CSR is a strategic investment towards building a more equitable and sustainable future.Cybage Foundation presents an excellent example of how well planned CSR interventions can pivot communities towards empowerment. The foundation has been driving impactful social change by focusing on rural development and education through its two pillars—CybageAsha and CybageKhushboo.
While CybageAsha works towards empowering rural communities by enhancing infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and women’s empowerment, CybageKhushboo ensures that deserving students receive quality education and career support. Together, these initiatives create a sustainable ecosystem where uplifted communities and educated youth contribute to long-term social transformation.
In this comprehensive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ritu Nathani, Head - Cybage Foundation & Board of Directors, Cybage Software, discusses how these two arms of Cybage Foundation complement each other in their mission of enabling self-sufficiency. We also explore CybageKhushboo’s flagship scholarship program, which has recently committed to give a staggering ₹35 crore in scholarships over the next five years. With a 100% graduation rate and over 80% job placement for its scholars, the foundation’s approach goes beyond financial aid, incorporating mentorship, soft skills training, and alumni engagement.
Read on as we discuss the strategies behind this success and the long-term impact Cybage Foundation envisions through its initiatives:
Q. Cybage Foundation has had a remarkable journey in the past 15 years. Could you give us an overview of its key focus areas and impact so far?
A. The Cybage Foundation has had a remarkable journey over the past 15 years, focusing primarily on integrated rural development and education.
Our Rural Upliftment Program has transformed over 100 villages across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat, with active engagement in 40+ villages. We provide critical infrastructure support, including internal roads, underground drainage, water tanks, and the refurbishment of village schools, ensuring sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Through our Sustainable Farming Initiatives, we work closely with 4,000+ farmers, introducing them to modern agricultural techniques, water conservation practices, and better market linkages to enhance their livelihoods.
Women empowerment is another key pillar of our work. We support self-help groups (SHGs) by providing skill development training and enabling income-generating activities such as tailoring, food processing, and handicrafts, Creating financial independence among rural women.
In the field of education, our CybageKhushboo scholarship program has positively impacted over 5,000 students, helping them pursue higher education and build promising careers. We also provide career guidance, mentorship, and financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their aspirations.
Q. Cybage Foundation operates under CybageAsha and CybageKhushboo. How do these two arms complement each other, and what distinguishes their focus areas?
A. CybageAsha: Empowering Rural Communities (Integrated Rural Development)
CybageAsha works to uplift underprivileged rural communities with a strong emphasis on rural development. The objective is to create self-sustaining villages and reverse migration by addressing fundamental challenges in infrastructure, agriculture, livelihood generation, education, and women empowerment.
Key Initiatives Under CybageAsha:
- Village Adoption Program: Actively working in 40+ villages, impacting over 100 villages in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat.
- Infrastructure Development: Building internal roads, underground drainage, water tanks, school refurbishments, and electrification.
- Modern Agriculture Techniques: Training farmers in climate-smart farming, organic cultivation, and sustainable irrigation.
- Wadi Development: Encouraging fruit tree plantations for long-term financial stability.
- Women Empowerment: Supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through vocational training and financial literacy programs.
CybageKhushboo: Empowering Through Education (Scholarships & Vocational Skill Development Centers)
CybageKhushboo focuses on providing educational opportunities to underprivileged yet meritorious students, ensuring they have access to quality higher education and career growth.
Key Initiatives Under CybageKhushboo:
- Scholarship Program: Awarded to over 5,000 students so far, with a commitment of ₹35 crore in scholarships over the next five years.
- Soft Skills & Career Development: Offering mentorship, personality development, and soft skill training to scholarship recipients.
- Alumni Network: Ensuring students secure jobs in leading organizations and continue the cycle of giving back.
CybageAsha & CybageKhushboo together work towards a unified vision of enabling self-sufficiency & social upliftment by:
- Building Stronger Communities: While CybageAsha enhances rural livelihoods through better infrastructure and sustainable income sources, CybageKhushboo ensures the next generation has access to education and career opportunities.
- Holistic Empowerment: Many students benefiting from CybageKhushboo’s scholarships come from rural communities where CybageAsha operates, creating a direct impact on families and villages.
- Sustainability & Growth: As rural communities become more stable and self-reliant through CybageAsha’s interventions, education-focused initiatives under CybageKhushboo help break the cycle of poverty and drive long-term societal progress.
Q. Your scholarship program has been a flagship initiative, and with the recent announcement of Rs 35 crore in scholarships over the next five years, the scale has grown significantly. What prompted this expansion, and how do you plan to implement it effectively?
A. The CybageKhushboo scholarship program has always been at the heart of our mission to empower deserving students through education. The decision to expand the scholarship fund to ₹35 crore over the next five years was driven by multiple factors:
1. Increasing Demand & Talent Pool: Every year, we receive an overwhelming number of applications from bright, underprivileged students who have the potential but lack financial resources. Expanding our scholarship program allows us to support a larger pool of students.
2. Proven Impact & Success Stories: With over 5,000 students already benefiting from the program, we have seen first-hand how access to quality education transforms lives. Many of our alumni have secured stable jobs and are contributing to society, reinforcing our confidence in scaling up.
3. Commitment to Sustainable Development: Education is the foundation of socio-economic growth. By increasing our investment, we aim to create a self-sustaining cycle where empowered students uplift their families and communities, ultimately reducing the need for external aid over time.
To ensure the effective execution of this expansion, we plan to:
- Enhance Outreach & Awareness: Strengthening our collaboration with schools, junior colleges, and local communities to reach more deserving candidates.
- Streamline Selection & Evaluation: Implementing data-driven screening processes to identify high-potential students based on merit and financial need.
- Mentorship & Career Guidance: Providing holistic support beyond financial aid, including counselling, skill development workshops, and industry mentorship programs.
- Alumni Engagement: Encouraging successful beneficiaries to contribute back, either through mentoring or soft skill and technical sessions, developing a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Q. Beyond financial aid, the foundation offers soft skills training, mentorship, and holistic support to students. Could you elaborate on how these elements contribute to the program’s success?
A. At CybageKhushboo, we believe that financial aid alone is not enough to ensure a student’s success. Many of our scholars come from underprivileged backgrounds and therefore lack exposure to professional environments, communication skills, and career guidance. Which is why we provide a holistic development approach, integrating soft skills training, mentorship, and continuous support.
Key Elements of Holistic Support & Their Impact:
1. Soft Skills & Personality Development
- Many students struggle with confidence, communication, and interview skills, which can hinder their job prospects despite having academic excellence.
- We conduct workshops on spoken English, email etiquette, teamwork, leadership, interview skills, and emotional intelligence to prepare them for professional settings.
- This helps students excel in job interviews, build strong professional relationships, and adapt to corporate cultures seamlessly.
2. Mentorship & Career Guidance
- Every scholar receives personalized mentorship from Cybage employees or alumni of CybageKhushboo, who guide them through career choices, industry trends, and professional growth.
- Mock interviews, resume-building sessions, and career counseling ensure students make informed career decisions and are industry-ready.
- Our mentors serve as role models, encouraging students to challenge themselves and strive for success.
3. Industry Exposure
- Industrial visits and guest lectures help bridge the gap between academics and real-world applications.
- Peer Network & Alumni Connect
- We have built a strong alumni network, where past scholars contribute by mentoring, offering job referrals, and providing career advice to new students.
- Peer learning and networking create a supportive ecosystem where students help each other grow personally and professionally.
4. Emotional & Psychological Support
- Many students face stress, self-doubt, and pressure while transitioning from rural or economically weaker backgrounds to competitive academic and corporate environments.
- We offer counseling sessions and encourage a growth mindset, helping them build resilience and overcome challenges.
Our holistic approach has led to higher employability rates among scholars, ensuring they complete their education and secure meaningful careers. Scholars develop self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities, enabling them to thrive professionally and personally. After securing stable jobs, many of our beneficiaries choose to give back to society—some by mentoring new scholars and others by conducting sessions for new students.
Q. The scholarship program boasts an impressive 100% graduation rate and over 80% of eligible beneficiaries have secured jobs in leading organizations. What strategies have contributed to this success, and how do you track long-term impact?
A. The 100% graduation rate and 80%+ job placement of CybageKhushboo scholars are the results of a well-structured, holistic approach that goes beyond financial aid. Our success is driven by careful selection, continuous support, and long-term engagement with students. Key strategies include:
1. Rigorous Selection Process:
We ensure that scholarships go to the most deserving students—those with academic potential and financial need—through a multi-stage selection process, including:
- Telephonic interviews to verify the information given by students.
- Personal interviews to evaluate career aspirations, dedication, and financial challenges.
- Home visits to understand the parent’s mindset and the family's actual economic status.
2. Ongoing Academic Support:
- We track students' academic progress through regular check-ins and mentorship.
- Soft skills training and guidance assist them in maintaining focus and achieving academic success.
3. Industry Readiness & Career Development:
We focus on job-market preparedness by providing:
- Workshops on resume building, interview skills, and professional communication.
- Mock interviews to boost confidence and employability.
4. Mentorship & Peer Network:
- Each scholar receives guidance from Cybage employees, who provide career advice, industry insights, and motivation.
- CybageKhushboo’s alumni network plays a crucial role, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and even job referrals.
5. Emotional & Psychological Support
- Transitioning from an underprivileged background to a competitive academic or corporate environment can be challenging.
- We provide counseling, peer interactions, and motivational sessions to help students stay focused and resilient.
Tracking Long-Term Impact: We actively track and measure the success of our scholars to ensure sustained impact:
- Continuous Engagement: Even after graduation, we stay connected with scholars through alumni events, mentorship programs, and surveys.
- Placement Tracking: We monitor employment rates, job roles, and salary growth of our graduates to assess the program’s long-term effectiveness.
- Alumni Contributions: Many former scholars give back by mentoring new students and sharing success stories.
- Success Stories & Testimonials: We document personal transformation stories to inspire future applicants and improve our program.
Q. As you plan to expand your scholarship program, you also plan to strengthen your alumni network. How do you see past beneficiaries contributing to the foundation’s mission?
A. As CybageKhushboo expands its scholarship program, engaging past beneficiaries plays a crucial role in sustaining and amplifying its impact. Our objective is to develop a self-sustaining environment where alumni give back to the next generation of scholars, creating a continuous cycle of empowerment. Key ways alumni contribute to the foundation’s mission include:
Mentorship & Career Guidance
- Alumni serve as mentors, offering guidance on academic challenges, career choices, and industry trends.
- They conduct mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and job readiness sessions to prepare students for the corporate world.
- Many alumni working in top organizations help bridge the disparity between work and education by sharing real-world insights.
Volunteering & Training Programs
- Alumni participate in training sessions on soft skills, personality development, and leadership to enhance students’ overall growth.
- Some even return as guest speakers or trainers, inspiring new scholars through their success stories.
Community Engagement & Social Initiatives
- Alumni actively engage in social responsibility projects, such as village development and educational outreach programs under CybageAsha.
To formalize alumni engagement, CybageKhushboo plans to:
- Launch an alumni portal for networking, mentorship, and job-sharing opportunities.
- Organize annual alumni meets to strengthen connections and encourage collaboration.
- Establish an "Alumni Give Back" program where former scholars can contribute through time and expertise.
Q. We would also like to know more about your village adoptions. Could you share insights into the scale of these initiatives and the kind of interventions being implemented?
A. The Cybage Foundation has been deeply committed to rural development through its village adoption initiatives, focusing on sustainable and holistic interventions. So far, we have touched over 100 villages across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat. We are actively working in 40 villages across the Bhor and Velhe talukas in the Pune district, implementing targeted interventions to uplift communities.
Key Interventions:
Infrastructure Development
- Construction of internal roads, underground drainage systems, and water tanks to improve living conditions.
- Refurbishment of village schools to provide a better learning environment for children.
- Water conservation efforts: Building check dams, farm ponds, and rainwater harvesting structures to ensure water availability for agriculture.
Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihood Generation
- Modern agricultural techniques: Training farmers in advanced irrigation, organic farming, and crop diversification to improve productivity.
- Paddy and vegetable cultivation: Helping farmers shift to high-yield and climate-resilient crops for better income stability.
- Wadi Development (Fruit Orchards): Support farmers in planting fruit-bearing trees such as Mango and Jamun, ensuring long-term, sustainable income sources.
Women Empowerment & Skill Development
- Encouraging self-help groups (SHGs) for rural women to engage in tailoring, food processing, and handicrafts for income generation.
- Conducting financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops to help women become self-reliant.
Q. How would you describe your approach to rural development and how does it help in achieving sustainable impact in the villages you support?
A. At Cybage Foundation, our approach to rural development is rooted in long-term sustainability, community participation, and self-reliance. Rather than providing one-time aid, we focus on holistic, need-based interventions that empower villages to grow independently.
The following are the key pillars of our approach:
1. Need-Based Interventions
- We conduct baseline surveys and community discussions to identify specific needs in each village.
- Our interventions focus on infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, education, and skill development—all tailored to address local challenges.
2. Sustainable Infrastructure Development
- We invest in long-term infrastructure such as internal roads, underground drainage systems, water tanks, and school refurbishments to improve living standards.
- Our water conservation efforts, including farm ponds, check dams, and CCT, ensure year-round water availability for drinking and agriculture.
3. Modern & Sustainable Farming Practices
- We train farmers in climate-resilient agriculture, organic farming, and improved irrigation techniques to enhance productivity.
- Encouraging paddy and vegetable cultivation alongside wadi development (fruit orchards) helps create diverse income streams for farmers.
4. Women Empowerment & Skill Development
- We support Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing vocational training in tailoring, food processing, and handicrafts for making women financially independent.
- Financial literacy programs help rural women manage savings and invest in income-generating activities.
5. Community Participation & Ownership
- We believe that true sustainability comes when the community takes ownership of development projects.
- Villagers are involved in decision-making, execution, and maintenance, ensuring long-term benefits beyond Cybage’s direct involvement.
6. Measuring Impact & Long-Term Sustainability
- We track progress through regular assessments and ensure that projects remain functional and beneficial.
- Success is measured by improved livelihoods, increased agricultural productivity, better educational outcomes, and economic self-sufficiency.
- Villages transition into self-sustaining communities, reducing dependency on external aid.
Q. Are there any specific success stories from your rural development projects that stand out as examples of transformation?
A. Sagar Ingulkar: Sagar Sitaram Ingulkar's story is one of perseverance and transformation. He started from humble beginnings, relying solely on paddy farming to sustain his family's livelihood. However, with the support and guidance provided by CybageAsha, he expanded his operations and ventured into vegetable farming.
CybageAsha's intervention played a crucial role in Sagar's success. Today, his 15-guntha farm is a thriving enterprise, with his earnings from sales projected to reach Rs. 1,50,000 in a single season of three months.
CybageAsha equipped him with essential resources such as wires, mulching paper, seeds, sticky traps, and a drip kit. Additionally, he was provided with technical expertise, empowering him with the knowledge and skills required to optimize his agricultural practices.
Sagar's journey showcases the profound impact that access to resources, technical guidance, and support can have on the livelihoods of farmers. Thanks to the intervention of CybageAsha, Sagar not only diversified his farming practices but also experienced a significant increase in income, improving his family's overall quality of life.
Jainath Bajirao Giranje: Mr. Jainath Bajirao Giranje, an inspirational farmer hailing from Sonde Sarpale from Pune District, whose life took a transformative turn with the support of CybageAsha. Through his dedication and the assistance provided, he achieved a remarkable net profit of Rs 88,000/- in one season by cultivating watermelons.
Jainath used to cultivate only rice on his 10-Gunthe farm, and after rice farming, he didn't believe that vegetable farming could be profitable. He even ran a chicken business in his village but didn't make much profit from it.But everything changed when CybageAsha came to his village and guided him on modern farming techniques. He was also helped by providing agricultural materials such as mulching paper, drip irrigation kits, and sticky traps, and even taught him how to sell his product.
Jainath and his family are grateful to CybageAsha for the support and encouragement they received. They hope that other farmers in the village will also turn to modern agriculture and support organic farming.
Santosh and Sachin Shinde: Santosh and Sachin Shinde, two brothers from Surwad village in Pune district, have managed to earn a profit of Rs 92,650 from their cucumber and tomato crops in a single season. This is a significant achievement; given that they had previously struggled to make a living by farming.
The Shinde brothers have been farming for many years, but they have always faced challenges in making a decent living. The income they earned from farming was not enough to support their family of 13, and they often had to borrow money from local moneylenders.
In 2022, CybageAsha helped them with cucumber seeds, drip irrigation kits, mulching paper, tomato saplings, GI wire, insect pest control traps, and fertilizers. They also received training on how to use drip irrigation and other modern farming methods. In addition to providing financial assistance and training, the Trust helped them to market their produce, connecting them with local retailers and restaurants.
Now, they are able to support their family without having to borrow money. They are also able to save money, which they plan to use to improve their farm with each subsequent crop. The story of the family is an inspiration to other rural farmers. It shows that with the right help, it is possible to overcome challenges and improve one's livelihood.
Q. Focusing ahead, what are Cybage Foundation’s broader CSR goals for the next five to ten years? Are there new focus areas or partnerships on the horizon?
A. As the Cybage Foundation moves forward, our broader CSR goals center on scaling impact, creating self-sustaining villages, reverse migration in villages, and leveraging partnerships to drive meaningful change. Our long-term vision aligns with our core philosophy of empowerment through education, rural development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Focus Areas for the Next Decade:
1. Expanding the Scholarship Program (CybageKhushboo)
- ₹35 crore commitment over the next five years to support more students in higher education, vocational training, and skill development.
- Strengthening mentorship, career guidance, and soft skill development to ensure employment for scholars.
- Scaling alumni engagement to create a self-sustaining support system where past beneficiaries mentor and uplift new students.
2. Scaling Rural Development Initiatives (CybageAsha)
- Extending village adoption programs beyond the villages of Bhor and Velhe (Pune) in Maharashtra and adopting more villages in Telangana and Gujarat.
- To support farmers in enhancing water conservation and irrigation projects, including check dams, CCTs, and irrigation improvements such as lift irrigation, farm ponds, etc.
- Expanding sustainable farming initiatives, encouraging organic agriculture, high-yield crops, and Wadi (fruit tree) plantations for long-term economic stability.
- Increasing skill development programs for rural women and youth, focusing on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and financial independence.
3. Strengthening Urban Community Engagement
- Exploring vocational skilling programs for urban underprivileged youth to improve employability.
New Focus Areas & Strategic Partnerships:
1. Leveraging Technology for Social Impact
- Improving digital platforms for scholarship applications, mentoring, and training programs.
- Introducing AI-driven career counselling tools to guide students toward the right education and career paths.
- Using data analytics to track the long-term impact of our initiatives and optimize resource allocation.
2. Collaborating with Government & Industry Leaders
- Working alongside government agencies and NGOs to scale rural development projects.
- Expanding ties with educational institutions to improve access to STEM education and expand scholarship programs.
The Cybage Foundation envisions a future where every student gets an equal opportunity to learn, every village becomes self-reliant, and every individual has the skills to succeed. By scaling existing programs, embracing innovation, and creating collaborations, we aim to maximize social impact and drive sustainable transformation over the next decade.
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