In a world driven by challenges and opportunities, the need for visionary leaders and change-makers has never been more critical. Recognizing the power of innovative ideas and the potential for transformative impact, M3M Foundation launched the Mashaal Fellowship programme in April. Through this initiative the organization is on a mission to drive meaningful change and empower the next generation of social innovators. It provides support to individuals and social businesses working towards addressing important social issues in education, livelihood, environment, and healthcare. The fellowship aims to make a lasting impact by offering a comprehensive framework that includes financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities, empowering and assisting social innovators in their endeavours.
In an interview with TheCSRUniverse, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Trustee of M3M Foundation, shares insights into the significance and objectives of the fellowship. She emphasizes the foundation's dedication to fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat and recognizing young talents with innovative ideas for sustainable societal change. Dr. Kanodia also highlights the foundation's commitment to self-reliance in rural India through its multifarious CSR activities.
For further insights, continue reading the full interview below.
Q. What inspired the M3M Foundation to launch the Mashaal Fellowship programme, and what are the long-term goals of the initiative?
Identifying and unleashing the untapped potential and enabling them to contribute to society in meaningful ways is the thought behind the launch of M3M foundation 's flagship programme, 'Mashaal.' True to its name, Mashaal embodies enlightenment.
By providing an opportunity and supporting the unique and creative ideas M3M foundation aims to accomplish the following long -term goals.
• Driving societal progress
• Promoting diversity and inclusivity
• Economic growth and job creation
• Addressing societal challenges
• Inspiration and role modelling
• Social mobility and equity
By supporting intellectually gifted individuals who lack finances but possess innovative ideas, creativity, and passion benefits not only the individuals themselves but also society as a whole. It promotes progress, diversity, economic growth, and inclusivity, while addressing societal challenges and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Q. What are the fellowship programme selection criteria, and how are the finalists chosen? Please elaborate.
Indian nationals from any part of the country can apply but priority is given to the candidates from M3MF’s priority intervention zones, which includes Education, Health, Livelihood & Environment. Intrinsically motivated and intellectual individuals with an intent to serve the society at large, in the age bracket of 25-35 years are selected for the Mashaal Fellowship. Additionally, the candidate needs to be a proficient communicator in English or any one of the native Indian languages. Under the fellowship programme, preference would be given for candidates from special groups such as women, backward classes, PWDs (Person With disability/s) and other marginalized communities.
The selection procedure involves two major phases:
Phase 1: Applicants should apply through an online application form through M3MF's website. Project Concept Note (PCN) to be submitted by the candidates while filling up the application form. An expert panel shortlists the innovations through the concept notes for the 2nd round of assessment.
Phase 2: Involves the Presentation round wherein shortlisted candidates prepare a comprehensive presentation of their innovations and impact they want to create. A panel of experts, post the due diligence, finalize the applicants for the sanction of the fellowship.
Q. How do you plan to measure and evaluate the impact of the projects supported, and what metrics will be used to determine success?
Measuring and evaluating the impact of a project supported is crucial for understanding its effectiveness and determining its success. While the specific metrics, did vary, depending on the nature of the project. Sharing some common metrics, we used to assess the impact:
Quantitative metrics were as under:
• Financial impact
• Market penetration
• Adoption and usage
• Efficiency gains
Qualitative metrics:
• User feedback and satisfaction
• Social impact
• Innovation and uniqueness
• Collaboration and partnerships
Long-term impact:
• Scalability and growth potential
• Industry recognition and awards
• Societal and environmental impact
Each project requires a tailored approach to measuring impact, considering its specific goals, stakeholders, and context. Combining both quantitative and qualitative metrics provides a comprehensive evaluation of the project's success, ensuring a balanced assessment of its impact on various dimensions.
Q. In what ways does the Mashaal Fellowship programme differ from other fellowship programmes focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship?
Mashaal fellowship programme is unique because of the 360° support it provides. Every minor requirement of the aspirant, is looked into, including:
• Funding
• Mentorship and guidance
• Access to resources
• Networking opportunities
• Intellectual property support
• Visibility and promotion
• Collaboration opportunities
• Training and capacity building
• Awards and recognition
• Incubation or accelerator programs
We aim to empower innovators by addressing their key needs and challenges, enabling them to focus on their creative work while receiving the necessary support and recognition to thrive.
Q. What kind of mentorship and networking opportunities will be provided to the fellows and how will they be matched with the mentors?
The criteria for matching mentees with mentors can vary depending on the specific context and goals of the mentorship program. However, here are some common criteria that are often considered when matching mentees with mentors:
• Expertise and experience
• Goals and objectives
• Compatibility
• Availability and commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Geographic proximity
• Specific needs
• Personal interests
Networking opportunities that we ensure are available to our mentees are as under:
• Industry conferences and events
• Professional association meetings
• Online networking platforms
• Alumni networks
• Workshops and seminars
• Informational interviews
• Job fairs and career expos
• Volunteer and community events
• Social media engagement
Mentorship Strategies:
Goal setting and action planning and regular check-ins have paved way for consistency.
Q. How does the programme aim to address the unique challenges faced by social innovators in India, particularly in education, livelihood, environment, and healthcare?
Anything new and innovative will have its share of hiccups. As and when confronted, we have left no stone unturned, to nip it in the bud. We have our standard operating procedures that we modify to meet unforeseen challenges.
Education:
• Collaboration and partnerships
• Evidence-based practices
• Policy advocacy
• Community engagement
• Technology integration
Livelihood:
• Skills development
• Microfinance and entrepreneurship support
• Market linkages
• Knowledge sharing platforms
• Advocacy for social protection
Environment:
• Sustainable practices
• Awareness and education
• Collaboration with stakeholders
• Innovation and technology
• Restoration and conservation
Healthcare:
• Access to healthcare services
• Health education and awareness
• Collaboration with primary health centres and central govt health centres etc.
Q. What steps has the M3M Foundation taken to promote diversity and inclusivity among the fellows selected for the Mashaal Fellowship programme?
Promoting diversity and inclusivity is the core belief of M3M Foundation. Fellows in a Mashaal fellowship program come with diverse range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We go an extra mile by keeping in mind the following:
• Develop inclusive selection criteria
• Outreach and recruitment
• Bias awareness and training
• Transparent and inclusive application process.
• Diverse selection committee
• Holistic evaluation
• Mentorship and support
• Cultural competency training
• Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
• Ongoing evaluation and feedback
By implementing these tips, we help create an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates and benefits from the richness of different backgrounds and experiences.
Q. How will you leverage technology and alumni knowledge to support such future cohorts?
Technology and alumni support can be an immense support. Ways in which it can be leveraged by the fellows as under:
• Technology
• Virtual Learning Platforms
• Collaboration Tools
• Online Mentorship Programs
• Data Analysis and Visualization
• Virtual Presentations and Networking Events
• Alumni Support:
• Alumni Networking Events
• Alumni Speaker Series
• Alumni Mentorship Program
• Alumni Resource Database
• Alumni Job and Internship Opportunities
By leveraging technology and alumni support in these ways, fellowship programs can enhance the learning experience, foster connections, and provide valuable resources to current students, enabling them to succeed during and after their fellowship tenure.
Q. How do you plan to ensure project sustainability and financial accountability in the fellowship program?
Ensuring sustainability and accountability is crucial for the long-term success of any program. We do it by working from the grassroot level. For us streamlining and brainstorming everything is mandatory.
Setting Clear Program Goals and Objectives with Measurable Outcomes: At M3M Foundation, we believe in ensuring that our goals are specific, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By clearly defining the desired outcomes, we establish a framework for monitoring and evaluating progress, fostering accountability throughout the program.
We also monitor the undermentioned closely:
• Stakeholder Engagement and Buy-In
• Robust Monitoring and Evaluation
• Financial Sustainability
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation
• Collaboration and Partnerships
By incorporating these strategies, we ensuring the program's long-term success and maximize its positive impact on the intended beneficiaries, our Mashaal fellows.
Q. How does the programme plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the projects supported are culturally relevant and responsive to local needs?
Engaging the local community and stakeholders is vital to ensuring that projects are culturally relevant and responsive to local needs. It requires involvement at multiple levels.
Understated are things we would imply:
• Conduct a needs assessment
• Foster inclusive participation
• Build relationships
• Tailor communication strategies
• Collaborate with local organizations
• Consider cultural norms and practices
• Provide capacity-building opportunities
• Regularly communicate progress
• Seek feedback and evaluate impact
Maintaining and fostering meaningful community engagement is what we aspire for.
Involving the parents of our fellows and their extended families, organizing workshops and providing guidance to parents for their involvement in their children's journey to accomplishment also helps.
Q. How does the Foundation collaborate with other stakeholders in the education, livelihood, environment, and healthcare sectors to maximise the impact of its CSR initiatives? And how are your initiatives aligned with the overall CSR goals and strategy of the Group?
The M3M Foundation, collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance its impact and achieve its goals. The foundation collaborates with stakeholders in education, example: schools and school districts, teachers and educators, universities and research institutions, NGOs, government agencies and policy makers, corporate partners, parents and families, students and youth organizations etc.
In livelihood we collaborate with local educational institutions, vocational training centres, and industry experts to offer skill development programs.
For Health, we organize healthcare camps, health awareness programs, we provide healthcare infrastructure support as well. M3M Foundation collaborates with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities to improve infrastructure and access to quality healthcare services. This collaboration includes financial aid, medical equipment donations, and capacity building initiatives.
For the Environment, M3M Foundation doing various act as tree plantation drives, Waste Management Initiatives, we run cleanliness campaigns etc. M3M Foundation's collaborations with stakeholders in livelihood, health, and the environment with the aim to create sustainable and inclusive development, improving the overall well-being of communities.
By aligning its initiatives with CSR goals, M3M Foundation demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and community development. This alignment ensures that the foundation's efforts have a more significant and meaningful impact on the communities it serves, creating a positive change that goes beyond its core business activities.
Q. What other CSR themes does M3M Foundation focus on besides education to achieve its goal of self-reliant rural India, and what specific initiatives have been taken towards those themes?
Self-reliance in "Rural India” is M3M Foundation’s cherished dream. Ever since the formation of the foundation, M3M is working in Tauru District of Haryana to make this dream a reality. The foundation has taken following steps:
• Promote agricultural diversification
• Improve irrigation facilities
• Enhance access to credit and financial services
• Strengthen rural infrastructure
• Promote skill development and vocational training
• Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation
• Enhance access to quality education
• Strengthen rural healthcare facilities
• Encourage sustainable farming practices
• Foster rural-urban linkages
Achieving self-reliance in rural India requires a multi-dimensional approach involving government policies, private sector participation, and community engagement. The M3M Foundation has set the ball rolling and it’s our commitment to self that we shall not stop until we have contributed our bit to make the dream of our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi a reality.
