Category: News

Commvault, a global enterprise software leader in data management and data protection, has partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation, India’s largest mid-day meal implementation partner, to provide nutritious meals to school children studying in Government

Commvault, a global enterprise software leader in data management and data protection, has partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation, India’s largest mid-day meal implementation partner, to provide nutritious meals to school children studying in Government and Government-aided schools across India. The food distribution vehicle, called The Blue Bus, donated by Commvault, will help Akshaya Patra to feed 2,000 students across 25 schools every day, located in and around Vrindavan (Mathura) in Uttar Pradesh.

The partnership underlines Commvault’s commitment to give back to the communities we work and live in, by supporting numerous causes such as, reducing global hunger, promoting education, providing technological resources and championing equality.

“Our goal is to eliminate classroom hunger and attract more children to schools by feeding a filling, nutritious mid-day meal, every school day. The food distribution vehicle enables us to deliver hopes, dreams and of course, smiles with the meals that it carries to numerous schools across the country,” said Shri Madhu Pandit Das, Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The blue bus is a customised transport vehicle specially designed to deliver food that is packed in stainless steel 304 Grade vessels, which can keep food hot and fresh even when the distance between the source and destination is over 40 kilometres. Vessels are designed to avoid spillage and the design of the vehicle ensures optimum use of space for carrying sufficient quantities of all the items on the menu.

“We, at Commvault, are intentional about real-life priorities and take nothing for granted. The pandemic has impacted millions, especially children, causing severe hunger and malnutrition, to the most vulnerable. Given this we are proud to support Akshaya Patra as they deliver essential nutrition for our childrens’ overall growth and development as they go back to school,” said Ramesh Kalanje, Vice President, Center of Excellence, Commvault.

“We make conscious and collaborative decisions to reinvest in our communities. Only by taking the opportunities– from healthcare or education to sustainability or sanitation – can we really do this. It is the embodiment of what our values mean in reality,” said Ramesh Mamgain, Country Manager-India & SAARC, Commvault.

A strong proponent of corporate citizenship, Commvault recognizes the role we can all play in driving our people, communities and planet towards a brighter tomorrow. Through initiatives such as Teach for India, PM Cares Fund, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Wellness Warriors and more, we foster the belief that operating in a fiscally, environmentally, and socially responsible manner is more than a responsibility – it is a priority.

HCL Foundation and Police Department launch the Mobile Education Program, “Nanhe Parinde” initiative in Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar by flagging off two mobile education and protection vans for children living on streets. The CSR initiative

HCL Foundation and Police Department launch the Mobile Education Program, “Nanhe Parinde” initiative in Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar by flagging off two mobile education and protection vans for children living on streets. The CSR initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Police Department, Noida, and NGO partner Chetna.

HCL Foundation (HCLF), the CSR arm of HCL Technologies initiative was flagged off by the Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar – Alok Singh along with his wife Akanksha Singh today on the occasion of U.P. Diwas in the presence of Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation along with Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Member of Parliament from Gautam Buddha Nagar, Pankaj Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly, Noida and Dhirendra Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly, Jewar.

Nanhe Parinde Initiative will function to prevent vulnerable children and youth from slipping into a life of crime– and supports them in discovering their voice and passion. A diverse range of services catering to both academic and physical development will be offered through a carefully designed curriculum.

The HCL Foundation aims to provide children living on streets and working children a safe space where the children will receive alternative education, arts and crafts, training in self-defence, gender and inclusion, co-curricular activities, opportunities for sports and nutrition through five mobile vans which will be launched over three years to reach out to 400 to 500 CIDC (children in difficult circumstances) in GB Nagar and mainstream them into the formal education system.

These mobile education vans will be equipped with modern amenities such as LCD screen, sound systems, CCTV cameras and GPS for safety and security, educational material, first aid box, handwashing station and sanitization facilities. Each van will reach out to 50 to 60 children every day with support from the local police stations at pre-determined spots.

HCLF’s NGO partner, Childhood Enhancement through Training and Action (CHETNA), works for empowerment through education of street-connected children since 2002 and will be responsible for the implementation of the program and will provide a team with a female driver, community mobilizer and educator to run the initiative.

Country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), conducted nation-wide Blood Donation Camps. This initiative, led by Stressed Assets Resolution Group (SARG) – a vertical of SBI – was inaugurated virtually by Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman

Country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), conducted nation-wide Blood Donation Camps. This initiative, led by Stressed Assets Resolution Group (SARG) – a vertical of SBI – was inaugurated virtually by Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman.

The camps setup pan-India at 40 centres in association with Indian Red Cross Society, collected 2360 units of blood. The camps witnessed employees of the bank along with their families and people at large, voluntarily donating blood for a noble cause of saving lives. The Circle Management Committee members of all Circles extended full co-operation to the SARG at their respective Centres.

Ashwani Bhatia, MD (GB&S, CCG, IT & Risk), Shri S. Salee, DMD (SARG), Ms. Shabnam Narayan, CGM (SARG) and Shri Krishan Singh Barguzar, CGM (Non-Infra), SARG were also present at the inauguration of the blood donation camps.

“We are pleased to be associated with Indian Red Cross Society and be a part of this life saving initiative. Organizing blood donation camps is a crucial event and I feel we should conduct such camps on a regular basis. We would also like to thank all the participants across the country who came forward to donate blood specially in these difficult pandemic times.” Dinesh Khara, Chairman SBI said.

During the blood donation camps, the bank staff also ensured that Covid protocols were adhered to.

As an endeavour to do service to the society, the NGO Pararthya Sustainable Development & Environment Conservation Society, supported by Viraaj Ventures and funded by Realty Assistant conducted “Project Rahat”, a Social Development drive for CSR 2020-21

As an endeavour to do service to the society, the NGO Pararthya Sustainable Development & Environment Conservation Society, supported by Viraaj Ventures and funded by Realty Assistant conducted “Project Rahat”, a Social Development drive for CSR 2020-21 in which they distributed clothes, organized donation drive, and did various activities in the different parts of the capital region to help those severely affected by winter season in a pandemic stricken environment.

The initiative themed Rahat was dedicated to bringing relief to the migrants of Delhi and NCR region who lost their jobs succumbing to the deadly blow of COVID-19. The project was aimed at making people aware of the importance of following personal hygiene amidst the winter doubly hit by the life taking impact of COVID-19.

According to the IMD, in the past decade, the country has seen 506 per cent increase in cold waves which accounted for more number of deaths due to cold waves as compared to the heat waves. The major reason for death is the unavailability of shelter and clothing to shield one from the cold waves.

As part of the endeavour, four teams visited areas massively populated by people living on roadside, taking refuge at shelter homes or setting up their own jhuggis during the seven days drive. Soaps, sanitisers, masks and water bottles were distributed that was perfectly complemented by providing them with guidance for proper sanitizing practices, the correct way to wear a mask and how to effectively practice social distancing.

“Continuing the humanitarian legacy, at Pararthya we were determined to extend our support to the suffering working section of the society for which ‘Project Rahat’ was incepted to save the lives lost due to the extreme winters,” said Mr Ankit Aditya Pradhan, Founder & CEO, Realty Assistant.

Along with this, as part of the donation drive, 200+ blankets, 500+ warm clothes, 500+ soaps, 300+ sanitisers, 500+ masks, 100+ bread packets, 2 cartons of 120 biscuit packets and 10 toffee packets were also distributed.

The Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA) organized the Fourth CSR Summit in Hyderabad on January 21 with a theme “Volunteer to make a difference” and explored volunteering opportunities for corporate employees in three key areas of Education

The Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA) organized the Fourth CSR Summit in Hyderabad on January 21 with a theme “Volunteer to make a difference” and explored volunteering opportunities for corporate employees in three key areas of Education, Environment and Health and Well-being.

While many corporate employees want to contribute to society, they often do not know where or how to start or are concerned about balancing work, home and society. The summit helped them to understand the different avenues available to volunteer was also an excellent opportunity to interact with several participating NGOs in the EXPO.

Paul Raddon, Head of Operations, Global Service Centers, HSBC delivering the Keynote address said, “Giving back to the society is at the core of HSBC corporate philosophy and a way of life at GSC India”. He also added, “HSBC has launched more than 70 projects benefiting over 2.94M people, and HSBC Skills for Life, an INR 100 crore flagship initiative is benefitting 1.3 M. Over 21400 beneficiaries have got access to WASH facilities across 17 villages in India and more than 3100 youths trained and employed in the last year, despite the pandemic”, he said.

Delivering the mentor note Venkatesh Murthy, Founder and Chief Mentor, Youth for Seva, said, “I truly appreciate HYSEA’s decision to take ‘Volunteering’ as the theme for this conference. Employee volunteering programs, if well designed, can be very impactful. I hope HYSEA will provide a model for collaboration and co-creation of effective volunteering programs in Telangana”.

Bharani K Aroll, President, HYSEA welcomed the participants to the summit and said “HYSEA has been committed to CSR for more than a decade and a half now, with our focus primarily on Education and Environment. Our education initiative DDI (Disruptive Digital Intervention) has now reached more than 12000 students in 30 schools statewide. HYSEA has had tree plantation drives in HITEC City and Gachibowli regularly since 2009 and has been an active partner for Haritha Haram”.

Manisha Saboo, AVP and DC Head, Infosys Pocharam Campus and HYSEA CSR Forum Leader, said, “We aspire to make volunteering as a way to build a cohesive society”. She invited all NGOs, Corporates and Volunteers to make use of HYSEA Volunteering platform https://volunteer.hysea.in, an end-to-end solution for volunteering.

Leading bread manufacturer Harvest Gold today announced a special edition bread in 700 grams in north India to thank its team members for serving people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The special edition bread will feature 30

Leading bread manufacturer Harvest Gold today announced a special edition bread in 700 grams in north India to thank its team members for serving people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The special edition bread will feature 30 photographs and 250 names of team members.
Harvest Gold is the largest manufacturer of bread in north India, and supplies 6 lakh loaves of bread every day, serving equal number of families daily.

“Titled #ThanksTeam, the program acknowledges the selfless and passionate efforts of the Team of Harvest Gold,” the company said in a statement.

The team members have worked hard with dedication and ensuring that the bread is produced under high safety and hygiene standards and delivered fresh every day at all neighbourhood stores, it said.

These represent associates from various departments like from manufacturing, purchase, R&D, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, human resources and information technology.

“Working day and night with production of bakery products and their distribution to the consumers, Team Harvest Gold reinvented safety and hygiene measures to ensure that there were no lapses and only the healthiest and safest product was delivered,” Harvest Gold Executive Director Sales Vikas Gupta said.

Even extra efforts were taken to provide doorstep delivery to the elderly who could not step out.

From working round-the-clock with precision, focus and perseverance, to getting out onto the field to deliver fresh bread to various shops and homes, the Harvest Gold Team has truly proved its mettle beyond doubt, he said.

“Their commitment to quality, safety and hygiene has been universally appreciated and applauded – they are truly Sabki Bread ke secret superstars,” he added.

According to the company, the team members have always put their best foot forward in making Harvest Gold the most loved bread of Delhi NCR, whether they are working from home, from office or on the field.

The last few months have been specially trying, putting everything and everyone to test.
During the lockdown, Harvest Gold served the people of Delhi NCR and other parts of North India with its products that includes breads and buns, flat bread varieties such as roti, kulcha and pizza base, and rusk, it added.

Direct selling FMCG firm Amway India has so far conducted sanitization and disinfection drive in the premises of 12 NGO partners across India, nine Anganwadi centers in Delhi, 15 villages in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu

Direct selling FMCG firm Amway India has so far conducted sanitization and disinfection drive in the premises of 12 NGO partners across India, nine Anganwadi centers in Delhi, 15 villages in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu.

The drive covered an approximate area of 1,30,000 square feet benefiting the lives of more than 3000 less-privileged children and adults, the company said in a statement.

In Delhi, the sanitization drive was done at nine Anganwadi centrs in North-West Delhi’s Kirari Suleman Nagar covering 5,000 sq.ft. area of their premises under Amway’s Power of Five campaign.

Commenting on the initiatives, Gursharan Cheema, Senior Vice President, North and South, Amway India said: “Amway India has always been committed to supporting the community by coming forward in the face of adversity. These testing times are not just a trial of our strength and resilience, but also an opportunity for us to demonstrate the might of collective effort.”

During the unprecedented lock-down period, Amway India had stepped up its efforts by supporting its NGO partners in their initiatives towards training, education, skill development and assessments of the beneficiaries through various digital tools to ensure consistency in their learning and development.

Amway facilitated MAMTA-Health Institute for Mother and Child and conducted bulk message service to spread awareness, counter myths and misconceptions among the community members of the project area. Over 10,000 beneficiaries are receiving the health and nutrition related advice every week.

The company also has identified and trained over 170 individuals from the targeted community called ‘Poshan Mitras’ who are sustaining the program on-ground. They are playing a critical role in sensitizing and educating the community.

MAMTA Executive Director Sunil Mehra said, “With this support we could integrate hygiene and sanitation along with addressing malnutrition in the intervention area – these two are the most evident determinants of COVID-19.”

Amway India also contributed Rs 2.36 crores towards the PM CARES FUND, Tamil Nadu CM’s public relief fund, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh CM’s public relief funds and support for government’s on-ground health and sanitation services.

Additionally, the funds also provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, shoe covers, head covers, masks, respirators, and eye protection gear to public health service workers through the company’s NGO partners.

Further as part of the fight against COVID-19, Amway India also developed ‘Personal Hand Sanitizer Gel’ to support the frontline workers, it added.

Central Bank of India today said it has in collaboration with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance donated 1,000 raincoats to the Maharashtra Police to protect from monsoon rains. In a statement, Central Bank of India Managing Director and CEO

Central Bank of India today said it has in collaboration with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance donated 1,000 raincoats to the Maharashtra Police to protect from monsoon rains.

In a statement, Central Bank of India Managing Director and CEO Pallav Mohapatra said the small contribution is an attempt to express gratitude to the “unwavering hard work of the Maharashtra police”.

Bajaj Allianze General Insurance Head (Bancassurance) Alpana Singh lauded efforts of the police department during the COVID-19. “We are with them and will be there to support in any manner possible.”

Thanking the two companies for goodwill gesture, Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Sangramsinh Nishandar said the raincoats will be a great aid in keeping the force dry as they follow out there duties through the rain riddled season.

“Central Bank of India has always been a great supporter to the Maharashtra Police Department and we look forward to strengthening bonds in the future as well,” he said.

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, LG Electronics India today announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for the welfare of war widows and disabled servicemen. The company, in a statement, said the fund will be

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, LG Electronics India today announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for the welfare of war widows and disabled servicemen.

The company, in a statement, said the fund will be contributed as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative ‘Kar Salaam’ that was started three years ago to salute the soldiers’ spirit of generous contribution and service towards the nation.

Under this initiative, LG Electronics will donate 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) Secretariat, it said.

AFFDF is dedicated towards welfare of war widows, children of martyr’s, war disabled soldiers and ex-servicemen.

Commenting on the initiative, LG Electronics India Managing Director Young Lak Kim said: “Through this initiative, we at LG Electronics pledge to stand in gratitude with the Indian Armed Forces for assuring a fearless and safe life for us, while protecting our borders.

“By contributing to Armed Forces Flag Day fund, we contribute towards the welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and their families. This is a small step on behalf of LG Electronics, this Independence Day, saluting the brave armed forces of India.”

KSB Officiating Secretary Captain (IN) Rakesh Shukla said, “We are thankful to brands like LG Electronics for extending this generous support. Every effort counts and we would urge more corporates to come forward and join the cause.”

Drug maker Lupin spent Rs 34.2 crore on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the 2019-20 fiscal, only about 62 percent of the prescribed CSR budget. During the year, the company ought to have spent Rs 55.51 crore on CSR activities

Drug maker Lupin spent Rs 34.2 crore on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the 2019-20 fiscal, only about 62 percent of the prescribed CSR budget.

“During the year, the company ought to have spent Rs 55.51 crore on CSR activities. The actual spend was Rs 34.2 crore,” the company said in its annual report.

Despite best efforts, the company has been unable to execute its ambitious plan of setting up a state-of-the-art JCI and NABH accredited hospital in Mumbai as it could not identify a suitable plot, it said.

Lupin however said “it aims to continuously increase its CSR spend and is constantly exploring new areas/activities, particularly deeper sustainable projects to accelerate the spend.”

During the 2020-21 fiscal, the company will also make CSR spends towards the relief efforts for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, including contributions to the PM CARES Fund, it added.

The company is implementing CSR initiatives through Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) which was established in 1988. It focuses on economic, social, infrastructure development and natural resource management.

LHWRF has a presence in 4,546 villages located in 63 blocks of 23 districts spread across nine states in India. It operates through 20 centers.