Runaya is a sustainable manufacturing venture that is not only thriving in its business but also making significant strides through its social initiatives. Their story goes beyond corporate success to making a tangible difference in the communities they serve. Their CSR arm, Runaya Reach, focuses on education, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. Through flagship initiatives such as Project Laadli, educational partnerships with IIT Madras, and environmental commitments like The Green Promise, Runaya has impacted over 4,500 lives, fostering positive change in areas that need it most.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Jagannath Prasad, CEO - Recycling Business, Runaya, sheds light on the company's journey and its dedication to sustainable development. He delves into their educational initiatives, including adoption of six rural government schools, and environmental conservation through tree plantations and community engagement. He also discusses Runaya’s focus on empowering women through skill development workshops, creating pathways to employability and healthcare access. Finally, he shares their vision for expanding these initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to long-term impact and community development.
Read the full interview to know more:
Q. Runaya has adopted six government schools in rural areas and provided infrastructure improvements. Could you elaborate on the specific upgrades and how they have impacted the students and surrounding communities?
A. At Runaya, we believe in delivering beyond profitability, focusing on creating a positive impact across communities. Our CSR initiative, Runaya Reach, embodies this philosophy by helping communities grow and prosper together. Runaya Reach is committed to empowering young minds and women to lay the foundation for a holistic growth and a brighter future for our nation.
Runaya Reach's educational programs are designed to provide the required facilities to underprivileged students, ensuring they have access to quality education. We are dedicated to enhancing the infrastructure of local schools to create a conducive learning environment, and our after-school programs offer tutoring and extracurricular activities that help students excel academically and develop essential life skills. Our women's empowerment initiatives include skill development workshops that equip women with skills that enhance their employability and capabilities, along with health and wellness programs that promote awareness and provide access to healthcare services. We also create support networks that encourage women to share knowledge, experiences, and resources.
A flagship initiative under Runaya Reach, Project Laadli has made significant strides in helping students re-enroll in schools. By addressing the barriers that prevent children from continuing their education, Project Laadli has ensured that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. This project has successfully re-enrolled multiple students in local schools, giving them a chance at a better future. Through community engagement, we have mobilized support to identify out-of-school children and facilitate their return to education.
Runaya Reach, the CSR wing of Runaya, has undertaken a transformative upgrade of six adopted government schools, focusing on three vital areas: health and hygiene, improved kitchen facilities, and modern libraries.
- Enhanced Hygiene: Clean restrooms and handwashing stations have instilled better hygiene practices, especially for girls, reducing illness-related absences and increasing school attendance.
- Nutritious Meals: Renovated kitchens ensure students have access to nutritious meals, which supports both their health and their ability to concentrate in class.
- Modern Learning Spaces: The addition of well-equipped libraries provides a wide range of resources, fostering a love for learning and helping to bridge educational gaps in these remote communities.
These initiatives have led to lower absenteeism, improved student performance, and stronger connections between schools and local communities, creating a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Q. With the support of initiatives like Project Laadli and the partnership with IIT Madras, how does Runaya ensure long-term educational opportunities for underprivileged students, particularly young girls pursuing engineering and M.Tech?
A. According to the Annual State of Education Report, 2018, in 2006, 10.3 percent of girls between the ages of 11 to 14 were out of school. In 2018 the figure stood at 4.1 percent, a significant decline. In 2018, 13.5 percent of girls between the ages 15-16 were out of school. Runaya’s Project Laadli is focused on re-enrolling out-of-school children, especially girls, into the formal education system by addressing socio-economic barriers that hinder their continued schooling. This project ensures access to primary and secondary education for underprivileged students, providing them with an opportunity to complete their schooling and empowering them with the foundation they need for future success. Through community engagement and support programs, Project Laadli helps identify out-of-school children and facilitates their return to education, directly impacting their ability to pursue further academic opportunities.
Meanwhile, the partnership with IIT Madras is aimed at supporting young women pursuing engineering and M.Tech degrees by providing financial scholarships, mentorship, and industry exposure. This initiative ensures that these students have access to quality education without financial strain, while also offering them networking opportunities and practical experience to thrive in STEM fields. Together, Project Laadli and the partnership with IIT Madras reflect our commitment to supporting educational advancement for students at different stages, from basic education to specialised higher studies, ensuring long-term opportunities for growth and leadership.
Q. Runaya Reach has transformed over 4,500 lives. Could you share some examples of how this CSR initiative has brought about tangible changes in the communities you work with?
A. Runaya Reach has directly addressed many barriers with the Project Laadli by re-enrolling out-of-school children, giving them a second chance at formal education.
For instance, Mehek, a 15-year-old girl, once believed that education did not hold much significance in shaping her future. However, through Runaya Reach, she experienced a shift that changed her perception. Through various programs, we engaged with her and other girls in the community, emphasizing the value of education and their rights. With ongoing support, Mehek and many girls like her returned to school, boosted by newfound confidence. Recently, she also attended one of our summer camps- an experience she described as an adventure that opened her eyes to learning opportunities she never imagined. Today, Mehek is empowered and optimistic about her future, demonstrating how Runaya's initiatives are making a profound impact on the lives of young girls in her community.
Furthermore, communities have benefited from collaborative programs where parents, teachers, and local leaders actively participate in the development of the school environment. This collaboration creates a sense of shared ownership and promotes long-term sustainability.
Q. Regarding The Green Promise, Runaya plans to plant 600+ trees by the end of FY25. Could you talk about the importance of this project in terms of environmental sustainability, and how sustainable is your plantation drive in the long run? What measures are being taken to ensure their upkeep and maintenance?
A. The Green Promise, integral to our commitment to sustainability, aims to combat deforestation, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance biodiversity across Dadra & Nagar Haveli by FY25. By increasing green cover in these regions, we aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to cleaner air and improved local ecosystems.
Our approach emphasises sustainable greening efforts, involving the local community and students in tree maintenance and monitoring activities. We collaborate with local authorities to establish monitoring schedules, regular check-ups, and create green spaces, ensuring long-term care for the plantations. Community participation cultivates a sense of responsibility and ensures that these efforts continue beyond the planting phase, making the project a sustainable model for environmental conservation.
Q. What role do awareness sessions play in The Green Promise, and how are these sessions contributing to eco-consciousness among the younger generation in Dadra & Nagar Haveli?
A. Awareness sessions under The Green Promise are designed to instil eco-conscious values and mindset among students at an early age. These sessions go beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, and focus more on engaging participants through interactive activities, tree planting drives, and discussions on environmental challenges and solutions. By emphasising the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, these programs cultivate environmental stewardship among the younger generation. The sessions also promote a sense of personal responsibility, encouraging students to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, thereby creating a ripple effect of environmental awareness within their families and communities.
Q. Women’s empowerment is a key focus area for Runaya. Could you tell us more about the skill development workshops and the ways they have improved the employability and livelihoods of the women involved?
A. In alignment with PM Modi’s 'Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat' programme, the skill development workshops were started with the aim to equip women with practical, market-relevant skills. They are trained with skills such as tailoring, computer literacy, and financial literacy, which significantly enhance their employability. These workshops focus on entrepreneurial training as well, enabling participants to launch small businesses or engage in income-generating activities.
To support long-term success, we have also established peer networks, where women can exchange knowledge, resources, and mentorship, creating a collaborative environment for shared learning and growth. As a result, many participants from the region have secured employment or started their own ventures, improving both their livelihoods and financial independence. The workshops have empowered women to contribute actively to their households and communities, fostering long-term social and economic development.
Q. Runaya has not only worked on education and environmental initiatives but also on healthcare for women. How are these programs structured, and what kind of healthcare services are provided?
A. Runaya Reach integrates women’s healthcare programs into its community development initiatives, focusing on preventive healthcare, hygiene awareness, and wellness workshops. Regular health check-ups and awareness campaigns are organised to address critical health issues and promote mental well-being. The programs place a strong emphasis on menstrual health education, ensuring women and girls have access to hygiene products and information to manage their health effectively. Through these initiatives, Runaya aims to reduce healthcare disparities and empower women to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families.
Q. As CEO of Runaya's Green Business, how do you envision the expansion of these initiatives in the coming years? What future plans or projects are in place to further enhance Runaya’s impact in both sustainability and community development?
A. We aim to scale up our existing programs and bring new initiatives to the fore that align with our core values- sustainability-first mindset and community development. We plan to adopt additional schools in underdeveloped regions, furthering our impact on education. We also aim to expand our tree plantation efforts by broadening ‘The Green Promise’ initiative to other states where we operate. Collaborations with educational and environmental organisations will continue to play a vital role, ensuring that these initiatives remain innovative and impactful. In addition, we are also exploring new avenues for sustainable business models, aiming to integrate circular economy practices across our operations while fostering more community involvement.
Q. Collaboration seems to be an essential part of your strategy. Could you share details about some of your current partnerships, such as with IIT Madras, and how these collaborations have enhanced your efforts in education, environmental sustainability, and community development?
A. Collaboration is at the heart of Runaya’s approach, enabling us to amplify our impact by leveraging the expertise and resources of our partners. Our partnership with IIT Madras exemplifies our collaborative approach to promoting education and gender equality. Through scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities to young women, this partnership enables students to excel academically and prepare for leadership roles. In Dadra & Nagar Haveli, partnerships with local authorities have been instrumental in executing The Green Promise, ensuring the long-term success of the plantation drive. These collaborations strengthen Runaya's ability to mobilise resources and expertise, enhancing the impact of our initiatives in both environmental sustainability and community development.
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