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Cover Story - Pg 6 Understanding the anatomy of poverty Buzz India’s free personal development program for rural women at their doorstep

Published by P.N.Subramanian on behalf of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani, 391/1, Venkatachalapathi Nagar, Alapakkam, Alumni Talk Profile Chit Chat ChennaiPublished - 600 by: 116 Mr. and P. N. printed Subramanian by him at Pg 3 Pg 9 Pg 12 Express Press, Express Gardens, No.29, Second on behalf of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani, Tailoring to Empowerment From Child Labourers to Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, “When a child is properly 391/1, Venkatachalapathi Nagar, Alapakkam, Kalaiselvi’s efforts to empower Entrepreneurs taken care until the age of 15, Chennai - 600 058. Chennai -600 116. Phone: 044-42805365. women through Survo Trust at About Raza Educational and nothing can change him after Editor : Marie Banu Editor: Marie Banu J Kancheepuram Social Welfare Society that that.” Phone : 044-42805365 works towards elimination of An exclusive interview with child labour in Bangalore P Samuthirakani 2 Focus Conversations Today• July 2016 From the Write a new you Editor If you believe you can do a thing, or if you believe you cannot, you’re usually right. – Henry Ford

Dear Friend,

Every child is unique, and needs to be handled differently. To successfully raise your children it takes a lot of love. There are many aspects concerning parenting. Parents have different responsibilities, but there are three, in particular, that are important. Being a good role model; listening to your children; and disciplining them appropriately. If you wish to be a good parent you have to prioritise your children’s needs first. Children are like sponges. We should show our children to be a good person by being good ourselves. We should let them know that they can be anything they want to be, but at the same time we must have control on their physical and moral environment where they can develop habits of honesty, generosity, and responsibility. It is important to listen to our children, because if you don’t give them enough attention they might try and seek it in a negative way elsewhere. When they seek our approval, it gives them confidence. Lastly, discipline is another very important responsibility. The best thing to do is to pick your battles, because if you are constantly saying “no” your child will tune it out. You also have to be consistent. For example, you can’t let your child eat chocolates before dinner one night and then tell them not to eat it the next night. Children need to know that their he context is the view of the world that shift in context which results in letting go the appear in your inner conversation. At that parents are their best friends and will emerges from one’s set of beliefs, values beliefs that are limiting. This moment of moment make a choice of letting go that only do what is best for them. The and life experiences. If one’s beliefs are choice offers possibilities that is a crucial limiting belief and choose an empowering choices the parents make for their T limiting, the context is also constraining. The ingredient in creating a new future that causes a context stemming from “I can, I want to, I’m… children when they are young will constraint appears in one’s behaviors. Then the new you to emerge. Beliefs such as I am confident, I am loving, I reflect on who they become later on in future that happens is a default one where one is For example, one can have a context of commit to truth and being authentic give us a life. The best thing you can do for your not even aware that the stories (in other words survival driven by beliefs of helplessness and context of transformation and therefore child is to stand by their choices and the beliefs that you carry) is resulting in a future. worthlessness. On the other hand, the context emerges a new you---able to impact others motivate them to the best of your When you decide to “write a new you”, the can be of contribution, driven by empowering powerfully and live in one’s own power abilities. place to start is your beliefs. Inquire into your beliefs of creation and partnership. completely. Children are the future of the world beliefs and ask yourself what is the context I Would you be willing to set yourself up for a With practice, the veil of beliefs that has and need to be nurtured and educated in am living in? Is it serving me—in other words freedom experiment? Drop --- “I can’t, I confined our lives dissolves and our trust in our the best conditions. There are several is it meeting my needs? If not, this is the shouldn’t, I don’t have, I’m not, I’m too…” true nature guides us in living and loving changemakers working in the field of moment of making a choice. This choice is the Become aware of how many times these words fully.—Tara Brach education, and we have featured a few in our issue. Even our celebrity this month talks about children and the role of a parent. Parenting is an art, family Yours Energetically relationships experts say. Positive parenting is crucial to forming strong Ms. Bhuvaneshwari Ravi is trainer, facilitator and coach of the Positive Energy (PE) program. She is a spiritual seeker families that help children realize their with a vision of transforming her own energy state from surviving to being. In this journey she has gathered deep potential. insights and is continuously working towards creating a pathway for more seekers. With years of exposure to spiritual Happy reading! practices like yoga, reiki, and personal development interventions like coaching, she is working in the Organization Development and Leadership Development space. She can be contacted at [email protected] for Marie Banu arranging Positive Energy training and Coaching sessions. Conversations Today• July 2016 Alumni Talk 3 Tailoring to Empowerment The impact of these training classes is not as simple as she portrays it. Young, adolescent girls trained by her were able to join reputed companies. omen empowerment programmes are sometimes Wclaimed to be reiterating the very gender stereotypes which must be done away with. Common in this context is the idea of training women in tailoring and providing sewing machines to women as a livelihood opportunity. Empowerment has to start from home, however, livelihood opportunity must be supported by other measures to ensure that women realised empowerment. Ms S Kalaiselvi, Founder Survo Trust in Kancheepuram, also had to resort to the beaten track. Having failed in her class 10 exams, she had no other option, but to take up tailoring classes. Well established in her village, she decided to train women like her who had no other opportunities here. “Most of the men were alcoholics and hardly shared their income for household expenditure. Women, with no source of income lived in a deplorable state and needed help. All I knew was tailoring and so initiated training classes for women,” says Kalaiselvi. In early 1994, Kalaiselvi led a movement with families affected by alcoholism and presented a memorandum I learnt NGO management in depth to the District Collector, condemning the and adapted it to the needs of the liquor shops in the village. “Young girls were raped and the women who village. I realized the momentum of participated in the movement were threatened for life. We all faced threats. my work, its potential and most But it was a phase that soon passed away as district authorities acted on our importantly, the possibility of memorandum and removed all the liquor shops from our village,” she says. engaging in other initiatives as an The impact of these training classes is not as simple as she portrays it. Young, organization, adolescent girls trained by her were able to join reputed companies. Older women, usually earned from their homes. The operations of Kalai Training Centre in organization,” says Kalaiselvi. Department invited Kalaiselvi on board cycle of income generation among the 1999. Later, in order to reach out to more Besides women empowerment, to promote awareness on the women and its impact on households women and run a full-fledged training Kalaiselvi is deeply concerned about significance of increasing water table for encouraged Kalaiselvi to update herself programme, Survo Trust was established protection of child rights as conventional agriculture. As part of such programmes, and all her other students so that what they in 2006. With an organized set up, practices like child marriage not only she also organized plantation drives learnt was always resonant with market Kalaiselvi feels that reaching out to affected children’s health, but also their across villages. needs. She was conscious not to create a women through community structures decision making power as they grew older. The Trust also runs night schools for divide between market needs and the skills became easier. SHG women were also The fact that 1098 – Child Helpline was poor children who cannot afford tuition of these women, so that it was easy for trained and local women were groomed as not promoted actively, according to her, classes. Completely run by volunteer companies to recruit from other places/ trainers. Before the trust was established, was a bad sign. Women from Survo Trust support, there are now five centres communities. “Women from my village Kalaiselvi charged a nominal monthly fee have been actively involved in promoting benefitting over 60 students. “Initially could not afford missing such an of Rs.50 per month from every trainee. awareness on legislations against child there were 10 centres, but we could not opportunity,” she insists. Once the Trust was in place, courses were marriage, childline. The Trust has manage them due to lack of volunteers and Kalaiselvi undertook a course in Fashion offered free of cost and sponsors were stopped child marriages and also resources. Raising funds to keep the Technology from the National Institute of roped in to cover the costs incurred. admitted victims in schools to help them programmes running is the next big Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Taramani. Suggested by a friend, Kalaiselvi complete their education. responsibility we have at the Trust,” she “I learnt the complete chain of processes enrolled in CSIM’s SEOP programme at As a member of the Child Rights emphasizes. Children and women are also involved in the garment industry, Chennai in 2015. “I learnt NGO Committee in her village and other taught basic computing and Kalaiselvi beginning from buttons to packaging. management in depth and adapted it to the federations, Kalaiselvi also trains women dreams of opening a full-fledged computer Now, there was more to teach and our needs of the village. I realized the in other villages to act against child training centre in her village in the future. contacts brought in more trainers,” says momentum of my work, its potential and marriage and other oppressive practices. —ShanmugaPriya.T Kalaiselvi who soon expanded the most importantly, the possibility of Given the presence of Survo trust and its engaging in other initiatives as an influence, authorities from the Forest

Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) is a unit of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani. Please visit www.csim.in for more information. 4 Trendsetters Conversations Today• July 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility orporate social responsibility has corporates to the shareholders. The come to a center stage and is the shareholders are public at large and also Cconcern expressed by many individual shareholders who own different countries, including India. This brings levels of stocks from controlling stocks to about the role that the corporates can play non-controlling stocks in different while exercising their responsibility in the denominations so that those people get social sector. The corporates are not allocation of surplus funds. equipped to identify the opportunities and Now, CSR will get their recognition in formulate a plan and execute it in order to another form of two percent of their net fulfil their Corporate Social profit as allocable to CSR activities. In Responsibility. Social responsibility is other words, corporates are slowly coming generally in the domain of government, to the belief that they are also triple bottom private sector, and the NGO sector. The line and not a single bottom line as seen first two, being public sector and private originally by people. Earlier, the net profit sector, locate NGOs who are actively was the only bottom line for corporates, involved in social interventions and but now the net profit will reflect the deliver the social responsibility through economy of the company. them in the absence of a proper framework The CSR activities contains two other or mechanism to deliver it themselves. heads i.e. equity and ecology that are It generally appears that there are a few exercised by the company. For instance, people, maybe from the Human Resources the society, community, and various department allocated full time or part time stakeholders are considered and treated to monitor such NGO activities. This equal in delivering activities. Finally, they approach is not going to give the full will also need the report on how impact expected out of such initiatives. ecologically sensitive the corporation is in Therefore, there is a need to develop social terms of waste production, waste disposal, entrepreneurship in the corporations at and recycle of waste. various levels. How you treat the planet The initial stage can be one of creating —environmental or ecological attitude of volunteers. Some corporates actually allow the company in conducting the business the volunteers to identify areas of social — will be in such a way that they are in intervention which is to their liking,close to conformity with the standards that have their heart, and also aligned with the been laid down by world organizations as corporation’s objectives. They give the well as national organizations with regard volunteers a maxi grant of money, the other to ecology management. The CSR part being donated by the volunteer himself activities really make it possible for or volunteers themselves. This process corporates to think differently from a stimulates a meaningful social single bottom line to a triple bottom-line. entrepreneurship quality in whatever the The triple bottom-line is expressed as 3Es: volunteers wish to do. the Ecology, the Economy and the Equity. The summation of such volunteering Economy is not only to the immediate work will essentially reflect the CSR the impact, and report to the board. AGM, to get their views on how the stakeholders of the company, but also activity of the company. This amounts to This occurs in companies who have programme can be effectively conducted economy that uplifts the employees and in-outside relationships. The “in” already created awareness of their in future. This is because we also bring to affects the people who are living in the corresponds to the volunteers who are corporate being a corporate social citizen. the attention of the shareholders that the community or the community in which the already employees of the company, i.e. However, in order to have this initiative money that is allocated for CSR is actually corporate is functioning or the society in internal resources, and “outside” are the pan-India the Indian government through something we take away from the which they are serving. recipients of such an interaction which the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has shareholders, which otherwise would have All these people also see that this impact manages the gaps, i.e. identify, as existing made it mandatory for corporates to been given as a dividend on the shares. is making a contribution to add richness to in the beneficiaries. allocate a sum equivalent to two percent of So, qualitatively this processes will their lives, or in other words they are able Similarly over a period of time like the net profit of the company each year to ensure that the shareholders feel that they to contribute more to the GDP and they are in-outside there can be out-inside. Out- be spent on CSR activities. Maybe, it is are contributing to the CSR and the also contributing to the happiness because inside means the requirement originates required later to incorporate the objectives company is doing it on their behalf. of the Ecology, Economy and Equity. from outside people who are in the and activities and the money spent in the Therefore, over time they will positively There will be a total impact of the community or society in which the annual or bi-annual reports that is brought endorse this activity and is of interest of stakeholders living in the community and corporation is functioning and their social out by the company, filed with the the shareholders. The shareholders in CSR that is delivered by the citizenry evolved a requirement of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and also sent actually acknowledge and agree to this corporates. However, as corporates community or society to bridge a gap and to various stakeholders, employees, process even though it is a regulatory —where they are now and where they thus offer enumeration of the problems donors and also the shareholders. process. All these are likely to happen! are starting — is one where they do CSR that society or community is suffering So, with this background there is going With the corporates being in business because of the regulations. from. They take part from outside with the to be very large number of companies and the business objective is to either give There is no way we can avoid it. Many corresponding or equally capable inside which are profit making both in public service or sell products out of companies will say this is an inevitable initiative to deliver and achieve the impact sector and private sector. Find out how manufacturing to the consumers and make punishment on them and therefore they are expected of this initiative. much money they have to contribute to a net profit at the end of the accounting doing it. But, subsequently by creating the This is a pattern in which several CSR over the year and identify how this period, the net profit becomes a disposable social entrepreneurs within the company corporates are functioning in the CSR money has to be spent and monitored in surplus and is allocated to various heads. and outside, there will be an area. Instead of volunteers from within the various schemes that the corporate has These are called reserve of the company entrepreneurial spirit that will prevail some corporates create a Trust which is launched. This will be truly a methodology which stays in the company’s books which finally in social responsibility of the equivalent to a CSR programme and give of reporting and analysis thereof and will can be used later when circumstances corporate so that the corporate will the Trust the responsibility to secure some structure the future path for the CSR demand as an internal resource. begin to behave as a good corporate of the CSR objectives of the company, program in consultation from The second one is to declare dividends citizen, just like a social citizen and periodically review the activities, measure stakeholders, primarily the shareholders in which will be a pay out from the social entrepreneur. Conversations Today• July 2016 Trendsetters 5

The corporate will also become an the corporate and its growth or expansion. integrated approach to business strategy. It initiative, but the corporates should enjoy entrepreneur not only in business, but also Organizations like CSIM and SAN, is not a standalone thing that you would do doing their CSR and not take it as an in social entrepreneurship and society India have to aggressively interact with the because of regulation. Instead, it is unavoidable burden that has been imposed related issues. They will get eventually corporates which are covered under the something you do because you see much by the government. very competitive in their line of business. CSR Act. One can find out from the value in doing that, it gives you an It is an integrated way of working so that They will have one up-man ship in previous year’s balance sheet from the opportunity to be innovative and creative, we can tabulate all the information, whatever they do and it will be recognised Company Law, how many corporates are and you intertwine the social strategy with assess the impact that it makes and by the community at large. They are doing eligible for CSR spending and from that the business strategy. One is not at the cost compare it with the original intention their best at all times and are raising the bar you can take some names to propose of the other, but it is for positively and assess whether it is integrating with in doing their best year after year so that creating of social entrepreneurship within reinforcing the other. their business strategy. the benefit flows into the society. the company. So CSR, CSIM and SAN, India should Social strategy and business strategy are In order to do the best in the community, You can call the social entrepreneurs be able to offer a programme to select not two different silos, but integrated. they have to be innovative. In other words inside the company as social intrapreneurs corporates in strengthening their CSR When we empower the internal group, we there is a pressure, because of the CSR because they are internal entrepreneurs framework so that they can out source it to will be able to assess, innovate and make activity, constantly on the corporate to and selected people become the core an NGO or do it themselves through this integration useful as a business tool or innovate and create. In other words the team. This means that you are giving volunteering. The companies will be able a business strategy for the corporate. R&D work and the continuous them human capital to implement CSR to show their work in such a way that when It is how the government used to say in improvement in their processes and and you will also structure a framework a social audit is conducted, the exact the past that corporates should do R&D for methods of delivery are so much engrossed for social audit. impact made is in conformity with the technical innovation. The money spent in in bringing fruits of competitiveness into If there is a Social Audit framework, we organisation’s original mission. R&D is tax free. Likewise, this is a social the bottom of the operations. can also train some social auditors within SAN, India can also facilitate the R&D. It is being integrative, innovative They will get competitive strength from the company to serve as internal social corporates write their mission, vision, and creative in approach, so that it would the business. It is not give away, but also auditors. Social Intrepreneurs and Social strategy, objectives and activities and actually make the business more there is a takeaway for the corporate in Auditors will be created in order to outcome and indicators which is part of the competitive than before. It allows a whatever they do. The take away is the deliver the CSR programmes that the social audit framework. We need to company to grow not only in stature or competitive strength. The competitive board has approved. therefore participate with the corporates image, but also in its own bottom line. strength gives the sustainable position for They are also seeing that this is an from the start. This maybe a hard sell —P.N. Devarajan

Loyola Institute of Vocational Education - LIVE - Loyola College & Centre for Social Initiative and Management - CSIM offers

Certificate programme in Social Enterpreneurship

SEOP orients the basics of Proposal writing, Fund Course timings: Raising, Management, 2 PM to 6 PM on Saturdays Communication techniques, Venue: Social accounting & audit, Loyola College, Nungambakkam, and leadership skills. A Chennai - 600034. combination of theory as well as field visits forms part of the curriculum.

Course Fee: Rs 6000+ 15% Service Tax Next Batch starts on 20.8.2016

Faculty comprises of eminent academicians, social entrepreneurs and management experts.

FOR REGISTRATION AND ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT LIVE Department, Loyola College at 9789016557 / 7708810620 or CSIM at 9884700029 or 9840194810. For more information, write to [email protected] or visit www.csim.in 6 Cover Story Conversations Today• July 2016 Conversations Today• July 2016 Cover Story 7

The DevelopmentThe organization delivers Self-Shakti—a Buzz free personal development program that includes elements of financial literacy and life skills to rural women at their doorstep through a travelling bus.

hen Dave Jongeneelen, the dreams and build concrete financial personal development program”, within the community. The community Founder of Better Future, a plans to achieve them. The objective of says Uthara. engagement program is structured to Wpurpose-driven consultancy, the Self-Shakti program is to change Because of Buzz India’s heuristic achieve specific objectives. The Buzz thought of offering personal rural women’s attitude toward poverty approach, the Self-Shakti program has Gelathi’s mandate is to help women development programs to people in by changing their behaviour toward evolved over several versions to its maximize the benefits of the Self- rural India, he had no idea how he money. For instance, in most rural current form. Local insights and Shakti program in their lives. Each would do it. His experience in Africa households, the women have no idea lessons from experiments in regions Gelathi is assigned a community of 200 had taught him that people in the rural what the household income or like South America and Africa helped to 250 women with whom she engages countryside were as enthusiastic about expenditure is – even though it is they build the curriculum. But, it is a over a year in order to achieve the developing leadership skills and who run the house. They want to continuing education program for us,” program’s goals. She is supported by reaching their potential as their urban educate their children, build homes, says Uthara adding that “Ground Buzz India with knowledge, skills and counterparts. But would a leadership start businesses but have no planning or research and surveys are an integral tools to execute her role. Buzz India program work in rural India? How financial management skills and no component of our Operations. We learn intends to develop every Buzz Gelathi should such a program be designed? access to quality information regarding a lot from every annual community into a community influencer who can What should be its objectives and how federal and state rural development survey that we conduct and where then take on the mantle of leadership should they be accomplished and schemes from which they can benefit. necessary, we revisit whatever aspect by inspiring her women to work measured? Dave had more questions As a result, they continue to live hand- towards a shared development vision than he had answers. to-mouth, day to day. for their community. As luck would have it, Uthara “Financial inclusion by itself cannot By 2025, Buzz India hopes to have Narayanan, a young social solve the problem of poverty,” says delivered its Self-Shakti program to entrepreneur, was looking for some Uthara. “Giving women access to one million women in rural Karnataka. answers herself. Specifically, to the ready credit without equipping them Uthara is, however, quick to clarify that question “How do people lift to manage, invest and grow their while reach is important, the themselves out of poverty?” So was wealth, will only lead them to debt organization is deeply invested in Suresh Krishna, the head of Grameen traps.” Self-Shakti includes modules impact. “Women should become Koota Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., a on asset management, communication problem solvers in their communities. microfinance institution that offers and conflict resolution skills, daily They should become financially collateral-free loans to rural women. money management and long-term secure. They must have the courage to Suresh was questioning whether financial planning that helps women dream of new possibilities and the micro-lending should be supported understand that they control money confidence and know-how to realize with capacity building to help women and money does not control them. A their dreams,” she says. “There was an see real impact. Inevitably, their paths 10% random survey that Buzz Anganwadi teacher who participated in crossed and the idea of Buzz was sown. conducted on women who participated the Self-Shakti program. When she Uthara co-founded Buzz India in in the Self-Shakti program revealed came to the program, she wasn’t able to 2012. The organization delivers Self- that 95% of them moved away from feed her family without her neighbors’ Shakti—a free personal development private moneylenders after the help. She was so inspired by Self- program that includes elements of program and over 50% of the women Shakti that she resolved to become financial literacy and life skills to rural increased their savings by more than financially independent and live with women at their doorstep through a 50%; as many as 13% became first- dignity. She worked with her Buzz travelling bus. Why women? Because time entrepreneurs. needs revisiting –whether our Gelathi who encouraged and mentored women are naturally inclined to Poverty is not just a lack of money. operations model, our curriculum or her over several months. She made collaboration and knowledge sharing. It’s a “lack” at many levels – lack of our approach.” significant changes in her lifestyle, They constantly strive for a better access to education, health, skills, Buzz India is now in its fourth year of behavior and attitude which helped her tomorrow for their children. They also power, inclusiveness – that establishes operations. There is a greater urgency save enough money to buy a cow. Now, have inherent leadership skills that a mindset of “lack”. It keeps people to establish long-lasting impact. As she has an income from dairy farming, remain largely untapped because of poor. “We came across many situations with all social projects, sustainability is manages all her expenses and even their own reticence to lead. where ‘leadership training’ could play critical and sustaining behavioral saves for the future. She’s just one of In rural India, women display an instrumental role in shifting their change is a huge challenge. “We several such women who have become extraordinary strength and perspective from “lack” to appoint community change agents to aware of their own strengths and turned resourcefulness to overcome the “possibilities”. But, we can’t sell the drive and sustain change,” says Uthara. their lives around after attending our challenges of poverty every day. They idea of leadership in rural areas where Buzz Gelathis are women who have program. That’s the kind of impact are leaders in their own lives. However, people, especially women, are participated in the Self-Shakti program we’re looking for and we’re confident they live for the day. They have no preoccupied with fulfilling basic needs. and can show measurable impact in we’ll get there,” signs off Uthara. long-term plans. Their dreams are Money is always the first priority, so their own lives from implementing —Shanmuga Priya .T unrealized and often even unspoken. we used the route of financial Self-Shakti. They become Buzz Self-Shakti helps them articulate their education around which we built the community ambassadors and mentors 8 News Conversations Today• July 2016

Launch of PGDSIM at CSIM Chennai he 16th Batch of the Post Graduate Diploma in Social Initiative and Management (PGDSIM) course was launched at CSIM Chennai on 16th June 2016. 17 Tparticipants enrolled in the programme. The Chief Guest for the event was Mrs. Rajashree Natarajan, COO of Cognizant Foundation. Speaking on the occasion, she said: “CSIM has been rendering yeomen service in the field of Social Entrepreneurship and I wish each one of you to excel like the Asoka Fellows whose profile is displayed in your class here.” Ms. Marie Banu delivered the welcome address and Ms. Maheswari, CSIM Alumnus shared here experience and encouraged the students to pursue the programme diligently. Ms. Rajashree Natarajan and Latha Suresh distributed the welcome kit to the participants. Alumni and faculty were also part of the event.

Centre for Social Initiative and Management Editorial entre for Social Initiative business practices and yet Contact Persons: CSIM also facilitates Social and Management (CSIM) retain their social mission. It Ms. Marie Banu, Director, Accounting and Audit for Latha Suresh Cis a unit of Manava Seva also offers training and hand Chennai @ 9884700029 social enterprises, CSR Dharma Samvardhani. It is a holding support to prospective Mr. Ramesh Balasundaram projects, and NGOs through learning centre that promotes the social entrepreneurs and enable Director, Bangalore @ Social Audit Network, India Marie Banu concept of social entrepreneurship. them to launch their social 9845211311. (SAN, India). CSIM offers training and initiatives. CSIM operates in Mr.K L Srivastava, Director, For more information, please consultancy to social Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad @ 9912656112 contact Ms.Latha Suresh, enterprises – for-profits and Hyderabad and Bangalore. Dr. Madhuri. R, Head, Director @ 92822 05123 non- profits – to facilitate www.csim.in Coimbatore @ 9840222559 www.san-india.org them to apply successful Conversations Today• July 2016 Profile 9 From Child Labourers to Entrepreneurs

limination of child labour is more a contest of strategies as the Einstitutional and legislative responses laid down by the State were in themselves not adequate to transform the situation. In spite of the UN conventions ratified and the national legislations passed, contextualization of issues in every community has been a challenge and small scale initiatives by different organizations have promised a better tomorrow. Raza Educational and Social Welfare Society in Bangalore also adapted its own strategy and demonstrated the impact. Established in 1994, RESWS believes in ‘development’ as a participatory process. “We try to help the deprived understand their situation objectively. It has to start from here to elicit their meaningful participation,” insists Ms Benazir Baig, Founder Secretary, RESWS. “I lived a life of facilities. Father was in the Air Force, so life in the quarters was all equipped and pleasant. Once in Bangalore, the conditions in which children worked shocked me. I had not witnessed this before. I easily bought a chocolate for ten rupees, while children had to work through an entire day to earn that ten rupees,” says Benazir, who then set on to explore child labour. Children, she emphasizes, are the not the reason for the plight of poor families, There are also vocational training but are pushed to take up responsibility programmes for school students and on their shoulders. She began with young wives/mothers. While the evening tuition classes for child students group are taught computers, labourers where she hoped to introduce spoken English and personality basic literacy. “The children took six development, women are trained in months to hold a pencil properly. tailoring and embroidery as they had no Children needed an eco-system of employable skills earlier. To visualize support services to help them come them as breadwinners who could invest through these tough times,” shares in children, ensuring that at least one Benazir, who lamented the challenges in adult in the family earned, it was rescuing child labourers. According to essential to equip women with some her, the most critical part of their work basic skills. As families often denied was to make children believe that they women the possibility to going out for all had their inherent capacities. work, training them in tailoring/ Children were acquiescent with their embroidery gave them the space to lives and hardly looked forward to a establish and operate small units from change. They were so busy at work and their own houses. worked very hard that they hardly had an RESWS is now embarking on a new opportunity to imagine lives without the journey. Entrepreneurship programmes arduous work. significance of ‘moving forward’,” RESWS runs non- for the youth have been introduced in Poverty is seen as the root cause of all shares Benazir. collaboration with the Scotland Youth problems. Therefore, to eliminate child RESWS runs non-formal schools formal schools under the School. Candidates will be trained in labour, RESWS decided to work with under the National Child Labour Project National Child Labour entrepreneurship and their new the mothers as well. Women (NCLP) where rescued child labourers, Project (NCLP) where businesses will be funded through the empowerment programmes helped street children, school dropouts and out programme. They will also be provided encourage women to question the lives of school children are taught basic rescued child labourers, assistance in management of the their children led and promote reading, writing, and then mainstreamed street children, school businesses. “This is a new beginning for education, as the ensuing chain of into regular schools. The Excellent dropouts and out of all of us. 20 students who were subjected impact not only ensured economic English School established by the to a life of vulnerabilities have been progress, but also inculcated life skills. society has played an instrumental role school children are shortlisted for the programme to be “Getting them to believe in this was a in the process. Children could taught basic reading, educated and supported to become an challenge, because education would experience quality education, along with writing, and then entrepreneur. I look forward to see new lead to their children not being able to training in life skills and computers. The Tatas and Birlas grow from here,” says earn for the family. The change in this school follows the State syllabus and mainstreamed into an ambitious Benazir. attitude is apparent now and can host a strength of 600 children from regular schools. —ShanmugaPriya.T communities understand the kindergarten to class 10, every year. 10 Spot Light Conversations Today• July 2016 Strategy…Do I need one? ocial entrepreneurs have no dearth of passion, zeal, action, energy that Sdrives them. Yet, at times, when the idea scales up, it seems very difficult to execute and achieve the set targets. More so what works in the space the idea took roots may not yield results elsewhere. Also, very few entrepreneurs are successful in multiple fields they choose to work. Just like there are hardly a handful who have got a second noble prize, so also a few are in expanded multiple fields of intervention. The answer to this question lies in the attention paid to “strategy” and the ability to design and strategize differently in accordance to context, place and time. Wiki says - from Greek στρατηγία stratēgia, “art of troop leader; is a high level plan to achieve one or more goals under conditions of uncertainty. This included several subsets of skills including “tactics”, siege-craft, logistics etc., the term came into use in the 6th century C.E. of time five plans are formulated for every in East Roman terminology, and was strategy and different strategy with all loop translated into Western vernacular holes studied and closed to ensure safety languages only in the 18th century. From Strategy is like the floor plan and success; in social organizations too then on until the 20th century, the word should build more than two to three “strategy” came to denote “a strategy and alternate plans for every comprehensive way to try to pursue of a building. If a space has strategy that will address all the possible political ends, including the threat or blocks in project. All information has to be actual use of force, in a dialectic of wills” to be utilized to the best, it on finger tips and very clearly documented in a military conflict, in which both for effective management and operations. adversaries interact. Modern business To enable efficient strategy and planning strategy emerged as a field of study and involves a best design. there are agencies and consultants who aid practice in the 1960s. The essence of in the process. There is also information formulating competitive strategy is available on governmental funds, relating a company to its environment says milestone that has to be achieved. The methodology ensure long term sustenance availability of subsidy and privileges for Michael Porter. Now, Strategy as a word mission is SMART – an acronym for and relevance. When the strategy is clear, certain sector and groups. For example, if on Google search has over about Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic dynamic situations can be adeptly handled. a geographical location is explored in 75,80,00000 links and material. That’s too and Time-bound milestones. The new term coined in corporate is business they can refer to World Bank for much to even fathom. But why is this such At the Goal or task level, the strategy is ‘GLOCAL’ – global with local customization. Similarly, all PESTAL information- http://www.doingbusiness. an important and most used word and what derived based on the context, objectives of aspects have to be taken into account by org/data/exploreeconomies/india/. Some does it mean for a Social Enterprise? Let’s the project and targets to be achieved. This the social organization while designing of the areas they cover are: Starting a review that a little deeper. kind of level planning intern helps every their intervention strategy. It may include Business, Dealing with Construction Strategy is like the floor plan of a function / process to have their strategy most importantly local field staff and other Permits, Getting Electricity, Registering building. If a space has to be utilized to the and then plan for each activity. The activity liaison persons who understand the social Property, Getting Credit, Protecting best, it involves a best design. Similarly, level strategy is the operational strategy cultural background. The strategy for Minority Investors, Paying Taxes, Trading given the resources and recipients, how which is being measured and monitored on costing and branding may have to be Across Borders, Enforcing Contracts & best the idea or intervention can be reached a daily / weekly/ monthly basis. localized. Legal and regulatory laws, taxes Resolving Insolvency. There many such that are applicable has to be taken into has to be planned and well thought When a strategy is crafted, it is not public information for an entrepreneur to through. Strategy is to be worked at three consideration when it becomes always one time exercise and only one international programs. Language strategize and take decisions. A good levels – option. It has to be dynamic, flexible and barriers are most critical in people strategy would tap all the available • Overarching meta level agile. It needs to cover all PESTEL intensive social organization. privileges and resources effectively. The • Project level aspects. (Political, Economic, Socio- If these are not taken into consideration, legal compliances are the most critical • Goal or task level Cultural, Technological, Environmental it can put a big dent on the project component which requires focus and and Legal). execution. The social entrepreneur has to authentic advice. At the overarching meta level, the A classic documented example is how play a key role in understanding and Strategy and Planning are hence most strategy is derived from the long term Wal-Mart which is highly successful in integral part of Project management. USA totally failed when it went to arriving at the best strategy for maximum vision of the organization. This makes the reach-out. Recommendation is to have clear formulation of Vision a must for the Germany. The Ginger beer that is most famous in Srilanka failed to be accepted in The head of the social organization and strategies for every act, get a SWOT organization right at the beginning. The India as a regular drink because of the term all heads of the branches, with their project analysis and tap the pros-cons for these purpose for which the organization would ‘beer’. The failure was due to poor strategy managers along with domain experts strategies with optimal and best result for exist and the evolution of the purpose has and alignment to local situation. Many become the strategy team. They need to long term sustainability and progress of to be mapped. The strategy for societal school development programs and health document every PESTEL and project the organization. interventions would be then aligned with reach out programs that have maximum activities and get the buy in of the the vision and the interim purpose of the reach out in Uttara Karnataka have not stakeholders. In dynamic environment —Dr. Kalpana Sampath and organization. been able to take off in North Karnataka to being agile enables the organization to Prathaap B At the Project level, the strategy is a similar extent. The strategy has to be reformulated and no one formula would function seamlessly and optimally. Akin to derived based on the mission of the war environment where at any given point organization. Mission is also the periodic work. Appropriate strategy and Conversations Today• July 2016 Inspirations 11

Inspiring Conversations with Shri Ramana Maharishi

aharshi was asked by an educated greatness of association with the wise young man: “How do you say that (satsanga). Mthe Heart is on the right, whereas the “Can destiny (karma) ever come to an end?” biologists have found it to be on the left?” The M.: The karmas carry the seeds of their own man asked for authority. destruction in themselves. M.: Quite so. The physical organ is on the left; that is not denied. But the Heart of which I A man asked the Maharshi to say something speak is non-physical and is only on the right to him. When asked what he wanted to know, side. It is my experience, no authority is he said that he knew nothing and wanted to required by me. Still you can find hear something from the Maharshi. confirmation in a Malayalam Ayurvedic book M.: You know that you know nothing. Find and in Sita Upanishad; and he produced the out that knowledge. That is liberation (mukti). quotation (mantra) from the latter and repeated Mrs. M. A. Piggot, an English lady, who had the text (sloka) from the former. read “Search in Secret India”, came to see the Maharshi. The services of a disciple as Someone enquired: Why is it said in interpreter were provided. There were many scriptures that the Sage is like a child? visitors at the time in the hall, including some M.: A child and a Sage (Jnani) are similar in ladies with their infants. The place resounded a way. Incidents interest a child only so long as with noise. At length silence prevailed. they last. It ceases to think of them after they Suddenly Maharshi, who seemed to be have passed away. So then, it is apparent that looking at infinite space, was heard to say they do not leave any impression on the child softly, “Monkey”! A little baby was then and it is not affected by them mentally. So it is discovered in the doorway (unobserved by the with a Sage. mother who was seated on the other side of the door) with a large monkey standing on his A visitor asked how to realise oneself in hind legs, who with both hands was fondling accordance with Maharshi’s instructions, the child not hurting it in the slightest, both contained in his text of Truth Revealed, verse being at peace with each other in Maharshi’s 9, supplement. The difficulty was in presence. When Maharshi’s voice was heard controlling the mind. the monkey jumped away adroitly and M.: It is to be done by controlling the breath. disappeared. The incident greatly impressed If you practise it by yourself without other the lady. help, then the mind is controlled. Otherwise the mind comes under control spontaneously —Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi in the presence of a superior power. Such is the 12 Chit Chat Conversations Today• July 2016 “When a child is properly taken care until the age of 15, nothing can change him after that.”

amuthirakani is an Indian film Actor, its master. This is very wrong! Some Samuthirakani shares with Producer and Director who parents decide on what their child should predominantly works in the Tamil become depending on what their Marie Banu why his films focuses industryS besides appearing in a number of neighbour’s children does. They wish for Malayalam films. He worked as an their neighbour’s envy more than their own majorly on social issues. assistant to Director K. Balachander. His child’s happiness. This is betrayal of the 2009 directorial Nadodigal was a runaway next generation. hit, which was later remade in three languages. He has acted in several films as What is the reason for most of your films well and is best known for his to be focused on social issues? performances in Subramaniapuram, I love my society! When I arrived at Easan, Saattai, and Visaranai. Chennai at 15, I met several people who Subramaniapuram showcased were good—a police constable who was on Samuthirakani as an actor with potential his night patrol; a watchman who gave me and Nadodigal helped him prove his mettle space to spend the night; a hotelier who as a director. His recent film Appa is about offered me a job, etc. Like this, there are the role of a father in his child’s life. He has many good people who are quiet. At the won the National award in 2016 for Best same time there are also not-so-good Supporting Actor for the film Visaranai. people who are loud. The world seems to In an exclusive interview, recognize only the people who are loud. Samuthirakani shares with Marie This is the reason for me to produce/ Banu why his films focuses majorly direct films like Appa. People who have on social issues. not watched films for more than ten years are now watching my films. I am receiving Given that your recent film is titled calls from theatre owners and my film Appa, can you tell us about your family distributors across the state informing me and your role as a father? that many school children in Namakkal are I hail from Sethur, a village near Raja being taken to watch Appa. Palayam in Virudunagar district, Tamil I wish the next generation to lead a Nadu. My family were engaged in pollution free life. No one is living a 100 agriculture. I lost my father when I was 15 percent life! We lead a life filled with years old. He used to say: “Money will not adjustments and corruption. be of use at all times; one should earn the goodwill of people.” I bear this in my mind Films portray villains in a very as I travel my life’s journey – earning the admirable way. How do you think we goodwill of people. can sensitise the future film makers? The conversations I have had with my I do not compromise on my films. I trust son who is studying in 9th standard is what my audience and risk producing. Although appears in most of my films. In fact, he has other creators may desire to convey a directed a short film and released it in message through their films, they are not in youtube independently. My daughter is a situation to do so as they cannot afford it. studying in third standard. I am lenient Their producers demand assurance for towards my children and give them 100 their investment and have a formula which percent freedom while my wife is strict they want to follow. towards them. People like me believe in breaking this formula. My films are all different, and the Your thoughts public are accepting it. about the present You have donned several hats – Actor, generation. Director, Producer, and Dubbing artist. Are we Which of them would you like to be giving them identified for and why? enough I want to learn all the techniques in freedom? cinema—including editing, art direction, It is wrong not and camera. Only then I can get fully to give freedom for involved in cinema. our children. They Appa is going to be remade in 12 need to enjoy their languages and I wish to direct all of them. childhood— The issue about parenting is global and I dance and play at want the message to reach a larger the age when they audience. should—so that when they grow up Which of the social issues are your most they can face the society rightfully. But, passionate about? in reality, parents are designing the lives of Child labour and child abuse. When a their children and forcing them to do what child is properly taken care until the age of they wish them to do. It is like a captive 15, nothing can change him after that. monkey who is made to dace to the tune of