Mr. Ranjan Chopra is the founder of Team Computers, a homegrown 500 million-dollar IT company with a legacy of 35 years. A self-made entrepreneur hailing from the esteemed IIT Kanpur, he has not only established Team Computers as a thriving business organization but has also spearheaded an array of remarkable social initiatives.
For over 35 years, Team Computers has championed the belief that selfless service, or "Sewa", lies at the core of its identity. Beyond their business operations, the company has embarked on numerous social projects that encompass a wide spectrum of causes. From promoting digital literacy and skill development to providing aid to the sick and needy, they have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals. They have also played a pivotal role in enabling individuals with disabilities, advocating for animal welfare, and contributing to agroforestry and reforestation efforts. The company has seamlessly integrated their commitment to social responsibility into the fabric of their organization. Their dedication to uplifting communities and making a meaningful difference in society is nothing short of inspiring.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Ranjan Chopra, MD & CEO- Team Computers, discusses their major social projects in detail, the impact that they have created and the transformative power of combining business success with philanthropy.
Scroll down for the full interview:
Q. You are doing extensive CSR work in the domains of digital literacy and skilling- this includes projects for school children, prisoners, and people with disabilities. This aligns with your core business area of technology. What led you to diversify into a relatively unexplored area like forestry?
The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and have a direct impact on the environment, economy, and society. From melting glaciers leading to rising sea levels to extreme weather events like floods, droughts, heat waves, and hurricanes becoming more frequent in many regions; it is clear that these changes will only become more severe unless we take action now.
The devastating effects of climate change on forests are becoming more and more apparent especially if we see it in the recent past. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increasingly extreme weather events have caused them to become increasingly dry and prone to wildfires. This is having a devastating effect on the ecology of many regions, as the habitats of innumerable species are destroyed in the process. Owing to this we wanted to work towards reducing our carbon footprint in order to protect ourselves from the worst effects of climate change. It's time for us all to step up and do what needs to be done before it's too late!
Environment protection and climate change have been important component of our CSR intervention since the beginning. In the last 5 years, we have implemented various path-breaking pilot initiatives in the rewilding and forestry domain in Uttarakhand. For each corporation whether an IT organization or a manufacturing organization or a service organization, the responsibility to safeguard forests has become increasingly important in the face of climate change. Everything else can wait but this cannot be prolonged in the face of climate change. To do our part, we have started to take action through our own initiatives. Our forestry initiative is targeted to contribute to restoring the green cover in the nearby area and raise awareness about the effects of climate change on natural habitats with the engagement of local communities.
Q. What are the initiatives/projects that you intend to start with? Who would be your implementation partners for these initiatives?
In the past 3-4 years, we have conducted extensive research and developed innovative forestry methods that focus on promoting native species of the respective locations. We have done pilot programs to test our strategies for conserving forests and evaluating their effectiveness which shows some remarkable results.
Additionally, we have designed our own innovative methods of forestry that are both sustainable and beneficial to the environment. These methods focus on promoting native species without using chemicals backed by an effective strategy for managing forests and increasing their green cover. We have used the Miyawaki Method of forestry which has shown remarkable results in terms of providing us 13 Lacs Liter of water from the same area in one year. We also promote mixed techniques such as agroforestry, which involves integrating trees into agricultural production systems. Our methods not only seek to protect our natural habitats but also to help restore biodiversity in the affected areas.
We are working closely with local panchayats, forest departments, and universities to ensure the successful implementation of our forestry initiatives. Every year we set a target to create at least two forests in order to help protect our natural habitats from the effects of climate change. In our current capacity, we are planting 10,000 plants every month in difficult hilly terrains. We strive to plant approximately 1,00,000 plants every month as part of our commitment. We have built our own homegrown team of Forest Professionals working with a unique Business model of Target Vs Achievements. We look forward to supporting like-minded organizations working at similar speeds and scales.
Q. Replantation would require the support of local authorities, forest departments, etc. What kind of support do you seek from them and how has their response been so far?
We take great care to ensure that our reforestation efforts are properly planned and executed in the most effective manner possible. All our project interventions go through a participatory planning and implementation method by engaging local communities and panchayats to identify areas where afforestation can make the greatest impact, both in terms of ecological health and economic benefits for local communities. We also analyze different factors, such as soil type, topography, and climate, to determine the ideal species of trees for each location to maximize our impact.
We have received extremely overwhelming responses from the local community, panchayats, and Forest Departments for our forestry initiative who are well aware of the long-term benefits of preserving and restoring forests. We act as a catalyst for change, providing expertise and resources to empower locals in forest creation.
Q. You have partnered with Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust for most of your digital literacy and skilling projects. How did this partnership come into effect? What are the most important factors that you consider while finalizing an implementation partner?
Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP) is one of the valuable project partners for our digital literacy, cyber safety, and skilling projects among many other organizations whom we work with on different thematic interventions. We found a common mission, community-oriented goal, innovation, transparency and trust in the organization's work. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration that encourages everyone to contribute their unique ideas and perspectives. In partnership with SSRDP, we have reached remote areas, as there is no other invention in that particular area on thematic areas on which we are working.
When finalizing an NGO implementation partner, several important factors are considered. All our NGO partners go through a rigorous due diligence process which includes understanding their alignment with the mission, subject matter expertise, past track record, capacity, resources, geographic presence, local knowledge, collaborative approach, monitoring and evaluation Systems in place, Financial Management and Accountability and project sustainability. By carefully evaluating we can identify an NGO implementation partner that aligns with your organization's goals which have the necessary expertise and capacity and shares the same commitment to making a positive impact. A strong partnership built on these considerations increases the likelihood of successful project implementation and meaningful outcomes.
Q. How has the corporate-NGO relationship evolved in the past few years in the light of more stringent reporting norms, thrust on sustainability and alignment with SDGs?
The corporate-NGO relationship has transformed significantly in recent years. Stricter reporting norms, sustainability focus, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been instrumental in this evolution. Key changes include:
1. Collaboration for Sustainable Development: Corporations and NGOs recognize that sustainable development requires collaboration. Businesses align their strategies with SDGs and seek expertise from NGOs on sustainability.
2. Shared Value Approaches: Companies and NGOs pursue shared value by addressing social and environmental challenges while creating economic value.
3. Reporting and Transparency: Stringent reporting norms lead to enhanced transparency. NGOs hold corporations accountable, fostering dialogue and comprehensive reporting frameworks.
4. Co-creation and Co-design: Corporations and NGOs collaborate on project design and implementation, ensuring effectiveness and alignment with sustainability goals.
5. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Partnerships involve governments, civil society, and diverse actors to tackle complex issues.
6. Enhanced Due Diligence: Corporations conduct thorough due diligence to mitigate reputational risks associated with NGO partnerships.
7. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Corporations engage with NGOs to acquire knowledge and expertise in sustainability, social impact, and community development.
The corporate-NGO relationship has shifted towards a strategic, collaborative, and long-term approach to sustainable development, adhering to stricter reporting norms and SDG alignment.
Q. What kind of mechanisms do you have in place for impact assessment of your initiatives- could you give a few examples?
As an organization, we strictly follow result-based management in which we track and assess the outcomes and impacts of all our initiatives. We focus on measuring results rather than simply tracking activities. We set clear and measurable indicators, collect relevant data, and analyze progress toward predetermined results. This enables organizations to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of their interventions, make data-driven decisions, and adapt strategies as needed. By employing this method, organizations can enhance accountability, improve project management, and ensure that their initiatives achieve the desired results and contribute to positive change.
All of our programs have comprehensive and ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and feedback systems in place. Before the project begins, we conduct detailed baseline research to identify areas of need and partnership opportunities. Throughout the course of the project, midline and end-line assessments measure progress against objectives and help ensure efficacy. The results are used to identify areas of learning, sustainability, learning, ROI, and community reach.
In our digital literacy and skilling project, we learned that investment in infrastructure has been very fruitful than just having human resources. Infrastructure has helped children in grasping new skills, making them aware of basic cyber safety, and educating them with a positive mindset.
Q. You mention having an attitude of Sewa even in your business. What does Sewa mean to you?
We believe Sewa, or selfless service, is a core part of our DNA as human beings. Every individual owes the responsibility to look after the planet, its flora and fauna, and the people who inhabit the world with us. Practicing Sewa means putting aside our own needs in order to provide for those less fortunate than us. Moreover, Sewa can be seen as an expression of love and kindness.
Over the years we found that Sewa has ignited the power to do something greater than ourselves and given us the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society in the best possible way.
Q. Do you think the element of selfless service is somewhat lost in structured CSR projects with targets and deadlines?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important concept for businesses to understand and embrace, as it involves helping the organization's stakeholders, such as customers, employees, and its local community. It is no longer enough for businesses to simply focus on their financial bottom line - they must also consider how their actions can positively contribute to society.
CSR is not only beneficial from a business perspective, but it can have a profound positive impact on society as a whole. It goes beyond the traditional focus on profit-making and includes the company's impact on society and the environment.
I believe that everyone can make a difference in the world. At Team Computers we encourage our employees to participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, as they help contribute to a larger cause. Collective efforts of individuals can have a much greater, more positive impact on society than individual efforts alone.
Q. You have a robust growth forecast for Team Computers in the coming years. How would your CSR strategy evolve with a consequential increase in outlay (e.g. more focus areas vs more footprint in existing areas)?
As we are growing the outlay for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) we would encourage certain things which include:- Firstly, the scope of CSR initiatives is expanding to address a broader range of social and environmental issues, especially for climate change and forestry, supporting additional causes and communities. Secondly, with more financial resources, we will create a larger impact by scaling up existing projects and funding initiatives in new geographies. Thirdly, we will strengthen our long-term planning, focusing on sustainable development and tackling systemic challenges.
Moreover, collaborative partnerships with NGOs, government entities, and local communities can be fostered to tackle complex issues collectively. Robust monitoring, employee engagement, reporting, innovation, and research will also be enhanced, aligning increased CSR efforts with business strategy and stakeholder expectations.
Also, to add on we are scaling all our initiatives on a pan-India level in the coming years, we don’t see CSR as just a 2% liability but also consider it as a responsibility for the survival of mankind.
Q. Do you have any suggestions to elevate the overall impact of corporate CSR in India and improve transparency and accountability?
To accomplish this goal, we need some platforms at the government level, and association level such as open data portals, digital identity systems, and public policy research centers. Wherein we can similarly engage with associations to develop programs such as hackathons or workshops to create a space for mutual learning and gather information. Additionally, think tanks can provide an effective platform for people to showcase their programs and initiatives with sheer guidance. Also, there has to be a two-way engagement for both learners and innovators, beyond corporate houses learning, universities, colleagues, and aggregators. To create this dynamic environment of learning and innovation, companies can involve field experts in their programs by providing them with mentorship or leadership opportunities.
Additionally, to spread the word about CSR I think CSR activities need to be part of regular school learning, and this is something that many countries are beginning to recognize. Educational institutions should ensure that their curriculum includes lessons on CSR and its various aspects. Students need to understand the different ways businesses can positively impact society and the environment through effective CSR initiatives. This way the country can have more CSR-Prenuers in the coming years.
To elevate the impact of corporate CSR in India and enhance transparency and accountability, key suggestions include establishing clear guidelines and standards, implementing mandatory reporting, encouraging independent auditing, fostering collaborations with civil society organizations, conducting impact assessments, involving stakeholders, disclosing CSR policies, supporting capacity building, recognizing exemplary practices, and promoting collaboration among companies. By adopting these measures, corporate CSR initiatives can become more effective, ensuring they align with societal needs and expectations while driving positive social and environmental outcomes in a transparent and accountable manner.
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