RR Global, a USD 1.25 billion conglomerate, has cemented its position as one of the world’s leading names in the electrical industry. With a presence in over 90 countries, RR Global has championed innovation and quality in wires, cables, and electrical solutions while also making significant strides in corporate social responsibility (CSR). One of its flagship social initiatives, led by RR Kabel, is the Kabel Star Scholarship Program—an initiative designed to support the children of electricians, a community that plays a crucial role in powering the world around us.
At the heart of this initiative is Mrs. Kirti Kabra, Director at RR Global, whose deep commitment to social impact has driven the program’s success over the past three years. A philanthropist and business leader, Mrs. Kabra has been instrumental in building RR Global’s brand across India and beyond, while also spearheading meaningful CSR initiatives such as Mission Roshni, which empowers women and children through education and healthcare. An alumna of INSEAD Singapore, she brings both business acumen and a passion for social good to her role.
In this conversation, Mrs. Kabra delves into the inspiration behind the Kabel Star Scholarship Program, its evolution, and its growing impact on the electrician community. She shares success stories of young scholars—particularly young women—who have defied socio-economic challenges to pursue education, as well as the program’s outreach strategies in remote areas.
Read further for insights on how RR Kabel plans to further expand the initiative, ensuring a brighter future for electricians’ families across India.
Q. What inspired the inception of the Kabel Star Scholarship Program, and how has it evolved over the past three years?
A. The Kabel Star Scholarship Program emerged from a strategic commitment to honoring the unsung heroes of the electrical industry—the electricians whom RR Kabel affectionately calls "Kabel Dost." This initiative is a brainchild of Mrs. Kirti Kabra, specifically designed to cater to and encourage the children of the electrician community. Recognizing the critical role of these professionals in powering communities, the program has strategically expanded its reach to wider geographies and remote areas. By providing financial assistance, RR Kabel sought to create a meaningful pathway for young individuals from electrician families to pursue academic excellence and potentially continue their families' professional legacy. The scholarship primarily targets students who demonstrate strong academic performance after completing their 10th-grade examinations, becoming a beacon of hope for young learners. Since its inception, the program has experienced significant growth and impact. The overwhelmingly positive response from the electrical community has been a driving force behind the program's continued development, reinforcing RR Kabel's dedication to nurturing educational opportunities and investing in the next generation's potential.
Q. How does the Kabel Star Program align with RR Kabel's broader mission of empowering the electrician community and their families?
A. We are proud to see the program steadily broaden its horizon over the years, consistently awarding scholarships annually and deepening its mission to empower young minds through education. By focusing on students who excel academically after their 10th-grade examinations, the program has become a beacon of opportunity for children from electrician families, offering them a pathway to a brighter future. The enthusiastic response from the electrician community has been instrumental in driving the program’s growth, further strengthening RR Kabel’s resolve to expand educational access and invest in the potential of the next generation.
Q. Can you share some of the most inspiring success stories of Kabel Star scholars who have gone on to achieve academic excellence and promising careers?
A. The Kabel Star Scholarship Program has been particularly remarkable in empowering young women from the electrician communities. Our success stories highlight the journey of female scholars who have defied socioeconomic barriers through education. Despite financial challenges, the parents of these young women demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their daughters' dreams, providing unwavering support and encouragement. What stands out is the significant representation of female students in the program. These young women have not just received financial assistance but have been backed by parents who actively challenge traditional limitations. Even when confronted with economic constraints, these families prioritized their daughters' educational and career aspirations. Many of our female scholars have gone on to pursue diverse academic paths, breaking stereotypes and creating new opportunities for themselves and their communities. Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of targeted educational support and progressive familial attitudes.
Q. What criteria are used to select the scholarship recipients, and how does the program ensure that it reaches the most deserving students?
A. The Kabel Star Scholarship Program implements a transparent selection process that prioritizes students from electrician families. Candidates must have a parent registered on the RR Connect app, establishing a direct link to the electrical professional community. The scholarship welcomes students from various educational streams recognized by state and central boards, focusing on those who demonstrate academic potential. By maintaining these targeted yet inclusive criteria, the program creates a meaningful pathway for educational advancement for children of electricians.
Q. What challenges have you faced in implementing the Kabel Star Program, and how have you overcome them to ensure its continued success?
A. Implementing the Kabel Star Scholarship Program presented significant challenges in gathering student applications from wider geographies, particularly in remote areas. Limited communication channels and logistical constraints initially hindered our ability to reach deserving candidates. To overcome these obstacles, we adopted a grassroots approach by strategically displaying posters in dealer outlets and actively informing electricians about the program during local events. This targeted communication strategy effectively bridged geographical gaps, enabling us to spread awareness and encourage applications from even the most isolated regions. By reimagining our outreach methods, we successfully expanded the program's reach across diverse and hard-to-access areas.
Q. How does the Kabel Star Scholarship Program go beyond financial assistance to empower and inspire young scholars from the electrician community?
A. The Kabel Star Scholarship Program stands out as a unique platform that goes beyond traditional financial assistance, offering a transformative stage of felicitation for children of electricians. What truly distinguishes this initiative is its commitment to creating an opportunity for expression and confidence-building. By providing not just monetary support, but also a prestigious recognition platform, the program gives young scholars a moment to shine and feel valued.This scholarship is more than an educational grant; it's a confidence-boosting platform that celebrates the potential of students from the electrical community. The program creates a unique space where young minds can feel acknowledged, inspired, and empowered to pursue their academic dreams. Through carefully designed recognition events and public felicitation, we provide a stage that amplifies their achievements and builds their self-belief.RR Kabel's approach transcends conventional philanthropy by creating an ecosystem that nurtures talent, encourages dreams, and provides a springboard for future success. By offering a platform of recognition, the Kabel Star Scholarship Program becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth, instilling a sense of pride and possibility in the children of electricians.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your future-plans for the Kabel Star Program, and how do you intend to expand its reach and impact on the electrician community and their families?
A. The Kabel Star Scholarship Program aims to continue supporting these electricians’ children. Inspired by the success of our inaugural batch, wefelicitated the top scholars with laptops this year to support their higher education. We aim to understand the requirements of these children and support them in their journey. Our goal is to create more success stories, empowering the electrician community and their families while fostering brighter futures nationwide.