Sunday, March 22, 2015

NGO's witness a facelift through active participation from corporates



Social service and non-for-profit activities are gradually becoming more pervasive in current times. This is a good response for urgent social problems, whose lists are lengthening rapidly. Prevalent social quandaries such as injustice, discrimination and poverty have paralyzed many societies across the globe. They seem to be pervasive in every corner of the world. Non Governmental Organizations are supposed to be the most efficient engines working on the opposite end where government initiatives seem to be inadequate or impervious. However, lack of proper regulation and dependable statistics to monitor these institutions measuring their actual contribution has rendered another enigma. In a country such as India with thousands of registered societies and trusts, the impression of NGOs in public minds has degraded to be some illegitimate business identities.

Despite this deplorable scenario, a wave of social entrepreneurships is sweeping across the nation. And, it seems to cleanse the backdrop with major impacts to some sectors. The reason for this is the global impetus in this particular sector, which effects are clearly visible in the country as well. The latest trend that rejuvenated the sphere of Not-for-Profit organizations and their operations is collaborations with business groups or corporations. They together are becoming effectual devices addressing a plethora of persistent social problems. This is a perfect marriage between wealth and wisdom, with profit making groups helping to achieve the objectives of keen progress.

Social change is now a burning agenda for many large corporations. Business conglomerates such as Aviva, Coca-Cola has contributed substantially for number of programs. Street of School, an initiative by Aviva supports non-governmental organizations to educate homeless children in UK and sixteen countries across the globe. In accordance with the project, they planned to educate 500,000 children in duration of five years, but the result was far better. More than 870,000 children imparted basic education. Such drives have good impacts on employees boosting their morale working for a greater good. Coca Cola’s Street Games is a project for bring sports facilities for the deprived section of the society. These have been a major contribution bringing new talents to the sports world. 

With such contributory steps towards the society, it is certain that, the generation is moving towards a new genesis. With looming profits, corporations are able to deliver considerable amount of disposable incomes to their employees. Skilled professionals are becoming richer creating the band of upper middle class. This band is gradually bulging out to be a prominent one in the economic triangle, whose base still comprise of countless poor and deprived communities. It is natural for any human being to be conscious about plights of their fellowmen. With strong initiatives taken by corporations, wide platforms are being provided for people who want to contribute for the betterment of the society. Being constantly supported by individuals and corporations, new terminologies such as “Corporate Social Responsibilities” have emerged to be on mainstream.

In India, Corporate Social Responsibility has become an emergent trend that is reaching out new heights. Supported by recent development in legal affairs and implemented laws, these have become a hotspot for investors from both the country and abroad. Philanthropic activities such as charity and donations are the major aspects of these initiatives. The Indian constitution provides avenues for CSR activities in accordance with the Companies Act of 2013. Following the current trend, more companies are expected to invest in such activities in coming times. Apart from business groups, this has become a trend in personal and individual levels as well. Many youth are targeting to base their entrepreneurships on the line of activities for social development. Although, CSR activities comprise of a number of concepts and issues, the focus in India has been on poverty. Globally, the trend is inclined towards community development. Social entrepreneurships are becoming strategic and organized in nature to deal with issues more effectively. The drives such as hunger eliminations are becoming more appealing for the young generation. From a holistic point of view, these activities are being directed towards the betterment of living and lifestyle along with social and communal welfare.

For the upcoming generation, social responsibility has become more pertinent. They are beginning to consider the importance of social sustainability. Concepts such as Religion and God have developed to be more humanistic, while philanthropy is being increasingly regarded at par to them. Feeding the hungry, educating the deprived and financially aiding orphan children are becoming prevalent forms of personal endeavor to social change. The highest group of population contributing to the cause comprises of the age group between 23 to 40 years. Youngsters are beginning to be proud of their endeavor to impact the society. This will have a greater effect to the nation such as India, where more than 60 percent of the population is below 30 years of age. In addition to this, this trait would influence the coming generation to be more enthusiastic towards social service.

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