If there is one day in India that inspires the best of us to give something back to society, then it’s Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2). Surprisingly, in Technopark, where corporate social responsibility (CSR) usually evokes an enthusiastic response, Gandhi Jayanthi this year seems to be a rather quiet event. “Well, it’s a public holiday…,” is the typical, often gleeful, response across the board, when we get in touch with some of the major companies. Nonetheless, there are still a handful of them who have planned events and/or CSR initiatives in tribute to Gandhiji. Here are some of them…
The fight against TB
One of the companies leading the way is UST Global, who have for the past several years been marking the day (and other special occasions) with varied CSR activities such as cleanliness drives and, more recently, a clothes collection drive, all spearheaded by its charity wing, ‘Rose Team’. “This Gandhi Jayanthi the team will be joining hands with the Tuberculosis Association of Kerala for an awareness campaign about TB, which is often wrongly perceived as an eradicated disease. We are also raising funds for the organisation through the sale of TB seals [sort of like a stamp which can be affixed on greeting cards, letters and parcels, but which has no postal value],” says Sthanu Thambi, a senior manager with the company, who is leading the effort.
Walk the talk
Thirty to 40 employees of Allianz at Technopark are all set to participate in ‘Run For Health’, a walk from Keltron Junction to Museum Junction, organised by Senior Citizens Association on October 2. “Allianz has been a part of the annual event for several years now. Usually, it happens on Independence Day. This year, it’s on Gandhi Jayanthi and it becomes all the more meaningful. We want to motivate people, young and old, to walk and think about fitness. Last year there was a drizzle but even then a good number of people turned up,” says Bronson Samuel, a senior IT manager. Many of the employees, apparently, also bring in their children for the walk, which begins at 7 a.m. Another employee, Laxmi Venugopal, who brought along her two little girls for the event last year, says: “Participating with my kids was truly a wonderful experience and also it adds more meaning to the day we are celebrating. I wanted them to see what it is actually about and feel the energy for themselves rather than watching events unfold on TV. Besides being great fun, I feel that such events add to our life experiences. I was really surprised to see the large number of senior citizens participating with such enthusiasm; it was certainly infectious. I am really looking forward to walking with my kids this year too.”
Going green
The folk at Faith Infotech, a technical training and resource centre at Technopark are looking to a “permanent” way to mark the occasion and “spread the word about environmental awareness”. Team Web Graphics, a bunch of 15 students studying at the centre, are leading an effort to plant two “special” mango saplings near Park Centre on October 2. Says Enosh Mathew, one of the coordinators of the event: “Gandhiji planted a Malgoa mango tree in Payyanur, Kannur district in 1934, which still stands. It is known as ‘Gandhi mavu’. The saplings that will be planted at Technopark were grafted from this tree, under the aegis of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kannur.” Saji Joseph, chief executive officer and director of the company, is set to plant the saplings, in the presence of Technopark officials.
