[box type=”shadow” align=”alignright” width=”180″ ] “Let me start by saying that a business can’t be successful while society around it remain underprivileged; society must benefit from the business!” avers Rajeev Dubey, Group President – HR & Corporate Services, CEO – Aftermarket Sector & Chairman-Group CSR Council, M & M during an interaction with Mangala Chandran[/box]
Building Leadership & business Innovation
At Mahindra, we strongly believe that creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals. This is why, CSR has been an integral part of Mahindra’s DNA since its foundation in 1945. Our businesses seek to provide solutions to problems that the community is facing. CSR is not a one way flow of investment, we look upon CSR and community interaction as potentially a mother front for business innovation, because when we interact with people, we get to understand their requirements, which helps us develop new business ideas and models.
CSR activities help in building leadership too. We have a rigorous employee volunteering scheme called the Mahindra Employee Social Options which has played a crucial role in energising the people at Mahindra to give back to society.
[toggle state=”open” ]“At Mahindra, we strongly believe that creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals. This is why, CSR has been an integral part of Mahindra’s DNA since its foundation in 1945.”[/toggle]
Developing the Sense of Ownership
The problem has been the ‘upkeep and use’. With the help of NGOs & our own volunteers, we are creating an ecosystem that will ensure better maintenance & hygiene standards. This also comes with the sense of ownership. Until the users of the toilets understand this, the change would not take place on ground.
[toggle state=”open” ]Under Swachh Bharat initiatives, we have constructed over 4500 toilets in schools spread over 13 States, mostly in deep rural areas.[/toggle]
As the toilets were built in rural areas, we had to handle it like a project with the design and construction being handled by Mahindra Consulting Engineers (MACE). There was research on the availability of water; the location of construction and many other parameters.
In Bihar, we have actually constructed a model village at Pattori, built under the Kosi Relief and Rehabilitation Scheme. Pattori is located in Singheswar Block, Madhepura District of Bihar one of the remotest parts of the state without external connectivity linkages, electricity, water supply, sanitation and an area that is prone to frequent natural disasters.
This project was also conceptualized, planned and developed by MACE as an eco-friendly model village with the aim of transforming the lifestyle of the affected community and narrowing the gap between the privileged and underprivileged sections of society. MACE undertook a holistic planning approach and used innovative themes and ideas while developing this village.
[box type=”shadow” align=”alignright” width=”180″ ]In 2005, when we completed 60 years, we pledged to spend 1% of the profit after tax for community development[/box]
- Better Health
- Mental & Physical Vigour
- Productivity
- Innovation
- Desire to do things
- Move forward
We are hugely committed to improving the hygiene standards of the country. However again I would say, it will improve only by developing the sense of ownership among the users.
Mahindra’s CSR work is focussed on the following areas
- Education
- Healthcare & Sanitation
- Environment
- Livelihood Enhancement
- Women Empowerment
- Opportunities for those at the Base of Pyramid
- Protection of Natural Heritage, Art and Culture
- Aid for Armed Force Personnel’s Families
- Encouragement for Sport
- Technology Incubation
- Rural Development
- Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation
[box type=”shadow” ] Up Close & Personal
Theatre as your first love…
My love for theatre began when I was still studying at St. Columba’s in Delhi. It was 1962 and Doordarshan had just made its foray into homes in Delhi. One of our family friends was a Director with the channel and he asked my parents if I would act in a TV play. I can’t remember the name of the play but I do remember that I received the princely sum of Rs.15 for my efforts. It was a big moment for me and I even framed the cheque! What began as a mild flirtation with the spotlight soon turned into a full blown affair once I joined St. Stephen’s College.
Once an Artist remains an artist…
A steadily increasing roster of professional commitments has meant precious little time for theatre in the intervening years. Yet, I have managed to keep my love for the art alive in one form or the other. After I joined Mahindra in 2004, I acted in a play for CII, along with Arun Nanda who is the Chairman of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. & Chairman, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd.
Life beyond Mahindra
An avid book lover, I do practice yoga and reiki regularly and have also explored past-life experiences and firewalking.[/box]
We are part of the GRI, a triple bottom-line movement which means we are not only committed to profit but also to people and the planet.
Skill Development
We have been working on various educational/skill programs independently and in collaboration with the government. To unleash human potential & keep the retention ratio high, it is very important to keep each and every person in a team aligned. This alignment is possible only when each and every person is aware of the common purpose – the dream. This helps them pass through various ups and downs without losing the sense of purpose commitment.
[box type=”shadow” ]…we are taking so much from the society hence giving can be the only way to keep it sustainable in long run[/box]