Women's Day Celebration at Daya Girls Home

March 8^th is International Women’s Day. And the sections that are most in need of self-empowerment are the ones who are ignorant of the very idea of self- empowerment. To celebrate Women’s Day this year, the Social Responsibility Cell of XIMB, visited Daya - A home for girls on Sunday, March 11^th.

Daya was founded in 2002, and is a home for girls from all age groups, right from pre- schoolers to class eight students. A two building structure, with minimal infrastructure and facilities, what they lack in resources, they make up for in the sheer spirit of its inhabitants. The students spend their weekdays in a local school, and weekends doing odd jobs around the home-mending clothes, cooking, and working on school assignments.

A drawing competition was organized, which saw their creativity unfold on paper. This was followed by a talent show, where we discovered some very good singers and dancers. The girls were eager to learn about us, and what we studied, and to share their own tales from schools.

Sometimes the most basic lessons in humanity come from the most unexpected sources. What struck us most was the feeling of comradeship among the girls. The older ones help the younger girls in their chores and school work. Even in the drawing competition that we organized, ones who finished in time, eagerly pitched in to help others finish their pieces.

The young women we met are a confident, bright and intelligent lot, and they all have one thing in common - A goal. Some want to become engineers, some others doctors and teachers. One spunky little girl even wants to be a ‘policeman’. Volunteers encouraged them to build their aspirations, and the Social Responsibility Cell hopes to be able to make a sustained effort in making these dreams come true.

Leia Mais…

Holi Celebration at Sneh

Holi - the festival of colours - where an explosion of hues meets a burst of high spirits, and we celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

This cheer is however, limited in its reach - for many in the darker corners of our society, Holi is a day like any other. The Social Responsibility Cell of XIMB, celebrated a special Holi, in an attempt to spread some of the infectious cheer of the festive season.

A group of students, from Xavier Institute of Management, under the aegis of the Social Responsibility Cell, visited Sneh - An orphanage tucked away in Saliasahi - One of India’s largest slum pockets, covering over 200 acres - on the 8^th of March, and spent a few hours with the children.

The evening was sparked off with the traditional gulal, which was followed by a round of antakshri, and singing competitions, which saw enthusiastic participation from all the children. Volunteers also distributes sweets among the children.

The cheerful little orphanage - has accommodation for around thirty children, who are from various age groups. Their education is taken care of by a government school in the vicinity. Apart from their academics, the children also have a keen interest in fine arts as the colourful tribal art style painting on the walls of their living quarters, and the training in musical instruments like the dhol.

The intention of this project was to celebrate an inclusive Holi - one where the true spirit of the festive season - the hope of a better tomorrow - comes through. Here’s to many more cheerful Holis to come!

Leia Mais…

SRC: Young Adult's Education Initiative

For long has Social Responsibility Cell, XIMB has been working towards making valuable contribution the o the establishment of social equity- equity in terms of the opportunities available to live one’s life to the best of one’s abilities. This quest has found us taking a host of initiatives that have been conducted on an annual basis such as our flagship event- World Humanitarian Day where we have successfully brought together some of the best academic as well as industry minds to pour forth their thoughts on humanitarian aid and how its scope and impact can be extended to reach out to those in most need of it. Other events include World AIDS Day celebrations, International Disability Day celebrations, Para Athlos, Diwali celebrations with the underprivileged children and other initiatives directed at the spreading the contagion of smile!

It is with this very same objective of spreading the wings of social equity that we turned our sight inwards. Every day when we, the students, are caught up in our mad rush of classes, presentations, talks and summits, there is this silent force working in the background to make sure that there is food at our table at the right time. This silent force is that of our Mess Bhainas. While we, the students, have been climbing up the rungs of education at XIMB each day, our mess bhainas have helped at every step in holding that ladder in place. It was time for us, the students, to make a ladder of education for them and help them climb up it to become men empowered with education. In this task, SRC roped in the members of the learning community of XIMB which includes Dr. D.V. Ramana who has so far been a pillar of support for us in effectively putting in place the required framework to carry on the activity of imparting education to our mess bhainas.

From the inception of the course, the focus was on 3Rs- Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic which was formulated by Dr. Ramana himself. The focus of the 3Rs is to develop the reading capabilities of our mess bhainas in Oriya as well as in English. Such development is directed at enabling them in being able to read directions, newspapers, everyday literature involved in their work such as maintaining the mess records and likewise. Development of their writing capabilities is aimed at enabling them in carrying out everyday transactions such as banking, creating lists for purchase of items for the mess, writing letters, and maintaining mess records as discussed. Arithmetic, an everyday tool of necessity, is also being taught with the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division being explicitly focused on. Worksheets have been created for all the three Rs which act as tools while imparting education. Also, a chronological record is maintained for each of the three subjects being taught- Oriya, English and Arithmetic, so that on any given day a mentor can refer to the record of any of the subjects to evaluate as to what has been taught till date. Accordingly, the mentor comes to know as to what has been taught in the last session of a subject and thus progresses to do a quick revision of the same for the students which would serve to help them while subsequently progressing with new concepts to be taught on that day.

Out of the 50-odd bhainas involved in running our mess, an initial number of 20 has shown interest when the mess workers education initiative was launched. At present, there are 17 mess bhainas who diligently attend the classes conducted 6 days in a week for them. Such infectious is their enthusiasm that 4 members of the maintenance staff have shown a keen interest is resuming their educational pursuits and completing a minimum of class 10-level education. In the course of their education by our mentors, our mess bhainas were are two questions-

Q1 Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Q2 What would you like to become in the next 5 years?

Given below are the names of our students, some basic information about each of them along with their individual responses to each of the above questions :

· Amit Pradhan

Age: 26years.

Educational Qualification: 9th pass.

Permanent Address: Phulbani.

Identity Proof: Class 9 pass certificate.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I would like to remain in service at XIMB and would like you to help me in the same.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to attain proper education and become a teacher.

· Sanjay K. Sahoo

Age: 30years.

Educational Qualification: 10th pass.

Permanent Address: Nimapatana, Khandapara, District: Nayagarh

Identity proof: Voter ID, Driving License and Class 10 pass certificate.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I would like to see myself spreading the joy of education into the lives of the underprivileged and in helping them gain employment preferably in the business which I intend to set up. I hope that this would make my mentors proud!

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to become as an accomplished businessman who would continue to gain education from the mentors of SRC.

· Sanjay Swain

Age: 23years.

Educational Qualification: 5th pass.

Permanent Address: Rathipur, Odisha.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself continuing to be a part of XIMB, furthering my education and, above all, becoming a good citizen!

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to become a good cook.

· Mukunda (Tulu) Sahoo

Age: 19years.

Educational Qualification: 10th pass.

Permanent Address: Luhasingha

Identity poof: Class 10 pass certificate.

Ans1: In the next 5years I see myself becoming a police officer and serving my nation.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to become a police officer.

· Subhrajit Swain

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself working in a small company.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to become a person doing some good work.

· Ranjan Sahoo

Age: 18years.

Educational Qualification: 7th pass.

Permanent Address: Rathipur, Odisha.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself continuing my service at XIMB.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I would like to become a better citizen of our nation.

· Ashok Sahoo

Age: 16years.

Educational Qualification: 7th pass.

Permanent Address: Rathipur, Odisha.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself studying hard and gaining more knowledge.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I see myself becoming a police officer as well as a good cook.

· Bapi Nayak

Age: 17years.

Educational Qualification: Class 3 pass.

Permanent Address: Adaspur.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself continuing my service at XIMB and training to become I good singer. I hope that SRC would help me in the same!

Ans2: In the next 5 years I see myself becoming a good singer.

· Manoj Pradhan

Age: 23years.

Educational Qualification: 6th pass.

Permanent Address: Rathipur.

Identity proof: Class 6 pass certificate.

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself continuing my service at XIMB.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I see myself becoming good cook for which I would be extremely thankful to the Almighty!

· Bijay Nayak

Age: 40years.

Educational Qualification: 10th pass.

Permanent Address: Village: Nualli, P.O: Bisvanathpur, via Golanthata, District: Ganjam.

Identity proof: Voter ID and Class 10 pass certificate.

Ans1: In the next 5 years see myself enhancing my knowledge as much as possible.

Ans2: I the next 5 years I want to become well-versed in everything related to computers!

· Abodh Panda

Age: 31years.

Educational Qualification: 9th pass.

Permanent Address: Nuagaon, P.O: Barabati, District: Nayagarh, PIN-757077.

Ans1: In the next 5years I see myself becoming a good manager.

Ans2: -same as above-

· Sridhar Behera

Ans1: In the next 5 years I see myself enhancing my knowledge through education.

Ans2: In the next 5 years I want to become a good cook.

· Debendra Pradhan

Age: 18years.

Educational Qualification: 10th pass.

Permanent Address: Luhasingha.

Ans1: I want to study & become a good human being.

Ans2: After 5 years, I want to start teaching the children of my village. In his words: “Let the whole world prosper even at the cost of my suffering”.

· S.K. Anis

Age: 23years. Educational Qualification: Class 3 pass.

Permanent Address: Siko.

Ans1: In the next 5years I see myself continuing my service at XIMB.

Ans2: In the next 5years I would like to become a chef at a 5-star hotel.

· S.K. Ayub

Age: 18years. Educational Qualification: 8th pass.

Permanent Address: Hasanpur, Pipili.

Ans1: In the next 5years I see myself attaining proper education through the help of SRC and doing something good by means of it.

Ans2: In the next 5years I see myself becoming a police officer and helping the needy. I would also like to help in making everyone study and prosper.

· Sk. Siraj

Ans1: In the next 5years I see myself enhancing my knowledge through education.

Ans2: In the next 5years I would like to own a shop.

· Dipak Nayak

Age: 25years.

Permanent Address: Dighi, Odisha.

Identity Proof: Voter ID.

Serving as torchbearers of our education drive are our mentors who are students from the PGDM-1 (BM, HRM & RM) batch.

All of these mentors have displayed praiseworthy passion and dedication in devoting their time and efforts in furthering the cause of education for our mess bhainas. There is much work left to be done and we look forward to carrying out the same with due diligence and sincerity with the hope of seeing our mess bhainas reap the rich harvest of education!

For more details visit: SRC: Mess Worker's Education Initiative

Leia Mais…

National Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility

Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) hosted a National Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, jointly organized by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and XIMB.  The NCCSR 2012 celebrated the silver Jubilee of XIMB platinum jubilee of TISS and was facilitated by the Centre for Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Corporate Social Responsibility, and The Social Responsibility Cell at XIMB, along with Centre for Development Studies at TISS.

The three day conference had two main events: a paper presentation competition for the prestigious XIMB- TISS award. Companies from all over the country, like Monsanto India, Airports Authority of India, Vedanta and many others showcased their Corporate Social Initiatives- ranging from sustainability in agriculture, rehabilitation of villagers, and innovative solutions to water crisis management. The award was won by Indian Oil Corporation.

The second focus was on Individual paper presentations by scholars from different universities all over the country. Topics ranged from “CSR – A Feasibility Study through Prisoners Dilemma” to “Creating Intellectual Capital in the ecosystem- A shared value approach Corporate Social Responsibility”.

Corporate Social Responsibility is fast gaining relevance in the 21^st century- especially after the new guidelines from the Government of India, which makes CSR mandatory for Public Sector Undertakings. The primary purpose of this conference is thus to explore emerging trends in CSR in various organizations, identify challenges and issues.

Leia Mais…

Para Athlos 2012

“Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence” - George F. Will

The Social Responsibility Cell (SRC) of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) , organised ‘Para Athlos’, a sports meet for differently abled children at the XIMB grounds on the evening of 26th January 2012, commemorating the 63rd Republic Day of India. Through Para Athlos, Social Responsibility Cell, XIMB seeks to let our especially abled friends spread their wings and take flight in the sports arena. Yet another occasion of spreading the contagion of smile!

The event was organized in association with the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Metro, and around 80 students from the 2 schools: Shri Harsha Memorial School for the Deaf and School for Deaf and Dumb, Palaspalli, participated in Para Athlos with vigour and enthusiasm. The joy and happiness on the faces of the children was visible from the moment they entered the campus. We had organized various activities for the children in the three categories: Junior Boys, Senior Boys and Girls. The talent, the attitude and the team spirit shown by the kids were commendable. The various activities were 100 m and 50 m relay races, sack race, toffee race, balloon race, throw ball and volley ball.

The children proved their mettle in all the activities and the audience passionately cheered and motivated them. The girls enjoyed the toffee and the balloon race. The boys were as enthusiastic as ever. The right attitude displayed by the kids was a lesson in itself. It is not important that you won or lost, but how you played the game. The kids just enjoyed the various games and marked the true spirit of sports.

The activities were followed by a friendly throw ball match between the Rotary and Inner Wheel members and the participating students. After a spectacular show the students enjoyed the snacks and interacted with all of us. It was overwhelming to see that the kids remembered us as we had visited their school earlier on other occasions like Independence Day and Children’s Day. Captain S.S. Mohanty, President, Rotary Club, Rotarian Gopinath Sarangi and IPP Prof. Gopal Krishna Nayak gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners. This was followed by a small speech by Father P D Thomas.

The event was a great success and all of us are proud to be a part of such a spectacular event. The joy, the happiness, the zeal, the passion, the talent, the team spirit, the vigour and the enthusiasm, all were witnessed during those 5 hours. We, the SRC team, aim at making a small but sustainable difference in the lives of the less privileged and Para Athlos was a remarkable step towards this goal.

Leia Mais…

New Year Celebration at Anand Mission

Most of us like the idea of being socially responsible.  Most of us respect our neighbors.  Most of us care about the other guy.  The reality is that this is much easier to do in good times than it is in tough times.  How can those of us in project and program management be highly socially responsible in these tough times? 

Our projects affect many stakeholders.  We typically focus on the immediate stakeholders, such as those that will benefit from an application, those that will use a building, those that are financing a project, and the like.  Being socially responsible usually involves extending the range of our identified stakeholders to include the public at large, and perhaps the less fortunate in society.  These extended stakeholder communities are important whether we are in the midst of good times or bad times. How do we cater to them?

With all these challenge is mind we arrived at a conclusion to take up supporting an Orphanage. Swami Vivekananda has said “Give me 40 young men; I can change the face of the world”. Children have the power to make or break the future of the society. Their well-being directly reflects upon the society’s well being at large. We decided to do what best we can in their healthy up bringing for them to act as strong pillars of our society.

Apart from a considerate heart one also needs the money to help the orphanage. Moreover a socially responsible project apart from the beneficiaries should strive to involve the community at large. Hence we came up with the idea of a paper collection drive to collect funds and use them to support the orphanage on an ongoing basis. 

A happy kid is a healthy kid. In addition to the significant material contribution we also decided to spread smiles on the eve of the New Year 2012. We celebrated the New Year day with the kids with various competitions and sweets. Changing the face of the orphanage entirely may not be possible at this stage, yet we have made a significant positive impact not just on their lives but also made the XIMB community sensitive to the needs of the needy children.

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