education

Several factors can drive economic growth. The Government of India (GOI) has rightly recognised the role of skill development in India’s rise to a global giant.

Promoting vocational education through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 and Skill India Digital Platform can solve the skill gap in the youth. It can prepare them for the industry and increase efficiency in India Inc.

Smile Foundation and Vocational Education

Smile Foundation wants to utilise the nation’s young population in making its mark in the world through livelihood. We train the youth for opportunities in the emerging sectors like Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare assistance, digital marketing, and e-logistics.

Till 2022, 75,000+ youth have been trained and 45,000+ youth placed so far through our livelihood initiative, STeP or the Smile Twin e-Learning Programme. Come and join us in making India one of the strongest global economies in the world through skilling the youth.

Categories
Education

How Web 3 is Changing the Indian Education System?

How Web 3 is changing the Indian Education System?
How Web 3 is changing the Indian Education System?

Education is a key element for human flourishing – Education author Paul Spears

Societies have discussed growth, innovation and progress throughout history. Following independence, Indian education system didn’t invite many changes for several decades.

In the last few decades, things began to improve and the tech boom has made the sector ready to make significant advancements.

Similar to Y2K and the beginning of the digital information age, we are currently on the verge of a significant change. The main distinction is that this transformation is accompanied by a sense of exhilaration and development rather than dread.

The shift being discussed here is the current hot topic– the introduction of Web3, often known as the “semantic Web,” “spatial Web,” or “the 3D Web of the future.”

System of Education Evolution

The Indian education system is undergoing constant change, with the first stage focusing on colleges and universities taking their course materials online.

An era of online learning systems, including Khan Academy, Udemy, and Coursera, among others, that make some curriculum accessible to students across the world is gaining enviable traction. Currently, as we transition into the upcoming next generation educational system, we are still in the “second phase.”

Our learning processes are evolving. We are no longer restricted to conventional classrooms or the college calendar. Thanks to technological advancements, learning is now practically always taking place outside of the four walls of a traditional classroom or educational institution.

We have modern access to resources and ideas because of technology. Access to these materials will increase as we move into the digital age. Future education will be decentralised and increasingly collaborative in nature.

Arrival of Web3 and Significant Changes to Our Education System

By 2030, India wants to have a Gross Enrollment Ratio of 100%. Decentralising education will make this possible by integrating attendance, evaluation, content production and results into one platform.

A tamper-proof record will be used to track academics, fees, extracurricular activities and elective courses. Additionally, Web3’s decentralised approach will make it simpler to sustain faculty performance. Mobile learning has only accelerated the expansion of independent learning from anywhere around the world. 

Mobile learning is the fastest growing market in education, with an average growth rate of 20% year-on -year. By 2027, its market value would be $80 billion!” – Edapp

In conclusion, the web 3.0 technology provides several advantages for the educational field. Among these advantages are– 

  • Improved Accessibility to Educational Resources and Materials– With web 3.0, educational institutions can use blockchain technology to make their information more available to a wider audience. This makes it possible for students who live in rural locations or are unable to travel to obtain important course materials.
  • Increased Security and Data Privacy– Due to its decentralised nature, blockchain technology offers a safe environment for the transmission and storage of data. This means that educational institutions can safeguard student information themselves, independent of outside parties like insurers or landlords, from misuse and unlawful access.

Education Decentralisation

Credentials won’t be managed by a single institution in a Web 3 world. The ability of blockchains to preserve proof of labour and history allows students to build their own portfolios, which may include group projects with classmates or internships during the school year. 

Web3 and Experience of Teaching and Learning

The Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are establishing a new era of social and financial incentive models. MOOCs have started to integrate authority and value from traditional legacy systems like schools and universities. It won’t be long before education systems are powered by web 3 instead of outdated systems.

The following are some uses for Web3 technology–

  • The incorporation of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) will provide a 3D online experience that is immersive. Rich multimedia can also be used to provide a significant amount of content for the Virtual Encyclopaedia that will support the context.
  • The use of multisensory effects like animation and virtual reality by educational institutions can help primary school students learn more effectively (VR).
  • The modern search engines have evolved into “intelligent search engines” with the help of learning Web3 and Web3 Semantic web and organised data. Therefore, finding instructional content will take less time.
  • The implementation of Web3 will make it simpler for educational institutions to raise donations because of its feature decentralisation.

Additionally, access to the Internet has become simpler for a small cost because of digitisation initiatives. As a result of knowledge being readily available on mobile devices, learning expenses would be decreased. Access to education in an organised fashion will also significantly reduce the illiteracy rate.

Finally, a variety of tools will be available to double-check the veracity of any response. Additionally, students will contribute to the construction of instructional content.

How Web3 education will address the issues with the current Indian educational system

There’s no doubt that the impact of technology on education is huge. A decentralised platform called Web3 that utilises blockchain technology might be able to address some of the issues of the current Indian education system. 

Both a brain drain and a shortage of funding and resources make it difficult for schools to offer high-quality education. By giving students and teachers a more effective and user-friendly platform, Web3 could aid in resolving these problems.

With Web 3, students will have accessibility to information from any location at any time, allowing them to learn how to generate their own content. 

There are some problems, such as censorship or developer-related problems. Who will tag the online informational pieces, furthermore? By developing policies and establishing specific goals, we can eliminate these problems.

The government is prepared to use Web3 and Blockchain to give every individual an enormous opportunity. The India Blockchain Forum was introduced in August 2022 by Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industry & Commerce and IT, Government of Telangana to incorporate Web3 in the Indian educational system holistically, with a focus on raising awareness and encouraging collaboration between regulators, academics and industry.

The goal is to work together with international research organisations to establish a thriving higher education sector in India. Less brain drain will occur as a result of improved education and employment prospects. Young people will be more willing to support the development of the Indian economy.

India is in a Good Position to Adopt Web3

Countries with a robust and expanding technology sector will have an advantage in the coming years. This is particularly true for a nation like India, that is quickly embracing Web3, a brand-new area of blockchain technology. 

Developers with aptitude and expertise in coding and cryptography can be found in great abundance in India. Additionally, there are many software engineers and business owners in the nation. All these elements put India in a strong position to adopt Web3 and take the lead in this emerging industry. 

As entry hurdles for higher learning continue to decrease, education will be more accessible and efficient than ever before in a Web3 world!

Conclusion: Is it Credible?

The quick response is yes. The legitimacy of Web3 comes from the fact that learning institutions in the metaverse will need a DAO (decentralised autonomous organisations) certification, much like institutions that demand accreditations and certifications from Registrars to demonstrate validity. 

In order to play to their strengths and improve their life skills, students will finally be able to learn on their own terms. The DAO will enable greater openness in governance and provide students—the main stakeholders—a role in decisions regarding information’s source, substance and distribution.

Web3 brings advantages and access like never before. Experiential learning becomes a lifelong endeavour, a habit led by motivation, and not just a standardised chalk-n-talk methodology.

Smile Foundation and Education

Smile Foundation as a leading development organisation in child education cares strongly about the changes happening in the Indian education system.

It is actively involved in incorporating the digital changes happening in the education landscape through its flagship programme, Mission Education and educating the children who need it the most from underprivileged communities in India.

Categories
Health

Making Healthcare System in India a Major Agenda for G20 2023

Making Healthcare System in India a Major Agenda for G20 2023
Making Healthcare System in India a Major Agenda for G20 2023

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not”

– Dr. Seuss

India’s Arduous Journey 

Hard to look at some facts but here we go!

India; a looted, invaded and colonised nation. From being misconstrued as a land of snake charmers, mystics and beggars to being acknowledged as an ancient, flourishing and incredible civilisation, India has travelled far and long.

Holding the presidency of G20 summit 2023 with the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth One Family One Future, India bears a responsibility. The responsibility to construct a healthcare dialogue for the people and Earth itself.  

The G20, incepted in 1999, is the group of earth’s richest and mightiest nations (19 countries and European Union) coming together for international economic cooperation. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

Health & Healthy Environment: Was it a Priority?

After World War II, various international groups were formed, but their primary goals were trade, economy and peace. Then the international community started to care for earth, environment and climate. They did this by conducting various environment focused conferences setting goals and targets, for betterment of earth’s environment.

But there were revisions and delays in attaining their goals in the next conference. Clean air, clean water, clean food, all essential for healthy life but the targets to make them clean remain unreached.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) was formed in 1948, to do good work, but Covid-19 pointed out its shortcomings. The very functioning, decisions and effectiveness of WHO depends on the nations and leaders which are funding it. The decisions at times were not quick enough during the spread of Covid-19. 

The two fundamental principles for our existence is a healthy earth and that for its residents’ health is real wealth. In absence of a healthy population every other development would be illusory. Can we rise if we are stunted and ill? I think all of us know the answer to this question.

Better late than never – G20 and Healthcare

When it comes to G20, it was only in the year 2017, the Health working group was formed to emphasise on Global health concerns.

Last year, in Indonesia, we saw health issues- finance and technology taking centre stage. “Global Health Architecture” was the top priority of the summit. The Indonesian theme for the G20 summit was Recover Together, Recover Stronger. For the first time at a G20 summit, the theme encapsulated health as top priority. 

Healthcare System in India from Ancient to Present Times

It’s an undisputed fact that India is home to one of the world’s oldest health care systems, both medicine and related technology. Ayurveda, that literally translates from Sanskrit to mean the science of life. We had ancient medical treatises of Charaka, a physician, and Shusruta, a surgeon, from whom various modern medical and surgical techniques such as rhinoplasty (known as nose job) is inspired. 

The oldest of all, Yoga, an art and science of healthy living, seeks to achieve harmony between mind, body, soul and nature. Yoga is abundantly used by people around the globe and is from India. These are just some illustrations to show historical India’s prowess in healthcare.

The aforesaid literature is so rich that the public healthcare system in India of the time must have been outstanding. However, due to centuries of invasion and colonisation (mostly of minds), the national healthcare system was broken. It found utterance only at the stroke of Midnight Hour on 15th August, 1947. 

Now, India has taken a welcome step towards Universal Health Coverage by launching Ayushman Bharat in 2018. Ayushman Bharat seeks to cover the poorest 40% of population. The scheme reinvigorated the national health system that aims to provide access to quality healthcare with financial support. Recently, India has also achieved WHO mandated doctor population ratio.

India: Healing the World

India’s drug and pharmaceutical exports have shown exponential growth in recent years. Where the developed world was struggling, India, under the Vaccine Maitri mission, rose up to occasion and exported hundreds of millions of vaccines to the world. Our affordable vaccines came as a saviour for low-income countries. 

It is trite that India delivers world class health care affordably. Indian doctors are among the world’s best. Indian hospitals and doctors use innovative tools to make healthcare cheap. As compared to any other country, medical tourism in India is highly cost-effective and qualitative, attracting patients from world over. 

In addition to above, India is also exporting its most valued resource, i.e., citizens to take care of the world, as a health worker. Indian nurses are most sought after by foreign countries.

All is Not Well in Healthcare System in India

Economic survey 2022-23, states various happy indicators like decrease in maternal and child mortality rate, increase in primary and community health centres etc. These may be true but there is a plethora of data, evidence otherwise. Instances where a person suffers irreparably or even dies because of absence of access to quality and timely healthcare system in India is still common.

India dosed almost all of its population with Covid-19 vaccine, however, the covid waves painted a grim picture of public healthcare. People suffered not only because of covid but also because the medical personnel care for other diseases remained low. 

Due to government interventions, the out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare has reduced over the years but it still remains significantly high. This impacts spending of people on education, nutrition and preventive care thus creating a vicious cycle. Recently, the budget’s allocation for health and nutrition called for more action when compared to allocation made for infrastructure development.

Healthcare System in India: A Major Agenda

Our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, has said multiple times that India wants to reclaim its historical position of Vishwa Guru. There is no better way to make our position clear to the world than through the G20 summit.

Hitherto, the health care of citizens of earth is primarily the responsibility of governments created within man-made boundaries called countries. But this year, at G20, India should push forward for a collective responsibility of the world. 

At the recently concluded meeting of the Health Working Group of G20 India in Kerala, Dr. VK Paul, talked about Medical Value Travel and said,

“Government of India will be launching “Heal in India” initiative to leverage its healthcare services for international patients, “Heal by India” initiative to send out healthcare workforce to other countries. He also emphasised on the huge strength of India in telemedicine sector which could pave the way for “Heal from India” initiative.”. 

What it forgets to mention is healing Indians, and sharing with every country a public health system and health policy. A system with capability, human resources, infrastructure knowledge and technology to heal their people themselves. Most of the time timely action is the only difference between healthy life, suffering and death. 

India has chosen a G20 theme from an ancient Sanskrit text,i.e. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam literally means “The world is one family”. Meaning that the happiness of a neighbour is crucial for my own happiness. G20, two-thirds of the world’s population and around 60% of the world’s land area, needs to be remember that economic development without health won’t have much meaning. 

Smile Foundation and Healthcare in India

Smile Foundation cares for all individuals and places healthcare reaching to the remote and far-flung areas of India as one of its top priorities. It truly takes action towards its belief that Health Cannot Wait.

Smile Foundation’s healthcare programme aims at taking healthcare at the doorsteps of people. It encourages health awareness and contemporary healthcare-seeking behaviour among underprivileged people. It is done through campaigns, health camps organised at regular intervals, and providing health screening, medical care, and medicines through mobile health clinics. And we do realise, that we need to do much more.

It will be good if we remember Dr. Seuss quote from the children’s book The Lorax, 

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

– Dr. Seuss
Categories
Livelihood

How to Use CSR Funds To Boost Rural Livelihoods?

How to Use CSR Funds To Boost Rural Livelihoods?
How to Use CSR Funds To Boost Rural Livelihoods?

Good News– Inflation is slowly coming down. Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of changes in consumer prices, eased to 5.72% in December 2022, coming within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2-6% tolerance band. In this blog we are going to beyond CSR full form and explore how it makes desirable change possible in the lives of many.

It is welcome news for the economy, especially for rural India. Unlike the urban sector, the rural economy was significantly impacted by inflationary pressures through most of 2022. The pandemic had already destabilised things, with the rising prices adding further fuel to the fire.

But thanks to the RBI and the improving global setup, inflation has come down, and rural demand is recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Parle Products, a major FMCG brand in India, saw 6-7% rural volume growth in November, compared to 2-3% in the previous two quarters.

It’s a promising sign, but there’s a long way to go, isn’t that the case always! Unemployment, which ultimately dictates rural demand, is still over 7%, according to data from the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (EMIE).

Improving that figure is central to spurring rural demand and growing the economy. While a lot depends on the government and their policies, Indian corporations can also improve the state of the rural economy with the right use of CSR funds.

Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Full form and Beyond

CSR, full form, Corporate Social Responsibility , introduced in the Companies Act 2013, mandates certain profitable companies to contribute financially to impact their society. They can select from several causes, like eradication of hunger or poverty, encouraging gender equality, promoting sustainability, etc., where they want to impact.

Moving beyond CSR Full For and its Challenges

Parking funds for CSR is one thing, and using it effectively is another. Hundreds of companies in the country have made CSR efforts for many years, but only some have succeeded. Deploying CSR funds and identifying impactful programs are among the two biggest challenges companies usually face with CSR.

Even with the changes to the CSR Policy in 2021, these problems persist. As a result, CSR contributions decreased by 64% to 8,800 crores in FY2021, dropping from 24,700 crores.

Given the state of the rural economy, using CSR in rural development in India could be an ideal initiative. It can significantly impact the economy, and several local bodies can help companies deploy CSR funds correctly in rural areas.

CSR for Rural Development in India

The rural economy has been subdued due to several reasons. Unemployment is one of the more prominent contributors, but the right use of CSR in rural development can deliver change. Here is a complete plan a company can use to increase rural livelihoods and bring back rural demand:

1. Identify Struggling Rural Areas- Impact more than learning CSR full form

Rural India is diverse. Some rural communities are almost as advanced as the urban sectors, with high literacy and low unemployment rates. On the flip side, there are others suffering from extreme poverty and high unemployment. Although many of us know CSR full form, not many are aware of its contextualisation in rural development.

The first step to using CSR in the context of rural development is to identify communities that need more help. Research and data are readily available on the internet and can be used by companies to create a shortlist of rural areas in desperate need.

Consultation with local communities and government bodies can also help determine which parts of the rural areas need more help. Understanding a community’s actual state and needs can assist companies in deploying funds in the right direction.

2. Partner with Local Organisations

Implementing rural projects can be challenging. Companies usually do not have dedicated teams that look after the implementation of CSR projects from the ground up.

Hence, it is vital for companies to partner with organisations specialising in CSR initiatives. Many local bodies have significant experience in spearheading CSR projects. They have the right plans and ideas to improve various facets of society, including rural livelihood, but funds are a problem. Partnering with such bodies ensures CSR funds are used effectively and sustainably.

3. Think Long-term

Triggering a short-term impact isn’t the correct use of CSR funds. Companies should focus on the long-term effects of their CSR initiatives and how they can improve rural livelihoods for generations.

Since rural livelihoods are central to the fundamentals of several businesses along with the Indian economy, it is in organisations’ best interest to focus on long-term goals. They can do so by identifying activities and industries where the impact can be long-term. Some examples include agriculture, small-scale industries, educational hubs, and health centres.

4. Measure and Optimise the Impact

After deploying CSR funds, companies must monitor impact the same way they regularly measure their business growth. Success with CSR only comes with regular tracking, as companies can understand what works and what doesn’t.

Based on their findings, they can optimise their spending in industries and activities that have more room for impact. Several evaluation and monitoring tools are available, while companies can also consult local communities to gather feedback on their initiatives. The latter can prove especially useful as local communities have a wider reach.

5. Stay Committed and Patient

It is vital for companies to stick to their CSR goals to create lasting impact. Initiatives like rural livelihood development take time to bear fruit. They depend on several factors, including government policies and commodity prices, which are susceptible to change.

Therefore, it is central for companies to demonstrate patience and commitment. They must take time to figure out what they want to do with their CSR funds and stick to it in every situation.

CSR and Rural Development

Indian corporations are central to the country’s $5 trillion dream. The sustained growth of their businesses can increase employment, improve citizens’ standard of living, and bring foreign investment to the country.

Additionally, with a more significant profit pool, companies can better develop and uplift their societies. They’d have more CSR funds on hand for initiatives like rural development.

However, money doesn’t solve anything without collaboration. Partnering with local organisations with prior CSR experience and having a long-term vision is central to realising the role of CSR in rural development.

Smile Foundation and Livelihood

Smile Foundation realises that education without a scope for a fulfilling livelihood opportunity in the horizon, is best, an incomplete step in the growth and development cycle of a young learner. Through its various CSR associations and an active livelihood initiative, STeP or the Smile Twin e-Learning Programme, Smile Foundation is imparting the youth of low-income groups relevant courses to improve upon their skills and make them completely ready for India’s workforce.

Join us today!

Categories
Education

Arts and its Power to Improve Our Health

Nurturing Young Minds: The Imperative of Children Pursuing Arts
Children enjoying painting out in the open

“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Radhika is a young teenager of 13. For the past few days, she has been showing early symptoms of mental health illness. Her teacher noticed a change in her behaviour and encouraged her to meet the school counsellor. The counsellor after understanding the reasons behind Radhika’s aloofness, advised her to undertake painting, writing or anything that fosters creativity. She did that and it eventually improved her mental health.

Many of us engage in creative activities like writing, acting, sketching, or dancing because we find them enjoyable. We know intuitively that being creative is healthy for us and that being passionate about our creative pursuits makes us happy. But what does science tell us about the advantages of creativity?

No matter what path we have chosen to free up our imaginations and aim for unrestricted self-expression, it’s obvious that creating things is fundamental to what it is to be a person. Some people pursue creative endeavours as a pastime, while others do it for a profession. 

We have been producing art since prehistoric times; more than 39,900 years ago, our predecessors scratched some of their earliest impressions on cave walls, including the contour of their hands and primitive animal images.

People could even say that the need to create things is ingrained in our DNA. Over the course of human history, we have learned to build tools, shelters, food and make medications for illnesses.

A lot of medical studies have suggested that art, and more especially, being creative, is quite beneficial for our mental and physical well-being.

We’ll give some context of mental illness and then discuss art as its remedy.

Mental Health Illness

Childhood trauma makes a person more susceptible to negative physical, mental and socio-educative consequences over the course of their lifetimes. According to research, exposure to four or more negative events increases the likelihood of negative health effects. 

Data from 37 research were combined, showing that negative experiences increased the risk of smoking, excessive drinking, poor self-rated health, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease by 2 to 3 times. The odds of engaging in hazardous sexual behaviour were also 4-6 times higher and the odds of experiencing interpersonal violence as a victim or perpetrator were 7-8 times higher.

Fighting Mental Health Illness with Art

Both adults and children can benefit from art therapy to reduce stress. There is a good relationship between art and mental wellbeing. Creative pursuits like painting, drawing and sculpture have shown to reduce stress and foster mental serenity. 

Making art is a soothing diversion. As you concentrate on the finer points of the artwork you are producing, worries are put aside. One of the reasons art therapy is used to treat Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the advantages of this mental comfort. For people of all ages, adult colouring books are a popular form of anti-anxiety medium.

The encouragement of imaginative thinking and creativity in both children and adults is another advantage of art. It also improves one’s ability to solve problems. People are inspired to come up with their own solutions because there is no wrong answer in the world of art. Similar to learning a new language, flexible thinking stimulates your brain and gets it ready for difficult tasks.

Additionally, creativity is a very mobile activity, and this mobility has a number of advantages. For instance, a research on breast cancer survivors revealed that dancing increased participants’ shoulder function and that it improved their perception of their bodies.

Also, dancing might be a good way to get or keep fit. 2014 saw the media sensation of a woman who dropped 100 pounds by following her dancing routine.

To practise any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”

Kurt Vonnegut

Art Helps Forget Pain

Depression, discomfort, anxiety and stress are frequently present in patients with chronic health issues. You can temporarily reduce your loved ones’ worries by taking them to see beautiful art when they are dealing with ongoing health issues.

For adults, children, and elders, visiting museums and participating in art walks may be a positive, entertaining experience. Immersing yourself and your loved ones in the arts has numerous positive effects on your health, whether you learn something new, rediscover your passion, or simply enjoy a peaceful time. Do spend some time with your imagination to enhance your health!

Create Pleasant Memories with Art

“The only time I feel alive is when I’m painting.”

Vincent Van Gogh

This may be the strongest argument in favour of taking your seniors to an art gallery or museum. For those suffering from severe brain illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, art can improve cognition and memory. By giving people with these diseases a source of pleasure, boosting connectivity, and encouraging brain cell growth, making visual art can help them live better lives.

Closing Thoughts

While art therapy isn’t a panacea and may not be the best course of action for everyone, it frequently complements other conventional therapies and has some clear advantages. However, additional research is needed to completely comprehend how, why and when art therapy is effective. 

Many studies have used tiny sample sizes, and a lot of research is based on the anecdotal experiences of physicians and patients. To persuade health insurance companies to accept art therapy as a type of treatment and pay for it, experts should carry out more randomised control trials and more extensive quantitative research. The discipline could also use more data on the effects of art therapy on various populations.

The flagship initiative of Smile Foundation, Mission Education (ME) places a great value on arts and the ME Team organises workshops related to music, painting and other art forms. Children enjoy such activities with many pursuing arts actively, opening their doors to the world of wonderment and magic.

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