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CSR Partners In Change Partnerships Smile

Strategic Shared Value: CSR Tax Benefits for Business & Society

Strategic Shared Value: CSR Tax Benefits for Business & Society

India has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, deeply rooted in its cultural and religious values. Corporate Social Responsibility builds upon this legacy by formalising and expanding structured initiatives that address critical social issues, including education, healthcare, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

Beyond legal compliance, CSR in India allows businesses to forge stronger connections with communities proportionally inducing brand loyalty and trust into its consumers. Employees experience a greater sense of purpose when working for socially responsible organisations, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention. Additionally, modern consumers increasingly support brands that demonstrate a commitment to social good, making CSR a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Given the key role CSR initiatives play in building a sustainable society, it is crucial for organisations to strategically manage their CSR expenses, maximise the CSR interventions impact while ensuring eligibility for CSR tax benefits, resulting in corporate growth with meaningful social progress.

CSR Tax Benefits for Businesses

There is no denying that corporate attitudes towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have undergone a significant and positive transformation. Today, businesses no longer view CSR only as a medium for charity; instead, they recognise its direct impact on their overall operations, including manufacturing and business sustainability.

One of the key motivations for companies to invest in CSR is the financial advantage it provides. While CSR expense is not directly tax-deductible under Section 135 of the Companies Act, several components qualify for tax deductions under various provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961:

  • Section 80G: Donations to specified charitable organisations qualify for tax deductions of up to 50% or 100%, depending on the organisation’s status.
  • Section 35AC & 35(1)(ii)/(iii): Contributions to approved research institutions or projects for scientific, social, and statistical research are eligible for tax deductions.
  • Section 37(1): CSR-related expenses that align with a company’s business promotion strategy may be deducted as business expenses.

For corporations, these tax benefits provide a dual advantage. They not only enable businesses to reduce their taxable income but also ensure that their CSR initiatives drive tangible social change. This financial incentive encourages long-term investments in sustainable development, helping bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for vulnerable populations.

Leveraging CSR for Impactful Social Development

The government of India envisions CSR as a vital pillar of the nation’s development framework. Through strategic CSR projects, businesses can address pressing socio-economic challenges while fostering long-term sustainability. Key focus areas for impactful CSR investments include:

  • Education & Skill Development: Providing quality education, vocational training, and digital literacy to empower underprivileged children and youth.
  • Healthcare & Nutrition: Enhancing access to healthcare, maternal and child nutrition programmes, and mobile health initiatives in underserved communities.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Investing in renewable energy, afforestation, waste management, and water conservation to combat climate change.
  • Women Empowerment & Livelihood: Promoting self-employment, microfinance initiatives, and gender equality programmes.

CSR strategies that prioritise Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, when implemented in collaboration with key social stakeholders such as NGOs in India, can play a transformative role in the country’s socio-economic development. By extending their reach to the most underserved regions, CSR partnerships ensure that development efforts are holistic, collaborative, and impactful, addressing critical needs where they are most required.

Key Parameters for CSR Partnerships

To maximise impact, businesses must consider key parameters when selecting CSR partnerships:

  • Alignment with CSR Mandates: Projects must comply with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, covering areas such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
  • Impact-Driven & Scalable Initiatives: Corporates must seek measurable, sustainable impact, ensuring that initiatives can be scaled or replicated for long-term benefits.
  • Transparency & Compliance: NGOs or implementing partners must provide financial accountability, periodic reports, and documentation to ensure compliance with CSR laws.
  • Reputation & Brand Alignment: CSR initiatives should align with a company’s corporate values, brand identity, and stakeholder expectations to maximise goodwill and public recognition.

A Unified CSR Vision for a United Society

In today’s corporate world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into an integral business practice that defines a company’s values and long-term vision. By embracing CSR as a core principle, businesses can position themselves as ethical and socially responsible entities, ensuring that their investments in time, resources, and expertise translate into meaningful solutions that uplift communities and drive sustainable progress.

A well-structured CSR strategy is most effective when it is aligned with a company’s broader vision and is rooted in a deep understanding of the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable communities. By strategically planning CSR expenses, businesses can not only maximise their social impact but also leverage CSR tax benefits, ensuring that their efforts are both financially optimised and socially transformative.

Moreover, the successful execution of CSR initiatives can be significantly strengthened through strategic collaborations with transparent NGOs in India. Smile Foundation, accredited as a Guidestar India Platinum Validated Charity and recognised with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, has been working with grassroots communities across India for over two decades. Through over 400 global corporate partnerships, we have extended access to quality education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and livelihood opportunities to less privileged communities across the country. 

Our commitment is to foster transparent and purpose-driven collaborations where businesses can directly engage with communities, understand their unique challenges, and develop tailored solutions that create lasting change. We truly believe that shared vision and efforts can foster inclusive and sustainable development. Join us in shaping a better future—where business success goes hand in hand with social progress. 

Partner with us to make a difference where its needed the most !.

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CSR Partners In Change Partnerships Smile Women Empowerment

Addressing Mental Health Challenges: A Shared Responsibility

mental health challenges

Is mental health a universal concern, or has it, too, been divided along socio-economic lines? While mental health is frequently discussed in urban circles, rural communities in India remain largely excluded from these conversations. This is especially concerning given the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among women in rural and economically disadvantaged urban areas.

A staggering 45 million women in India continue to live in poverty. If we consider how many of them struggle with untreated mental health conditions—due to lack of awareness, affordability, and access to care—the urgency of intervention becomes undeniable. In this scenario, corporate-NGO partnerships have the potential to play a transformative role in complementing government efforts to improve women’s mental well-being.

Mental Health: A Critical Concern for Rural Women

Rural women remain particularly vulnerable due to limited awareness, financial instability, restrictive social roles, and domestic violence. The situation is further compounded by deep-rooted social stigmas, where symptoms of mental illness are often misinterpreted—sometimes even leading to women being ostracized or accused of being “witches” due to their unusual behavior.

For many rural women, mental health care is an unfamiliar concept, yet they are expected to continue with their daily responsibilities while battling anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.

A study by Gawai and Tendulkar in rural Maharashtra revealed that many married women lack awareness of mental health and remain unaware of the services available to them. This highlights an urgent need to integrate mental health support within rural healthcare systems.

Strengthening Mental Healthcare Services in Rural India

The Indian government has taken a proactive approach by expanding mental health services through the  District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). Currently implemented in 767 districts, this initiative focuses on:

  • Suicide prevention services
  • Workplace stress management
  • Life skills training in schools and colleges
  • Accessible counselling and medication
  • Emergency care at district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres
  • 10-bed inpatient facilities at the district level

While these initiatives offer a strong foundation, a collaborative approach is needed to ensure mental health services are adapted to rural India’s unique socio-cultural landscape. Corporate partnerships with NGOs can help bridge these gaps by promoting community-led solutions that integrate mental well-being into women’s daily lives.

Building a Holistic Mental Health Ecosystem for Rural Women

1. Shifting Perceptions

Mental health support must extend beyond treating disorders—it should focus on building emotional resilience. Awareness campaigns should equip rural women with the tools to recognize stressors, seek help early, and embrace a more balanced, self-sufficient life.

2. Community-Based Medical Interventions

Given the diverse languages, traditions, and customs across India, trained medical staff who understand the cultural complexities of rural communities are essential. Investing in local mental health professionals, community counsellors, and peer-led support groups can make interventions more accessible and impactful.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure

This year, India’s Union Budget has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women through education, financial inclusion, and healthcare support. However, achieving long-term impact requires a multi-stakeholder approach. CSR initiatives can play a pivotal role in supporting and expanding mental health interventions by focusing on:

  • Reducing stigma through awareness campaigns
  • Enhancing medical interventions to prevent associated health complications
  • Training community-based mental health professionals
  • Developing infrastructure for long-term support and recovery

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the need to engage informal networks in accelerating mental health outreach. Corporate-NGO collaborations, such as those led by Smile Foundation, can be instrumental in scaling community-based mental health programmes for rural women.

Our flagship women empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, is dedicated to improving healthcare access, financial independence, and childcare for women across India. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, Swabhiman prioritizes antenatal and postnatal care, ensuring equitable access to essential services in collaboration with Anganwadis and grassroots organizations.

A key focus is the training of healthcare professionals, enhancing maternal health outcomes and driving policy advocacy for women’s well-being. Additionally, Swabhiman promotes financial independence through entrepreneurship training, equipping women with the skills to build sustainable livelihoods. Through community-based healthcare centres, we raise awareness, reduce maternal mortality, and support long-term empowerment.

Recognizing the deep connection between mental health and overall well-being, Swabhiman also works towards addressing mental health challenges faced by rural women. By identifying early triggers and providing the right support, we aim to ensure that women receive the care they need before concerns escalate, fostering a healthier, more resilient future. Partner with us to help rural women of India live a holistically healthy – life and environment.

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CSR Partners In Change Partnerships Smile

Social Impact & CSR-driven NGO Initiatives: What Drives Change?

Social Impact vs. CSR-Driven Initiatives: What Truly Drives Change?
Social Impact vs. CSR-Driven Initiatives: What Truly Drives Change?

In a podcast by Seeding Labs, industry leaders explored the evolving landscape of social development goals, highlighting how corporate engagement has become a powerful force for social change. Today, corporate commitment to social development is a responsibility and a practice that most companies have embraced.  While some may choose to contribute to social causes through internal initiatives, others contribute through CSR driven NGO initiatives and solutions that can help in achieving social development goals.

Corporate Social Partnerships for Positive Action

The Nudge Institute, Mr. Arun Maira, former Planning Commission member, advocated for a holistic approach to village development. He stressed the importance of adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their entirety, rather than focusing on individual themes, to realise the vision of Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat. This initiative aims to uplift underserved communities through collective efforts in education, healthcare, livelihoods, women’s empowerment and community building, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Mr. Maira’s opinion highlights that in today’s interconnected world, social development is a shared goal that requires collective action for lasting change. The debate between classifying companies as “social impact” organisations or those engaged in corporate social partnerships misses the larger picture of social progress. 

While contributions towards social causes and CSR-driven NGO initiatives are valuable, they are most impactful when companies work alongside diverse community stakeholders. True social impact emerges from long-term collaboration, where all sectors align their efforts toward sustainable growth. By focusing on holistic social development, businesses, NGOs and governments can achieve more than isolated successes.

The Role of the Social Stock Exchange

In an article published in The Times of India, Dr. Agyeya Tripathi highlighted the potential of the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) in India to drive impact investing. By providing a platform for businesses focused on social and environmental outcomes, the SSE offers access to ethical investors and promotes transparency in social impact reporting. This initiative encourages companies to integrate social responsibility into their core business strategies, ultimately transforming how CSR is perceived and practiced. As more businesses align their goals with sustainable development, the SSE could become a pivotal driver of long-term social change.

CSR Strategies Driving SDG Achievement

One clear truth has emerged: the sustainable development of a nation cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. Social stakeholders must collaborate to go beyond philanthropic actions and engage collectively in the process of positive change. Through CSR driven initiatives, companies can implement tailored CSR strategies that focus on:

  • Collaborative Investment for Sustainable Development

To accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, corporates must partner with NGOs to invest in mechanisms that ensure underserved communities benefit from these goals. By leveraging innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, businesses and social stakeholders can adopt more efficient strategies for sustainable growth, ensuring that SDGs are met for all.

  • Enhancing Transparency through Technology

Corporates, in partnership with NGOs, can significantly amplify the impact of CSR initiatives by advancing the use of technology and ensuring access to reliable data. Effective deployment of information technology in sectors like clean energy, healthcare and education will support sustainable development, improve transparency and foster long-term societal progress.

Life-Cycle Approach for Social Impact

The Life-Cycle Approach adopted by Smile Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved children and communities across India, ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, livelihood training and comprehensive women’s empowerment.

Key initiatives such as Mission Education focus on enhancing foundational language, numeracy and STEAM skills, aligning with the National Education Policy to equip children for future success. Smile On Wheels (SOWs) provides mobile medical services, including outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests and free medications, improving healthcare access in remote areas.

The Swabhiman program addresses maternal, menstrual and neonatal health, ensuring better reproductive care. Additionally, initiatives like STeP and Swabhiman offer vocational training, equipping youth and women with skills to boost employability, foster entrepreneurship and encourage economic independence.

Corporate Partnerships for Social Impact with Smile Foundation

Our Life-Cycle Approach has proven effective in addressing systemic challenges such as poverty, inequality and lack of access to essential services. This year alone, over 1.5 million children and their communities have benefited from our grassroots initiatives, as we continue to work alongside like-minded partners to create lasting, positive social impact.

We invite corporates to join us in this journey, aligning CSR efforts with a shared vision to uplift communities and contribute to sustainable social change. Together, we can make a real difference and create lasting impact for all.

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CSR Education Girl Child Health Livelihood Partnerships

Driving Gender Equality through CSR in India

CSR in India empowering women
CSR in India empowering women

The word “Equality” is derived from the Latin word “Aequus,” meaning fair and just. In today’s world, equal rights and treatment are recognised as fundamental rights, protected by law and embedded in social consciousness. However, when we delve deeper, it becomes clear that true equality remains elusive for many. In India, despite outward appearances, inequality still exists, especially for low-income families.

To ensure that equality becomes a lived reality for all, we must implement transformative measures. Since the advent of CSR in India, gender equality initiatives have gained vital support, helping many from disadvantaged communities break free from societal limitations and move toward empowerment.

CSR in India- Bridging Gaps

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a pivotal institution globally, acting as a bridge between those who have access to a dignified life and those who do not. In India, CSR is governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Schedule VII, and the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. These frameworks outline eligibility, implementation and reporting requirements for CSR activities. India’s detailed CSR mechanism has positioned the country as a global leader, setting benchmarks in sustainability and working expeditiously on stakeholder activism for national development.

Women CSR Initiatives in India

The primary goal of Women CSR in India has always been clear: to address social challenges that impede national progress and create support mechanisms that promote equality, inclusivity and sustainability. Several noteworthy CSR initiatives in India, such as Project Nanhi Kali by Mahindra Group, Nand Ghar by the Anil Agarwal Foundation and Mansi by Tata Steel Foundation, have been instrumental in promoting gender equality, educational access and social empowerment for girls of families who are at the bottom of the economic progress pyramid.

Beyond Philanthropy with Smile

CSR represents a dynamic force that lives and breathes within our society. CSR initiatives aim to create a shared value ecosystem, empowering every individual to contribute to national progress, ensuring that no community is left behind. Collective growth, central to national development, relies on equal opportunities for all. 

Smile Foundation’s initiatives in education, health, livelihood and women’s empowerment have been designed with equality at their core, ensuring that each community experiences simultaneous progress.

Each year, Smile Foundation impacts over 1.5 million children and families across 2,000 villages in 25 states through carefully tailored programmes that promote gender equality alongside education, healthcare and livelihood support. Our initiatives focus on empowering both women and men, ensuring equal opportunities for all, especially in underserved communities where such opportunities are often scarce.

Education For All
Through our flagship programme, Mission Education, aligned with the National Education Policy, we prioritise access to quality education for all children, regardless of gender. By focusing on foundational language skills, numeracy (FLN) and STEAM subjects, we help children — particularly girls — build the skills needed for a successful future. This initiative aims to break barriers limiting access of girls to education, empowering them with the tools that enable them to continue their education beyond school classrooms.

Equal Access to Healthcare
Smile On Wheels (SOWs), our mobile healthcare units, go beyond basic medical care, ensuring that essential health services reach both women and men in remote areas. By offering outpatient care, diagnostic tests and free medications, we address gender disparities in healthcare access, particularly for women, who often face greater challenges in obtaining care. Our Swabhiman programme, which focuses on women’s health, tackles critical issues such as maternal, menstrual and neonatal care, raising awareness about these crucial health needs. By promoting hygiene practices and health management, Swabhiman empowers women to take control of their health, ultimately improving their quality of life and enabling them to contribute more actively to their communities.

Equal Economic Empowerment
To address gender inequality in the workforce, Smile Foundation’s vocational training programmes, such as STeP and Swabhiman, specifically focus on empowering women and youth through skills development. These programmes enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship, ensuring that young girls and women, especially from vulnerable communities, gain economic independence. 

Smile, Women CSR in India & Gender Equality

At Smile Foundation, gender equality is woven into the fabric of our initiatives, ensuring that every programme — whether it’s in education, healthcare or livelihoods — contributes to closing the gender gap. Our efforts are about providing resources and also creating a fair, inclusive ecosystem where both women and men are given the tools they need to thrive equally.

While we have made meaningful progress, we recognise there is still much work to be done in empowering both young boys and girls with a strong foundation rooted in equality. Our goal is to nurture a generation where gender equality is deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of India.

For years, our corporate partners have been instrumental in driving this mission, especially in empowering socio-economically disadvantaged women. Through our collaboration, we have worked to provide women with access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities, helping them achieve parity with their male counterparts. Equally crucial, we have focused on sensitising male communities to recognise the central role of women in society, encouraging a shared understanding that empowering women ultimately strengthens the entire community.

With a shared commitment to advancing the goals set forth by our government for a stronger nation, we believe that Corporate-NGO initiatives act as a powerful force for real change in society. If your CSR partnerships are focused on promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive society, we invite you to join us on this impactful journey.

Let’s do some meaningful, impactful for building a future where we get closer to the nation’s dream of more resources for all.

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CSR Education Girl Child Partnerships Women Empowerment

Scholarships for Girls Help Them Continue their Studies

Breaking Stereotypes for Individuals to meet their True Potential
Breaking Stereotypes for Individuals to meet their True Potential

The right to education is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of gender, caste or background. It is a birthright that is and (should be) universally recognised. However, despite this widely accepted principle, girls’ education continues to face unique challenges. From birth, many girls are often confronted with the decision of whether they will attend school or take on household responsibilities, while their brothers are sent to school. In families with financial constraints, it is frequently the boys who are prioritised when it comes to education, based on the belief that they will ultimately become the primary breadwinners.

While gender bias is undoubtedly a significant factor in these challenges, it is important to recognise that the most pervasive barrier to girls’ education is poverty. Poverty, alongside issues such as poor nutrition, lack of financial literacy and limited empowerment opportunities, often prevents girls from completing their education. In this context, scholarships for girls’ education play a crucial role in bridging the gap, offering them the opportunity to realise their potential and live the reality of their ambition and hard work. By supporting girls in their educational journey, scholarships enable them to acquire the skills and independence needed to stand on their own feet and overcome the socio-economic challenges they face.

Girl Child Education is for Every Girl

Educating girls is a global imperative and a collective endeavour. Therefore, when we hear of girls being denied an education in countries like South Sudan, Chad and Afghanistan, we must pause and ask ourselves: how is this still acceptable? In today’s world, efforts to empower women through quality education and employment opportunities have become more aligned than ever. It is good food for thought to understand whether all women, regardless of their circumstances, are truly being included in this global movement or not.

India’s journey towards educating girls has been a long and evolving one. The nation’s educational landscape has been shaped by pioneering women who have played a vital role in this revolution. Figures such as Kamala Sohonie, a trailblazing scientist who championed women’s participation in STEM, Neena Gupta, a mathematician who provided the solution to the Zariski Cancellation problem and Dr. Gagandeep Kang, a leading scientist in the development of Rotovac, a vaccine that addresses diarrhoea – a major health issue that is the third leading cause of death among children under five, claiming an estimated 300,000 young lives in India each year.

These remarkable women exemplify the transformative impact of educating girls. There is no question that the roots of girls’ education in India have deepened, embedding themselves in the national consciousness. However, the collaborative implementation of this vision is still in its formative stages and requires continued effort and progress.

Solidify Girl Child Education in India

It is well recognised that challenges such as poverty, poor nutrition and inadequate healthcare are significant barriers to education of girls in India. However, rather than focusing solely on these obstacles, we should direct our attention to finding effective solutions. 

Scholarships for girl child education play a crucial role in bridging the gap, connecting the girl, her family and her community with an educational system that is progressively adopting inclusive practices. These scholarships offer hope and confidence to economically disadvantaged parents, encouraging them to prioritise their daughter’s education and invest in her future. In turn, this creates a positive cycle that can contribute to the broader goal of Education for All, ensuring that no child is excluded from the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Scholarships for Girls- Let her study

India’s efforts towards women’s empowerment have been evident across various sectors. Through women’s financial schemes, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives for girls, the country has made significant strides in fostering a more conscious and sensitised community.

To ensure that girls in India grow up in a safe and healthy environment, particular attention has been paid to both their educational and health development as key pillars of the nation’s progress. Scholarships for girls have played a pivotal role in challenging societal prejudices against educating girls, while providing families with the financial security and confidence to invest in their daughters’ education. This, in turn, empowers girls to realise their aspirations and turn their dreams into reality.

Scholarships such as the AICTE Pragati Scholarships for Girls and the CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child have been instrumental in reducing dropout rates among female students, increasing school enrolment figures and encouraging greater participation in skills development programmes. These initiatives have made a significant contribution to the broader goal of empowering girls and fostering their future success.

Smile for Girl Education

Since 2005, Smile Foundation has been dedicated to supporting economically disadvantaged communities by equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to work towards their empowerment. 

With a strong focus on women’s empowerment, our educational initiatives have been specifically designed to ensure that girls in India receive their right to quality education, with ease and accessibility. Our scholarship programmes for Schooling and Higher education, are actively working with young girls and women who are determined to pursue education and build a brighter future.

These programmes cover essential costs, including tuition fees, school supplies and transportation, enabling students from marginalised communities to concentrate on their studies. In addition to financial support, the scholarships also provide mentorship and guidance, helping students make informed decisions about their futures. Furthermore, recipients of the Higher education scholarships such as Engineering Scholarships are provided with laptops, career counselling and skills-building sessions, ensuring they are fully equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.

Aligned with the core values of the Indian government’s vision and initiatives to overcome the social and economic barriers to girls’ education, we are committed to providing Indian women with a safe, progressive environment where they and their communities can thrive through collective and holistic development. If your CSR goals echo a common vision of empowering girls with education, then join us to create conscious and impactful actions together.

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CSR Health Partners In Change Partnerships

Empowering Communities through Preventive Healthcare

preventive healthcare for universal healthcare

As winter sets in, Delhi and its neighbouring regions are often enveloped in a dense layer of smog, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to deteriorate to hazardous levels. With the air quality becoming so poor that it is commonly compared to “breathing in air equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day or living in a gas chamber.”, the only thing which gives a slight ray of hope is to see people wearing masks, while households and office spaces are stocked with hand sanitizers, masks and antibiotics.

Such initiations reflect of how today communities have adjusted their lifestyles to adopt health measures aimed at preventing illness. It serves as a prime example of Preventive Healthcare, which focuses on encouraging individuals to adopt practices that reduce their likelihood of falling ill, while also alleviating the burden on medical infrastructure.

Healthcare and Preventive Healthcare– Difference?

At first glance, Healthcare and Preventive Healthcare, may seem synonymous, but they differ significantly in their scope and objectives. Healthcare is a broad field that encompasses prevention, treatment, and management of illnesses, alongside the preservation of both mental and physical well-being through medical services provided by doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.

“Preventive Healthcare”, on the other hand, is a distinct branch of medicine that primarily focuses on promoting health and preventing disease in individuals considered to be ‘healthy.’ This approach typically involves interventions aimed at large populations with the goal of preventing the onset of illness and improving overall well-being. The field gained momentum with the advent of the germ theory of disease and the discovery of disease-causing agents. Additionally, advancements in laboratory techniques for early detection have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Universal Healthcare: A Global Imperative

Universal healthcare is recognised as a fundamental human right and a global responsibility. As outlined in Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the aim is to realign healthcare systems using a Primary Health Care (PHC) approach—making them more inclusive, equitable, cost-effective, and efficient, thereby improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of communities.

Challenges in Healthcare

Despite ongoing efforts to extend universal healthcare coverage, marginalised communities in many regions continue to face significant barriers, such as poverty and unequal access to quality healthcare. In 2021, it was estimated that approximately 4.5 billion people worldwide were still excluded from essential health services. Mamta Murthi, Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, notes, “We know that achieving universal health coverage is a critical step in helping people escape and stay out of poverty, yet there continues to be increased financial hardship, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable people.”

In India, healthcare challenges are particularly pronounced for low-income families, especially in remote areas where access to functional hospitals, well-trained healthcare professionals, and affordable medical treatment remains limited. These barriers often prevent individuals from seeking timely medical care, resulting in severe deterioration of health. In some cases, families are forced to sell assets, such as agricultural land, to afford the cost of treatment.

Preventive Healthcare in India- Step forward

Over the years, India’s healthcare system has undergone significant transformation, adapting to the evolving dynamics of society, technological advancements, and changes in the lifestyle of Indian communities. The Government of India, has implemented several healthcare schemes aimed at addressing the challenges faced by marginalised communities, with a particular focus on providing quality healthcare.

Key initiatives include Ayushman Bharat, the **National Health Mission (which encompasses the National Rural Health Mission and National Urban Health Mission), and a specific focus on strengthening Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child-Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), along with the prevention and management of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have brought a sigh of relief to many lives who are now able to access healthcare, while also nurture their own and their communities life healthier with healthy habit awareness and medical resources.

Why Preventive Healthcare is Crucial in India?

The current state of India’s healthcare system presents both significant opportunities and considerable challenges. On the one hand, India is globally recognised for its accomplishments in the medical field, such as the rapid development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of medical tourism, driven by high-quality treatment and world-class healthcare professionals. However, to achieve the goal of universal healthcare, it is crucial that marginalised populations are also integrated into these advancements.

In this context, Preventive Healthcare emerges as an ideal solution to improve health outcomes in both rural and urban areas across India. The benefits of preventive healthcare in India are far-reaching and can substantially enhance quality of life by:

-Extending Lifespan

By addressing health issues before they progress, preventive measures can significantly increase life expectancy.

– Reducing Treatment Complications

 Early intervention lowers the likelihood of complications during treatment, ensuring better health outcomes.

-Lowering Medical Costs

Preventive care is typically far more cost-effective than treating advanced illnesses, helping reduce overall healthcare expenditure.

-Saving Lives through Timely Detection

 Early diagnosis and proactive care can prevent many health conditions from becoming critical, thereby saving lives.

These benefits highlight the transformative potential of preventive healthcare in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for India.

Smile For Preventive Health

For over two decades, Smile Foundation’s flagship health programmes—Health Cannot Wait and Smile on Wheels—have been dedicated to implementing the principles of Preventive Healthcare for socio-economically disadvantaged communities across India. By fostering strong relationships at the grassroots level, we have been able to identify the unique health challenges these communities face and adapt to the digital transformations necessary to improve access to quality healthcare.

With more than 100 Smile on Wheels- mobile healthcare units, we are able to reach some of the most remote and underserved areas of the country, delivering essential healthcare services to those who would otherwise be inaccessible. As a social care organisation, we ensure that our health interventions are inclusive, accessible, affordable, and driven by technology, helping underserved communities move closer to the security of universal healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided us with invaluable lessons, offering opportunities to further enhance our healthcare interventions. In 2021, with the support of Health CSR initiatives, we expanded our telemedicine services. Through sustained efforts, we have now established an advanced telemedicine ecosystem that goes far beyond standard video consultations. Our platform enables healthcare professionals to conduct a variety of tests, including 40 different diagnostic procedures, monitor the heartbeat of a foetus, and even perform dermoscopy.

Smile Foundation is steadfast in its belief that through collaborative efforts, we can strengthen India’s healthcare system and, most importantly, empower those in need by providing the right awareness and support to safeguard the health of individuals and entire communities. Our CSR partnerships, for Healthcare,  aim to address all aspects of health, utilising technology to reach diverse communities across the country. Moreover, we are committed to building sustainable frameworks that not only promote but actively practise preventive healthcare, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve. By doing so, we can collectively contribute towards achieving Universal Health Care—making it not just a goal, but a fundamental part of daily life and the future of our nation.

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CSR

Retail Industry CSR and Women Empowerment- An Inclusive India

Retail CSR and Women empowerment, a new wave of change for rural women in India

We all know the magic of retail therapy; it has been scientifically proven that retail therapy often improves mood, as a study suggests that 62% of people feel an improved mood after shopping for something. But, the retail industry has much more power than this.

Globally, the retail industry is worth approx. $31310.6 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. India’s retail industry is considered to be the 4th largest retail sector in the world and is estimated to become a $2 Tn by 2032 with a growth at 25% CAGR. Looking at the magnitude of the retail industry, it is important to note that as much as this sector helps its consumers to live a comfortable life, this industry is also considered as a reservoir of Corporate Social Responsibility, because of its close relationship with the society.

Therefore, in this light, let’s explore how the retail industry CSR and women empowerment can blend in for giving underserved women of India an opportunity to become financially independent and live a life with dignity. 

Opportunities for Female Entrepreneurs in India

There is no denying that India’s business landscape has seen a surge of Indian businesswomen who are walking shoulder to shoulder when it comes to leading magnanimous business empires just like their male counterparts. India has between 13.5 to 15.7 million women-owned businesses, creating direct employment for 22 to 27 million people. With targeted initiatives, this could grow to 31.5 million businesses by 2030, boosting direct employment by 50 to 60 million.

However, the availability of opportunities for rural women businesses in India are still limited, as constraints like lack of education, lack of resources and business support from banks, no access to digital literacy and financial literacy still fog the path for these women to enter the mainstream female entrepreneurship in India. 

SDG 5: Retail Industry CSR and Women’s Empowerment

The current scenario of the retail industry seems to be promising as many international and domestic brands are focusing on expanding their operations in India. Brand like Swedish furniture giant IKEA plans to invest INR 850 crore (US$ 102.41 million) in expanding its Indian operations, while H&M will introduce its home décor line through its website and Myntra next month. UAE-based Lulu Group is investing INR 2,000 crore (US$ 240.96 million) in a new mall near Ahmedabad.

Additionally, Reliance Industries is poised to sell an 8-10% stake in Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd to fund further expansion and prepare for an IPO. 

As the industry evolves, strategically aligning retail CSR and women empowerment initiatives to foster an inclusive framework will enable rural women in India to access opportunities for learning, earning, and thriving.

But how?

  • By investing in vocational training

Vocational training for the underserved communities is no more just an option, but a requirement that must be collectively supported by government, corporates and social organisations. Investing in vocational training for women and young girls, such as skills in tailoring and garment manufacturing, can provide a significant boost to their prospects.

Such training not only equips them with the expertise needed to start their own businesses or secure employment but also fosters sustainable futures for themselves and their communities. By offering these opportunities, retail CSR initiatives can help create pathways to economic independence and community development.

  • By supporting small retail businesses 

When it comes to skills and talent, rural India has been considered as a reservoir and all they await is an opportunity, a platform where they can showcase their skills and earn a sustainable livelihood.

Retail CSR programs can play a transformative role by providing these businesses with essential support and oversight. This includes training in business management, strategic logistics and implementation practices. Such support enables these businesses to expand, create additional job opportunities for women, and contribute to the local economy.

By investing in these areas, retailers can help build a robust ecosystem where women are not only integrated into the workforce but are also celebrated for their entrepreneurial contributions, thereby contributing to economic growth and gender equality in their communities.

  • By promoting workshops of digital and financial literacy

By organising targeted training programmes and workshops, retailers can teach women essential skills such as managing finances online, making secure transactions and using digital tools effectively. Providing access to technology, including computers and smartphones, is another crucial step, as it helps bridge the digital divide and ensures women in underserved areas can engage with the digital economy.

Additionally, partnerships with financial institutions can offer workshops on budgeting, saving and understanding credit, facilitating access to tailored financial products and services.

Support for women entrepreneurs is equally vital and with CSR programmes partnered with social development organisations like Smile Foundation, the retail industry can offer specific training on e-commerce, digital marketing and financial management.

Furthermore, the Retail CSR activities can also provide mentorship programnes that connect women with experienced professionals and provide valuable advice and networking opportunities, while awareness campaigns can highlight the importance of these skills.

Smile Foundation: Retail Industry CSR and Women Empowerment

Smile Foundation’s programme Swabhiman is well tailored to support retail CSR initiatives to integrate women into the retail ecosystem through proper skill training and business job opportunities that further enhances their practical experience, boosting their confidence and financial independence. 

Over the past two decades, we have been committed to grassroots development across India through our Lifecycle Approach. This comprehensive strategy ensures that women and their communities benefit from quality education, vocational training, and access to healthcare, enabling them to overcome generational economic deprivation and achieve sustainable progress.

Partnering with Smile Foundation offers CSR initiatives the opportunity to not only support women’s empowerment but also to challenge and transform entrenched beliefs about women’s capabilities. We are dedicated to holistic national development, recognising that isolated efforts can only achieve so much.

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CSR Health Smile Women Empowerment

Healthcare CSR Partnerships For Tribal Women

Sensitising parents and communities for better education outputs
Sensitising parents and communities for better education outputs

Did you know that even in today’s day and age, several countries still do not recognise their indigenous or tribal communities as part of their constitution? For example, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the indigenous community of Australia are not recognised in the Australian constitution, which often puts them in a very uneasy situation when it comes to receiving fundamental protection and rights from the state. So is this a matter of concern? How does constitutional recognition help in the upliftment of a particular community? And even after 78 years of Independence and constitutional recognition what does the status of Indian tribal communities especially when it comes to healthcare for tribal communities, particularly tribal women in India look like?

Tribals & Healthcare in India

India’s constitution recognises tribal communities as citizens of the nation under Article 342, thereby, providing them with all the benefits and protection necessary for them to be able to live a dignified life. Articles like 15, 46, 330, 335 and 338 A have been specially tailored to protect the educational, health, economic and political interests of the tribal communities so that this minority community can develop themselves without hindrances of any form of discrimination.

Being over 104 million in number, Indian tribal communities are large in number and versatile in culture and therefore, it gets even more pertinent to understand how tribal women who already hail from a weaker section of the society and who often do not get the chance to come into the limelight, how are they getting access to their healthcare services?

There is no doubt that Indian healthcare structures have reached the remotest corners of the country and state initiatives for healthcare, especially for the underserved and tribal communities of India have been helping many of them with access to healthcare. 

But the real question is- Are the underserved and tribal communities of India receiving free and quality healthcare?

Challenges faced by Indian Tribal Women

In a civic society, healthcare is necessary, but having access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every human being to live a healthy and dignified life. As India strives to carve its healthcare structure with preventive care, it is important to explore the availability of quality healthcare for tribal women and the challenges that are becoming obstacles for tribal women to receive quality healthcare.

Tribal communities in India, especially women, face numerous challenges in accessing quality healthcare. These obstacles are deeply rooted in geographical, socio-economic, cultural, educational and systemic issues.

One major challenge is geographical barriers. Many tribal communities live in remote, hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult to access healthcare facilities. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and limited transportation options, exacerbates these challenges, further obstructing access to essential health services.

Socio-economic factors also play a significant role. High levels of poverty restrict the ability tribal families to afford healthcare services or travel to distant health centers. The lack of financial resources impacts the availability of essential health services, medications and preventive care, compounding the difficulties faced by these communities.

What about societal attitudes?

Cultural and social barriers further complicate the situation. Traditional beliefs often lead to resistance to modern medical interventions, as deep-rooted cultural practices influence health-seeking behaviors. Additionally, gender inequality means that tribal women frequently face discrimination, affecting their access to healthcare services and their involvement in decision-making processes related to their health.

Education and awareness are also critical issues. Low health literacy within tribal communities contributes to poor health outcomes, as limited awareness and education about health issues and available services hinder individuals from seeking appropriate care. Furthermore, the limited information about healthcare rights and available services prevents tribal women from accessing necessary medical help.

Lastly, challenges in the healthcare system pose significant barriers. Healthcare facilities in tribal areas often suffer from inadequate equipment, a lack of trained personnel and insufficient basic amenities. The shortage of medical professionals willing to work in remote regions further diminishes the quality of care, leaving tribal communities with limited and substandard healthcare options.

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires comprehensive and targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for tribal women, ensuring they receive the quality care they need and deserve.

Healthcare CSR Partnerships for Tribal Women

Preventive healthcare is a crucial aspect of overall health that demands substantial focus and investment from all sectors of society. Recognised as a national health priority, it is also designated as a key area under Schedule VII of CSR Section 135 of the Companies Act. 

As the Indian Government has initiated several healthcare initiatives for women, it is pertinent for other social stakeholders to channel their resources and strategies towards implementing these initiatives through their Healthcare CSR Partnerships with social development organisations so that the benefits of these initiatives can reach at the doors of the unreachable. 

By tailoring Healthcare CSR Partnerships towards improving tribal women’s nutrition, reproductive healthcare, menstrual hygiene and hygienic sanitation practices Corporates can actually facilitate preventive healthcare at the ground level. These initiatives will not only help these women to be healthy physically, but they will also open avenues for young tribal girls to grow up in a healthy environment where they can continue their schooling and not drop out because of menstrual cycle problems like staining or the unavailability of proper washrooms. 

Moreover, partnerships with social development organisations like ours can evolve CSR activities into enduring initiatives that significantly enhance the sustainability of underserved communities.

What is our intervention to support the tribal women?

Smile Foundation recognises that women are the cornerstone of communities. Their nurturing and guidance are essential to the fabric of community life. Therefore, our Swabhiman programme goes beyond conventional measures to ensure that underserved and tribal women receive the preventive quality healthcare they deserve, overcoming socio-economic barriers to their development.

Swabhiman focuses primarily on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene, providing comprehensive ante-natal and postnatal care to support both mothers and their children throughout pregnancy and after delivery, thereby securing their future. Additionally, Swabhiman experts conduct regular counseling sessions and workshops with young tribal girls, promoting proper nutrition and menstrual hygiene practices while addressing and alleviating any barriers that might impede their educational progress due to menstruation.

With interventions like Swabhiman, Smile Foundation shall continue to give women including tribal women the opportunity to live a life they deserve, the life and status they have been recognised by the constitution of India- a life of dignity, safety and equality of being independent and healthy for themselves and their families. 

Collaborate with us for healthcare CSR partnerships and let’s make a world for underserved women of India, where they are not underserved or tribal women, but just healthy women of India who are capable enough to shape their destinies for a brighter future for themselves and their community.

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CSR

CSR in Banking- Promoting Inclusive Financial Service for all

CSR in Banking can pave way for budding women entrepreneurs

Over the years, India’s financial ecosystem has been evolving to newer heights. With digital payments becoming a part of our day-to-day lives along with newer financial support schemes for women and underserved communities, India is striving to achieve an inclusive financial structure for all. In 2023, the Reserve Bank of India declared India’s Financial Inclusion Index standing at 60.1 whereas, in 2024, the Financial Inclusion Index stands increased at 64.2, hinting that the efforts towards having an equitable economic paradigm along with improvement in economic opportunities are possible in a country like India.

What is financial inclusion?

By definition, the Financial Inclusion programme aims to ensure that both individuals and businesses can access financial services that are useful and affordable, such as transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance, responsibly and sustainably. 

Furthermore, the importance of financial inclusion has been identified in almost every Sustainable Development Goal. It is directly referenced as a target in eight of the seventeen goals. These include SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty; SDG 2, aimed at ending hunger, ensuring food security, and fostering sustainable agriculture; SDG 3, which addresses health and well-being; SDG 5, dedicated to gender equality and the economic empowerment of women; SDG 8, which promotes economic growth and employment; SDG 9, which supports industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequality.

Furthermore, SDG 17, which concentrates on enhancing the means of implementation, implicitly highlights the importance of financial inclusion by encouraging increased savings mobilisation for investment and consumption, thereby potentially driving economic growth.

As India aims to become a $7 Trillion economy by 2030, it gets even more important for us to create financial inclusive programmes and institutions that offer equitable financial services to all. Government interventions like the Jan Dhan Yojana are among the most promising financial schemes. They have enabled over 50 crore people to open bank accounts and deposit over INR 2 Lakh crore, becoming part of the formal banking system.

Why are financial inclusive programmes important for India?

India’s robust economic growth has certainly become an example for many to follow globally. However, when it comes to achieving holistic economic growth for all and by all, we still have a long way to go. 

India’s underserved population still grapples with poor financial conditions due to lack of education, unemployment, skill training and poor health which eventually has kept them and their families in the loop of economic stagnation. 

Considering the importance of having an accessible and inclusive financial environment for all, the core focus now should be to develop low-income communities with opportunities that would enable them to develop themselves financially sustainable.

CSR initiatives in banks for empowering underserved communities 

Over the years, Banking CSR Strategies have opened up many opportunities for the underserved communities in India. With several financial inclusion programmes introduced by banks, children and their families are getting the chance to access e-literacy and financial literacy ,so that they can develop and be aligned to the demands of changing times.

Interventions by Axis Bank, SBI and RBL for empowering communities with sustainable livelihood training and opportunities have been very successful. Such initiatives have proven that CSR in banking can create a real impact at the grassroots level because, with their support and expertise, underserved communities can get knowledge on financial literacy and financial schemes that can help them navigate and build their finances better. 

CSR in banking- Going forward

By emphasising financial literacy, skill development and improved access to banking services, financial institutions play a crucial role in addressing the needs of underserved communities. Additionally, banks can provide microloans to small enterprises, support educational initiatives, and fund healthcare projects in rural areas, thereby facilitating the integration of these communities into the mainstream economy.

Moreover, banking CSR strategies should include investments in infrastructure to advance digital financial inclusion, ensuring that remote areas have access to essential banking services.

These initiatives are instrumental in transforming lives, stimulating economic growth and increasing social equity, significantly advancing the sustainable development of underserved populations in India.

Swabhiman- Financial Inclusion Programme for Women

With a focus on enabling women with financial stability, Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme has been tailored to provide them with entrepreneurship and skill development training.

This program supports underserved women from India’s urban poor and rural communities by providing them with the opportunity to achieve economic empowerment through starting their own businesses. They receive training in business basics such as financial management, marketing and communication, financial literacy, and digital literacy, enabling them to sustain and expand their small businesses to create a stable livelihood for themselves, their families and their communities.

Several financial institutions such as SBI and IndoStar Home Finance have partnered with the Swabhiman programme to support women from marginalised communities. By providing them with workshops on financial literacy and business management skills, these financial institutions have contributed positively towards empowering women while also laying down the foundations of inclusive financial culture in India.

Smile Foundation firmly believes that creating lasting and meaningful change requires the collective efforts of all social stakeholders working toward a common goal. By consolidating our resources to promote an inclusive financial environment in India, banks and Smile Foundation can collaborate to enhance the impact of governmental financial initiatives. This potential partnership can achieve substantial and far-reaching results, offering women and their families the opportunity for financial stability.

Additionally, it aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers these communities to overcome economic challenges and secure lasting financial well-being.

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CSR

CSR initiatives of Aviation Industry: Empowering Through Wings

Multiculturalism in Education
Multiculturalism in Education

For many of us, the dream of touching the sky was sparked by iconic movies like Top Gun. Some of us have been fortunate enough to touch the sky, whether as Air Force pilots, commercial pilots or flight attendants. However, for those from underserved communities who remain trapped in poverty, such dreams often remain out of reach.

India’s Aviation Soars

Over the last few years especially after the pandemic, India’s Aviation Industry has transformed itself into a robust industry. By expanding its International flights and airlines extending their fleet, the Indian Aviation Industry is estimated to surpass US and China, by becoming the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030. 

Considering their outstanding growth, this industry has also become one of the most employable fields in today’s times. Therefore, Indian Aviation CSR initiatives can help India in creating an inclusive and sustainable nation, where children, youth and women from low-income groups get an ecosystem encouraging them to develop holistically. 

Corporate Social Responsibility in Aviation 

For a long time, CSR in the aviation industry has focused on tackling air pollution and improving fuel efficiency. These important causes remain a priority, with CSR efforts in India addressing them to ensure a cleaner environment for all.

However, aviation companies have also shown keen interest in supporting other social causes like investing in the development of underserved communities. IndiGo’s- The IndiGoReach initiatives focus on educating children across various states in India. One of its key programmes targets 5,000 students in grades 6 through 10 at 25 rural government schools within the Badgaon and Kurabad blocks of Udaipur district.

The programme provides students with essential academic skills and conceptual understanding while building stronger relationships among students, teachers and parents. Additionally, the IndiGo School Adoption Programme aims to enhance teaching quality and learning experiences, boost digital literacy through the ‘Get Smart’ bus initiative and improve and sustain the infrastructure at 75 government schools.

Vistara and the joy of first-time flying for our children

Another prominent example of CSR activities by the Aviation industry in India has been Vistara’s CSR initiatives with Smile Foundation. By collaborating with the Shiksha Na Ruke Program, Vistara has supported child education through Smile Foundation. Through digital counseling on hygiene, career and mental wellbeing, Vistara has often interacted with our children, contributing to their holistic development. 

Through their CSR efforts, Vistara gave children of Smile Foundation their first flight experience, allowing them to savour the joy of flying and inspiring them to pursue education with the hope of one day sitting in a cockpit.

Given the positive impact of such initiatives, Smile Foundation believes the aviation industry can significantly contribute by directing CSR funds toward providing quality education for underserved children, offering skill training for youth that aligns with the aviation sector and supporting local women in establishing businesses that benefit both their families and the industry.

CSR in Aviation Industry redefining lives- how?

  1. Empowering Education through Scholarships 

Smile Foundation offers exclusive engineering scholarships for girls who are meritorious but due to financial hardships cannot pursue engineering courses. For the engineering course, Smile financially supports beneficiaries, provide digital tools like laptops for a seamless learning experience and assist with placements.

Recognising the demand for engineers in the aviation industry, Smile Foundation believes that investing CSR funds to encourage girls to pursue engineering will not only empower these young lives but also demonstrate corporate solidarity in promoting girl child education in India. Enabling our young girls to pursue highly competitive courses like engineering, aviation companies and social stakeholders like development organisations and government institutions can empower young girls to dream of flying.

2. Youth Development through Vocational Skills Training 

CSR activities by the aviation industry can support our youth in India through Smile Foundation’s STeP programme. This programme upskills them in various vocational courses, including BPO, Retail Management, Core Employability, Healthcare (General Duty Assistance), BFSI and Digital Marketing.

Students are trained for 4 to 6 months, combining theoretical and practical industrial training to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their chosen course. We also provide career counseling, placement support and post-placement assistance to secure and stabilise their livelihoods for years to come.

3. Empowering Women through Business Support 

Aviation industry can align their CSR programmes to empower women through our Swabhiman initiative. By investing in women entrepreneurial skills and supporting their small businesses, the aviation industry shall not only promote the “local for vocal” campaign, but help many women of India earn a livelihood and transform their communities for the better. 

Aviation CSR initiatives with Smile

Aviation industry can extend beyond the skies and deeply impact societal development. By aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the United Nations’ SDGs, aviation companies have the unique opportunity to create significant change in communities needing help across India.

The sector’s growth and prominence make it an ideal candidate for driving initiatives that empower women, support youth development and provide quality education to those in need. Through targeted programmes such as scholarships for aspiring engineers, vocational training for underserved youth and business support for women entrepreneurs, the aviation industry can help break barriers and create pathways for an equitable society.

By investing in these areas, aviation companies not only increase their social good value but also contribute to the broader goal of national advancement. This dual benefit of—strengthening the industry and uplifting communities out of poverty perils—demonstrates the far-reaching impact of strategic CSR efforts.

As we look to the future, let us harness aviation’s growth to uplift those who have historically been left behind. Together, we can ensure that the dream of touching the sky is no longer a distant dream but a reality for all, inspiring the next generation to reach new heights.

Partner with us to give wings to the dreams of many in rural India

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