Bengaluru, March 23, 2023: NMIMS Bengaluru’s UDYAM committee successfully organized the ninth edition of its flagship event, Vihaan. It is an annual event that aims to promote social responsibility and sustainable solutions. The event brings together experts, professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and collaborate on pressing issues facing society. The event also provides a platform for students to learn and engage in meaningful dialogue with industry leaders, NGOs, and corporate CSR cells.
This year’s theme, ‘The CAGR of Investing in Minds’, focused on addressing the challenges faced by the education sector, particularly the lack of access to education for underprivileged children seeking primary and pre-primary education. The panel discussion highlighted the need for a more inclusive and accessible education system and the role of civil society and the private sector in addressing these challenges.
The panel discussion comprised four members, including Mr. Mangal Pandey – CEO and Founder of Key Education Foundation, Ms. Smita Sharma – CSR and Sustainability at UST, Ms. Sakina Baker – Head-CSR, Bosch Limited & Bosch India Foundation, and Ms. Jayani Benn Heim – Executive Director of Lovedale Foundation. The discussion was followed by NGO representatives sharing their experiences of working on the ground and highlighting the importance of community involvement in addressing educational inequality.
The event also recognized the efforts of different NGOs and students who participated in the WeCare program, which saw the latter working across different NGOs for a period of 3 weeks. The program has been a great success and has helped students gain practical experience while making a positive impact on society.
Professor Janaki Anant, Adjunct Associate Professor, NMIMS Bengaluru, and mentor of Udyam,addressing the guests and the students, spoke about Udyam and its efforts throughout the year to socially sensitize the students and contribute to society. She elaborated on WeCARE, saying, “While NGOs thrive on passion and sensitize our students to the responsibility towards society, our students who intern at the NGOs bring in “process” with their managerial skills for which they are being trained, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship. Many of our students maintain their connect with the NGOs and contribute even after they graduate.”
Talking of the innate respect and importance given to education by Indian parents irrespective of their socio-economic status,Mr. Mangal Pandey, said, “While Indians value the need for education and emphasize good education, they don’t value the educator.”
Overall, Vihaan was a successful event that highlighted the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in promoting social responsibility and sustainable solutions. The UDYAM committee remains committed to continuing its efforts to promote social responsibility and sustainable solutions and making a positive impact on society.
