GlobalLogic, a leading technology force under the Hitachi umbrella, isn't just about innovation—it's about creating positive change. Through its CSR initiatives, GlobalLogic empowers communities, fosters potential, and champions sustainability. In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Monika Walia, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, GlobalLogic, offers a closer look at how they achieve this impact.
She speaks about GlobalLogic's CSR programs, including 'Educate to Empower,' which enhances educational opportunities, and 'GL Goes Green,' promoting sustainable practices. She also covers the 'Sakhi Program' for supporting adolescent girls and the 'Parivartan Program' for nurturing talent. Let's delve into how these initiatives make a real difference.
Discover key insights from the interview below.
Q&A
Q. GlobalLogic is recognized for its technological expertise. How does this translate into tangible educational opportunities for marginalized communities through your education initiatives?
A. At GlobalLogic we understand the importance of technology and how it can accelerate the development of an individual more so during the developmental phase of the children and impact the society at large through innovative technological intervention, creating solutions for the larger good. We aim to not only provide access to technology and its knowledge but also create spaces that accelerate learning for children. Such interventions not only broaden and deepen their education but also enhance their skills which may provide better career prospects in the future as well.
Q. Building on your educational initiatives, how does the "Educate to Empower" program adapt its approach to meet the specific needs of different marginalized communities?
A. The "Educate to Empower" initiative is dedicated to granting access to quality education for children in disadvantaged communities through various means such as digital education, STEM initiatives, and scholarship programs, among others. Our program aims towards mainstreaming the students who are out of school and also provides remedial support where needed. Our STEM initiative focuses on the need to provide equal learning opportunities to students with a special focus on girl child, where we not only set up STEM labs but also support the learning process for the students and teachers. These are some of the programs that enable new learning opportunities for the children focused on 21st-century skills.
Q. Given your focus on girl child education, how does the "Sakhi Program" with the NalandaWay Foundation tackle the challenges adolescent girls face in marginalized communities? What support and interventions are used to aid their overall development and school engagement?
A. Sakhi is a Holistic development program designed for girls in the age group 13-18 years coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. We know that a girl child faces various challenges during this period, especially in the communities we work in and hence there is a high risk of girls dropping out/ irregular schooling. To address these challenges effectively, a multi-dimensional approach encompassing physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, and livelihood aspects is essential for the healthy development of the girl child. The program focuses on all these parameters through various interventions which would focus on developing their knowledge, attitude, skills and habits. In addition to academic support, our program offers a diverse range of interactive, inspiring, and fun sessions. These include art-learning sessions, group activities, inspiring discussions, and talks by experts in psychology, art therapy, leadership, and community engagement.
Q. Following your emphasis on education, how does the "Parivartan Program" identify and support promising B-tech scholars from marginalized backgrounds? What ongoing support does the program offer to ensure their success?
A. The "Parivartan'' program is implemented through our NGO partner Foundation for Excellence (FFE). Students apply to the scholarship program through an online application form. Students interested in the scholarship program can apply online via an application form. Upon review of the applications, eligible students are connected with one of FFE’s volunteer "Facilitators" spread across 28 states. These volunteer facilitators range from retired professionals, experienced professionals, FFE alumni etc.
Facilitators meet prospective students or their family members to undertake ground checks, it is a non-biased process based on identified eligibility criteria. Qualifying criteria to be eligible for the scholarship program are based on academic excellence based on qualifying rank in the entrance exam. i.e., CET/JEE MAIN/JEE Advance, as well as financial need. To qualify, students must belong to families with a combined annual income of INR 3 Lakh or less.
7. Environmental sustainability is another core focus for your organization. In that context, how does the "GL Goes Green" initiative drive sustainable practices and community engagement? Can you provide an overview of its main accomplishments?
A. GLGoesGreen is an initiative that is core to GlobalLogic. Under the umbrella of #GLGoesGreen, we have always strived to reduce, reuse, and recycle resources to conserve and preserve our environment. Our efforts include transitioning to a plastic-free environment, where plastic pens have been replaced with recyclable alternatives, and plastic bottles substituted with glass ones. We've installed indoor plants that produce oxygen and purify the air, optimized water usage by employing recycled water in all washrooms and replaced standard garbage bags with biodegradable alternatives. Recently, we've launched a fleet of electric vehicles for our employees and installed sensor lights across our office premises to conserve energy. These initiatives fall under the umbrella of our #GLGoesGreen campaign.
Q. Given your commitment to impactful initiatives, how does GlobalLogic strategically integrate sustainability and corporate responsibility into its core business practices?
A. GlobalLogic is at the forefront of innovative approaches aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. By harnessing the power of technology and sustainability, we are pioneering solutions that resonate with our core values and vision for the future. Through initiatives like "GL Goes Green," we're not only reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices within our operations but also inspiring similar actions in the broader community. Furthermore, our commitment to education and empowerment is evident in programs like "Educate to Empower," which extend access to quality education to marginalized communities, fostering long-term societal impact. Additionally, our collaborative efforts with our partner organizations for programs such as "Sakhi" and "Parivartan 2.0" demonstrate our dedication to addressing specific social issues, such as adolescent girls' education and empowerment. These initiatives underscore our corporate ethos of responsibility, sustainability, and innovation, as we strive towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
