Rajesh Doshi stands out as a first-generation entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Zebronics India Pvt Ltd, a company established in 1997 that quickly became a leader in the IT hardware sector. With a unique background as a Gold Medalist in Botany from Loyola College, Chennai, Mr. Doshi ventured into the technology arena, identifying IT hardware's vast growth potential. His leadership and dynamic approach have propelled Zebronics to achieve a remarkable turnover of over 80 crores within its first decade.
Furthermore, the company founded on a philosophy that marries technological innovation with a deep-seated commitment to societal well-being has set a precedent in corporate social responsibility (CSR) that resonates with its overarching vision.
In this interview, Mr Doshi delves into the multifaceted nature of company’s CSR initiatives, from health and education to environmental sustainability, highlighting the profound impact of their endeavors on underprivileged communities and the environment at large.
Q: Can you give us an overview of Zebronics' commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it aligns with the company's overall vision?
A: Zebronics is founded on the principles of responsible corporate citizenship, embracing the Doctrine of Care philosophy. Functioning as a socially accountable corporate entity, Zebronics has effectively extended goodwill to various communities through diverse community projects. Zebronics' CSR activities remains committed to fostering social development in communities by providing sustainable solutions.
Q: Please elaborate on the objectives of the Zeb-Health program and its impact on underprivileged communities. How has the health clinic in Pallikarnai, Tamil Nadu, contributed to local health care?
A: The Zeb-Health initiative is dedicated to conducting regular health check-ups and providing medical aid to the underprivileged. Additionally, we operate a health clinic in Pallikarnai, Tamil Nadu, offering essential medical services. In our commitment to community well-being, we regularly organize yoga classes in old-age homes and orphanages. Furthermore, we play an active role in coordinating and participating in nationwide blood donation camps in collaboration with prominent blood banks. Apart from these we also support cancer patients in their treatment and vaccinations.
Q: In the context of COVID-19, how did Zebronics adapt its health-related CSR activities to meet the new challenges?
A: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zebronics swiftly adjusted its health-related CSR initiatives to address emerging challenges, ensuring continued support to communities in need. The company remains committed to prioritizing the well-being of individuals through strategic adaptations in response to the ongoing public health crisis. In recent years, especially post-Covid, we have been consistently emphasizing on health-related programs for adults and children. With the help of local authorities in many parts of the country, we have executed multiple channels of support by distributing Health & Medical devices such as Pulse Oximeters, Infrared Thermometers, and masks.
Q: What inspired the launch of the Zeb-Tech initiative, and how does it promote inquisitive thinking among students? Can you share some success stories or outcomes from the Zeb-Tech activities in schools?
A: Under our Zeb-Tech initiative we promote inquisitive thinking amongst school students via an array of competitions often kindling interest towards a variety of subjects and arts. Herewith we involve students and arrange for a range of activities segregated as per their age and enhance their knowledge and we have done this across 5000+ schools across the country so far, prior to Covid. Now we intend to take this forward and to reach as many as possible and involve students in a range of activities that are tailored to their age and helping to enhance their knowledge.
Q: How does Zeb-Learn benefit children in orphanages and the elderly in old-age homes, and can you provide examples of the positive impact of arts, crafts, and educational trips on participants?
A: Zeb-Learn concentrates on blended programs for orphanages and old-age homes, offering learning-based activities such as arts and crafts for children. Educational trips, including visits to planetariums, are organized to make learning a habit. In old-age homes, cultural activities are arranged, creating engaging experiences for the elderly, fostering connection and joy. Some Zeb-Learn programs coincide with festive celebrations for added enrichment. In coming times will increase the momentum of activities and endeavor to touch many lives.
Q: What are the key goals of the Zeb-Environment initiative, and how do you measure its success in terms of environmental impact?
A: With the Zeb-Environment initiative, we carry out multiple activities that aim towards a better environment, one project at a time. Being in Chennai, a coastal city, we regularly have coastal and beach clean-up programs where we emphasize and educate people towards the impacts of litter that gets washed away into the sea. Besides this, we have done many tree sapling planting activities and marathons across India to promote a better and a sustainable environment for the future.
Q: How does Zebronics strategically collaborate with local authorities, medical institutions, and NGOs to enhance the effectiveness of its CSR initiatives, and what notable impacts have been achieved through its longstanding commitment to community welfare?
A: Over the years, our CSR initiatives have thrived, particularly post-Covid, with a strong focus on health and education programs for both adults and children. Collaborating with local authorities nationwide, we've distributed Zebronics Health & Medical devices and partnered with clinics to offer dialysis services to patients. During summers, our efforts extend to installing water bowls for animals. In a recent heart-warming event with Myrtle NGO, we organized a special day camp for 20 children battling cancer, fostering awareness on National Cancer Awareness Day in Chennai. We also financially contribute in old age homes and celebrate pongal and other festivals together with them. We also support PETA India to achieve even more victories for animals. In addition, we also conduct health check-ups where almost 30 patients participate every day.
Q: What challenges has Zebronics faced in implementing its CSR activities and how have these been addressed?
A: The implementation of CSR programs often depends on external variables, with the seamless collaboration of internal and external stakeholders playing a pivotal role. Instances abound where predefined objectives faced challenges, particularly amid the COVID-19 era. Many corporations, prioritizing the urgent needs of the hour, shifted their focus from existing projects to extending support during the pandemic, affecting the trajectory of planned initiatives.
Q: How does Zebronics plan to expand or evolve its CSR activities? Are there any new initiatives or programs in the pipeline?
A: Zebronics has seamlessly integrated CSR into its organizational fabric, championing programs like Zeb-Health, Zeb-Learn, Zeb-Tech, and Zeb Environment to contribute to societal upliftment. Guided by a clear vision emphasizing positive narratives, scalability, sustainability, health promotion, and value addition, the leadership prioritizes impact interventions aligned with Good Health, Quality Education, and Environmental initiatives. The collective involvement of employees reflects a commitment to children-centric social interventions in education and healthcare, aimed at identifying and addressing key areas for social development, fostering access, and safeguarding underserved communities to realize India's growth potential.
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