“Mahajan Parampara” in Indian Culture:

For India, philanthropy is not a new phenomenon. The culture of philanthropy is as old as India itself, which has a history spanning thousands of years. One who enjoys abundance without sharing with others is indeed a thief, says the Bhagavad Gita.

Even before the enactment of Companies Act, 2013 introducing mandatory provision of the CSR “Charity and philanthropy has been in the ethos of the Indian traditions. Individuals and religious institutions have been contributing to the welfare of the poor since antiquity. Alms giving, offering food, and giving zakat, the Muslim tradition of giving, are some of the forms of charity motivated by Indian religious beliefs,” says Vidya Shah, chief executive officer at EdelGive Foundation, a unit of Edelweiss Group.

‘धर्मस्य तत्वं निहितं गुहायाम् महाजनो येन गतः स पन्थाः‘

There is a Sanskrit saying. It means that the mystery of religion is so deep that it is hidden in caves. Therefore, not everyone can study it deeply. In such a situation, one should follow the path that great men have adopted.

Our Role as a Civil Society Initiative:

“We really think, NGOs are going to rule the world!”

Karan Pahwa delved into a thought-provoking question that has sparked debates and discussions: “Do you think NGOs are going to rule the world?” Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have undeniably played a significant role in shaping society and advocating for change. As Mahatma Gandhi once famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” These words echo the power of individual action in making a difference, but can NGOs truly rise to a position of ruling the world?

NGOs have become key players in advocating for social change, addressing global issues, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. NGOs have emerged as powerful catalysts for positive social change.

Their core focus on addressing pressing global issues, such as poverty, human rights violations, and environmental sustainability, has garnered immense support and recognition.

Their effectiveness lies in their ability to mobilize resources, raise awareness, and influence policy-making processes. NGOs have brought to light societal issues that were previously overlooked, forcing governments and corporations to pay attention.

NGOS are here to stay!

Making Synergy in ‘Co-creating’ CSR Project:

At Jeevantirth we believe in creating synergy. Synergy is created when all stakeholders come on common ground for positive social change. In the social sector, synergy can be created by identifying common goals, improving communication, and encouraging innovation. 

Steps to create synergy are: 

  • Set goals: To Identify common objectives and clearly define what we want to achieve

  • Communicate: To build clear communication channels and encourage effective communication
  • Collaborate: To foster collaboration through brainstorming and planning
  • Manage conflict: Learn to manage conflicts and challenges that may arise
  • Celebrate success: To recognize contributions of all and celebrate successes
  • Improve: To Continuously evaluate and improve our processes
  • Create a positive culture: To cultivate a positive team culture

In addition to that from our side we at Jeevantirth are committed to these core principals in developing CSR Projects:

Not to play blame game: We need to work in harmony with Government system: our role is “To bridge the Gap & ad the Value” to the system. Government is the biggest player in social change.

To Customise the Project: To design and develop need-based program involving local people for ensuring ownership.

Give Best return of the Investment: Input-Process-Output should be cost effective. ‘Profit’ is not a bad word!

Un to this Last: ‘Leave no one behind’ is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs.

People and Planate First:  The Agenda SDG 2030 is a ‘plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity’.    

Think Globally, Act Locally:

 

 “Think globally, act locally” is a phrase that encourages people to take local actions that contribute to global goals. It can be applied to many areas, including the environment, health, business, and politics. Science is universal but technological solutions are local. We need to align our work with global shared aspirations of humanity on one side and ground realities on the other side. The power of grassroot initiatives can have a butterfly effect!

CSR and ESG Rating:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a company’s commitment to operating ethically and responsibly, while Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a way to measure a company’s sustainability. CSR is a framework for a company’s sustainability efforts, while ESG is a way to quantify those efforts.

CSR: Helps inform others about a company’s values and goals. 

ESG: Helps investors and stakeholders evaluate a company’s sustainability and societal impact.

Without CSR, there would be no ESG.

 

While CSR aims to make a business accountable, ESG criteria make such business’ efforts measurable. CSR is a form of self-regulation ensuring a company’s actions have a positive impact on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and the public sphere.

ESG takes on CSR and builds on it in a manner that takes it out of the realms of pure philanthropy, to a concrete set of numbers which can be used by investors and consumers alike in understanding a company’s philanthropic, social, and internal governance practices. ESG & CSR – Two sides of a coin and we help corporate to design project in such a way that both goals are achieved.

Enactment of Companies Act, 2013 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India was one of the world’s largest experiments of introducing the CSR as a mandatory provision by imposing statutory obligation on Companies to take up CSR projects towards social welfare activities.

This has made India the only country which has regulated and mandated CSR for some select categories of companies registered under the Act. This CSR Initiative will push the nation towards achievement of sustainable development goals and public-private partnership in transforming India. This CSR Initiative will push the nation towards achievement of sustainable development goals and public-private partnership in transforming India.

Jeevantirth is eligible to receive CSR Fund: 

  • Having valid registration under section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • Having an established track record of at least three years in undertaking similar activities.
  • Having successfully registered with the Central Government by obtaining a Unique Registration number after filing form CSR-1.

We are also registered with:
https://www.csrxchange.gov.in/
CSR00001798

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Why Corporate should work with NGOs:

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies play a key role in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs: 

  • Expertise: NGOs have specialized knowledge and experience that can help with planning and executing CSR projects. 
  • Community engagement: NGOs can help identify local needs and priorities. 
  • Project execution: NGOs can help design and implement innovative solutions. 
  • Resource mobilization: NGOs can help secure additional resources and form strategic partnerships. 
  • Monitoring and reporting: NGOs can help ensure transparency and accountability through project monitoring and impact assessment. 
  • Sustainability and scalability: NGOs can help create sustainable and scalable interventions. 
  • Credibility: NGOs are often seen as credible and independent, which can increase the credibility of a company’s CSR engagement. 
  • Reputation: NGOs can help improve a company’s reputation. 
  • Stakeholder: Businesses view NGOs as one of their main stakeholders and judges of CSR activities. 

NGOs can also help businesses make a broader impact on local communities by working with a network of NGOs.

NGOs have edge because of following strategy:

1) Connect with communities:  NGOs have a better understanding of ground realities and ensure community buy-in and ownership i.e., sustainability of intended social change.

2) Last mile delivery: Given their field presence, contextual awareness, and relevant skills, NGOs contribute towards reaching less visible and more vulnerable populations.

3) Proof of concept: NGOs have already tested the feasibility of their intervention/s through research and implementation. They know what will work and what not.

4) Recognition of corporate support in communities: CSR, when undertaken effectively, can contribute towards image building and credibility for the firm.

5) Compliance: Working with NGOs that have met the multiple compliance norms set in place by the government, helps to ensure efficiency of CSR efforts. Working with compliant NGOs, CSR efforts can have transparency, ensure government approval, and maintain the firm reputation.