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Tag: CSR

  • P&G pledges Rs 50 crore for vaccine doses, as Covid2019 batters India

    P&G pledges Rs 50 crore for vaccine doses, as Covid2019 batters India

    Mumbai: As India struggles to combat the record spike in Covid2019 cases, Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced on Monday that it will contribute towards the vaccination of over five lakh Indian citizens by pledging Rs 50 crore in partnership with government and local authorities in India.

    For every P&G employee in India, the company will contribute towards the vaccination of 100 Indians, it said. The FMCG major said it will also cover the vaccination cost of its 5000+ employee force in India, and their eligible immediate family members.

    With as many as 3,52,991 fresh Covid2019 cases and 2,812 deaths, India witnessed a new record high on Monday as the deadly second wave took a toll on the people. This is the fifth straight day that over three lakh cases have been recorded by the country. 

    P&G brands Whisper, Vicks, Pampers, Oral-B, Head & Shoulders and Pantene are partnering in this vaccination drive through their brand programs and will also continue to raise awareness on safety and hygiene in the country.

    P&G Indian subcontinent CEO Madhusudan Gopalan said, “P&G is committed to playing an active role in India’s fight against Covid2019. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, through our #PGSurakshaIndia program, we have stepped up to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees, our consumers and the communities. In the current situation and going forward, vaccines play a critical role in containing the spread of the virus.”

    Contribution towards vaccines will be on top of P&G’s earmarked CSR funds for the current year. Under its #PGSurakshaIndia program, the company will also continue to donate products, in-house manufactured masks and sanitisers specially to aid frontline and essential workers who are tirelessly working to combat the spread of Covid2019.

    The company said it will also continue to leverage its advertising and brand voice responsibly to increase awareness on health, safety and hygiene measures among consumers and the community.

    It has so far donated more than 35 lakh health, hygiene and cleaning products (which include Whisper, Ariel, Tide, Vicks, Pampers etc) to the communities it operates in. P&G stepped up its manufacturing capabilities to produce masks and hand sanitisers to donate more than 15 lakh masks in the country’s fight against Covid2019.

  • ZEE Entertainment donates ambulances, PPE kits and 80,000 daily meals to Tamil Nadu

    ZEE Entertainment donates ambulances, PPE kits and 80,000 daily meals to Tamil Nadu

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE), in line with its national level CSR drive against Covid2019, officially handed over critical healthcare equipment to the state of Tamil Nadu, further strengthening its fight against Covid2019. In the presence of the chief minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami, the first batch of 18 ambulances were handed over to the Tamil Nadu government. Additionally, ZEE has donated 12,500 PPE Kits, 5,000 face shields, surgical masks, and sanitizers each to the state.

    The company will be utilizing the sanctioned CSR budget (for the fight against Covid2019) to provide the following essentials to the state:

    Ambulances – 45 ambulances donated to the state.
    PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Kits – 12,500 kits donated to the state.
    Plastic Face Shields: 5,000 plastic face shields donated to the Chennai police force.
    Surgical Face Masks: 5,000 surgical face masks donated to the Chennai police force.
    Sanitizers: 5,000 sanitizers donated to the Chennai police force.

    Over and above the support towards healthcare relief, ZEE has also partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide 80,000 daily meals which will support migrants across the city of Chennai for a month.

    Speaking on this initiative, ZEE MD & CEO  Punit Goenka said, “ZEE is committed to providing strong support to the Tamil Nadu government in its fight against Covid2019, with a key focus on strengthening the overall healthcare infrastructure. We also stand together with the dedicated police force of Chennai who has been at the frontline in this fight against the pandemic.”

     In the handover ceremony presided by the CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, the government expressed its gratitude to ZEE for handing over the first set of 18 ambulances for Covid2019 relief. The CM also acknowledged the gesture from ZEE on his official twitter handle.

     In its national level CSR drive towards enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure against Covid2019, ZEE had committed to donating 240+ ambulances, 46,000+ PPE kits, 90+ oxygen humidifiers, and 6,00,000 daily meals. The donation to the state of Tamil Nadu is in line with this national level CSR drive.

    At a national level, ZEE has also financially supported over 5000 daily wage earners working directly or indirectly with the company. Further, 3400+ employees have contributed towards PM CARES Fund. The amount generated was matched by ZEE, and the collective proceeds were donated to PM CARES Fund.

  • Star’s Sanjay Gupta on India’s booming sports ecosystem

    Star’s Sanjay Gupta on India’s booming sports ecosystem

    MUMBAI: In 2017, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had set a goal envisioning 30 crore kids playing at least one hour a day. This vision had to battle the mindsets of parents, schools and businesses, the main roadblock that would have come in the way.

    A year down the line, the CII Scorecard 2018 forum saw Star India MD Sanjay Gupta praising the thought and vision to make India play. He said, “It has been a year since then, and I cannot express how proud I am of the magnitude of change in just one year.”

    Gupta also compared the IPL viewership with the number of people who voted in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, stating, “Over 70 crore fans came in to enjoy IPL – 70 crore! Compare this to the number of people who voted in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the biggest elections that India has even seen, of 55 crore. And they all spent a lot more time, glued to their television sets or mobile screens, enjoying this spectacle. Such a growth in an established sport like cricket is truly remarkable.”

    Five years ago, the Indian sports industry only had two domestic leagues, but now there are over 15 leagues across kabaddi, football, wrestling, boxing and badminton.

    He believes that the Khelo India school games, launched this year are perhaps the best marker of this shift. For the first time, the spotlight was on a grassroots sports program. 16-year old Nisar Ahmed, who missed breaking the world record in 100-metre sprint by 0.2 seconds, has now been selected as one of the 14 athletes to undergo training by Usain Bolt’s coach in Jamaica. Another athlete is from Tamil Nadu named Sumathira Balakrishnan, who completed the 400 metre, just 1.38 seconds behind the Rio Olympics’ gold winner. With scholarships being given to 734 young and upcoming sports stars in this edition itself, it has provided a template for shaping the future of these boys and girls.

    Gupta believes that while there is no contention that sports is good for society, private enterprises have proven that sports is good for business as well. The sports start-up ecosystem is buzzing with activity. Entrepreneurs are building business models across the length and breadth of sports – from eduSports that enables schools to adopt sports education, Anthill Creations that creates cost effective play areas in unused spaces, ‘Sports For All’ to GoSporto that gives people access to playgrounds around them.

    “All the startups have resulted in a step change in the sports industry, which has grown from $1.3 billion to $2.7 billion in just a matter of five years. And in my mind, this journey has only begun. Sports is still at 0.1 per cent share of our GDP, while globally the industry is sized at ~0.5 per cent of GDP share. Given where we are, we have the momentum to become a $10 billion industry in the next five to seven years,” Gupta added.

    Large corporates have already shown interest and committed their support to CII’s “Making India Play” fund. The companies are Tata Trust, HCL, Ambuja Cement, Bharti Foundation and ACC.

    “Overall contribution towards corporate social responsibility is close to $1.8 billion or approximately Rs 12,000 crore every year. Even if we invest half this fund, Rs 6,000 crore towards building this infrastructure and capabilities, we will be able to touch 12 crore kids in the first year itself. Over the next few years, we will be able to reach out to every single kid in the country. It can truly catapult sports to another orbit,” he added.

    In the end, Gupta urged all stakeholders present at the event and across the country to invest their CSR fund towards building sports.

  • The National Inclusion Cup 2018 a CSR initiative of Sony Pictures Networks India

    The National Inclusion Cup 2018 a CSR initiative of Sony Pictures Networks India

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is proud to be sponsoring the 2nd edition of the National Inclusion Cup (NIC), which is the only national football tournament of its kind for underprivileged youth. The NIC is being held from 20th-23rd Feb’18 at Tiger Play, Lokhandwala, Mumbai and is organised in partnership with the NGO, Krida Vikas Sanstha (Slum Soccer).

    The first edition of the NIC in Feb 2017, saw participation of 40 teams (24 men and 16 women) from different states of India and a team from Nepal.  The best performing players from the NIC were selected to represent India in the Homeless World Cup 2017, in Oslo, Norway. A portable pitch along with sidings was also imported from Scotland through SPN support to help them practice for the Homeless World Cup. Team India had their best performance ever in the tournament as the Indian women’s team ranked 7th and men’s team stood at 18th. 

    This year the number of teams have increased from 40 teams last year to 50 teams including two teams from Nepal, covering close to 500 youth. There are 8 new states added to the tournament and representation from the North East has increased. With the aim of having equal representation of women, the second edition of NIC has successfully achieved an increase in the number of women’s team from 16 to 25. Several Youth leaders (about 12-14) who underwent another SPN supported ‘Game Changers’ program for building community leaders, are either leading some state teams or actively involved in bringing the teams together. This year the tournament is being played on two pitches in parallel, as compared to one last year. 

    Teams from the following states are participating this year:  Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Vidharbha, Orissa, Gujarat, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, Bihar, Rajasthan as well as Nepal.

    Slum Soccer also invites entries from organizations like Ekjut, Childreach International, United women’s football, North East Indian goal, Maher, Narmada group of institution and Sportskedia to participate in the event.  

    Empowering India’s youth through sports is a key focus for SPN as it aims to influence the sports narrative in India through its on air and off air initiatives. Through its partnership with Slum Soccer, SPN aims to be a cornerstone of support in helping shape the lives of underprivileged youth through football. With SPN’s constant support, the Slum Soccer team has been able to encourage participation, increase reach and provide top notch training to the participants. 

    SPN is committed to co-creating India’s social development agenda through its focus on education, empowerment and environment. The objective of SPNs social impact initiatives is to promote the spirit of ‘Ek India Happy Wala’.

  • TRAI seeks better accessibility for persons with disabilities

    TRAI seeks better accessibility for persons with disabilities

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has turned the spotlight on one of India’s ignored sections of the society–persons with disabilities (PwD). The regulator is prodding companies to make information and communication technology more accessible to differently abled people. It notes that such people are unable to use the services either because they lack the necessary accessibility features or are incompatible for usage by them.

    The TRAI has released a consultation paper seeking the broadcast sector’s views on identifying and eradicating areas that are pain points for them and where policies are required to be frame so that PwDs don’t feel discriminated. Aids and assistive devices have been made for them but a similar change in services and content is yet to take place. The TRAI states that the law must also consider the various segments within PwDs.

    From 2.13 per cent of the population in 2001, the number of PwDs in India grew to 2.21 per cent, which is 2.68 crore of the total. The consultation paper points out that though set-top boxes (STBs) have been made accessible to them, there is a lack of content that can justify its usage. Certain additions need to be made for the visually impaired such that they can access STBs via audio. The functions they need to access without vision include channel/programme selection, display of programme information, setup options, closed captioning control and display options, video description control, current configuration information, playback controls, and input source selection.

    Similarly, people with visual impairment cannot see screens and find it difficult to navigate the keypad and menu of a TV remote. Buttons on a remote are also not designed while keeping in mind people who are unable to use their limbs or flex their fingers. Special measures, such as giving captions for those who can’t hear and audio descriptions for the blind, need to be taken.

    One section of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 states that government and local authorities must work to ensure that those with hearing impairment can enjoy TV content via subtitles or sign language. The Accessible India campaign aims to ensure that at least 25 per cent of TV shows on government channels are suited for PwDs.

    The TRAI suggests actions such as creating well-designed remote controls with legible buttons, a wireless connection between a television and the viewer’s hearing aid as ways to help them.

    India’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) laws have a provision to help PwDs. Broadcast companies that are required to undertake CSR have a fine way to spend the minimum requirement of at least 2 per cent of the average net profits in the immediate three preceding financial years. This can include developing applications, devices and services for their benefit.

    The US FCC mandates that devices used for watching TV must be accessible to PwDs and a similar case is for the UK as well.

    Also read:

    Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms

    TRAI’s final recommendations on net neutrality likely by September

    TRAI open house to discuss ease of doing broadcast biz

  • Droom to invest Rs 1k mn in 3 TVCs, Rs 250 mn for CSR

    MUMBAI: Droom, an online automobile transactional platform, has come out all guns blazing in its latest announcement of initiating a massive Rs 2250 million marketing budget. Beginning with three TVCs to be aired in coming days, Droom plans to carry out extensive marketing efforts throughout the country that firmly re-enforces its position as the #1 online automobile transactional marketplace facilitating buyers and sellers to avail the best value-for-worth offers and propositions when it comes to anything on wheels.

    Of the budget Rs 1000 million has been assigned to the TVCs, was allocated to carry out all-encompassing efforts spreading awareness in the entire country regarding the numerous benefits of online automobile transactions and Droom’s central role in the same. By introducing OBV (for used vehicle pricing, Eco (for auto inspection), Droom History (for used vehicle auto reports), and Droom Credit (instant auto loan for used vehicles), Droom has established itself as an end-to-end services provider and a leader of the automobile services ecosystem in India. From building trust to transparency to algorithm based pricing estimates to world-class auto inspection, Droom provides user with varied tools to ensure the buying/selling experience of automobiles becomes a breeze.

    Increase of marketing spend from Rs 100 crore last year to 225 crores in next 13 months corresponds to the rapid growth it recorded this year.

    Droom CEO Sandeep Aggarwal said, “At Droom we have built the entire ecosystem for used automobile buying and selling ground up and with performance based marketing program and data driven approach, we want to now make Droom a household name in India.”

    Apart from the three TVCs, the campaign will also feature extensive print, BTL, OOH, digital and online video campaigns to achieve nationwide brand recognition. Droom is allocating Rs. 25o million in CSR related campaigns on road safety, pollution, driving rules and used vehicle buyer’s rights.

  • Canon India’s CSR in Bhiwandi village

    MUMBAI: Canon India Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading Digital Imaging Company, celebrated yet another milestone, with the completion of two successful years of Karanjoti Village’s adoption under its flagship CSR initiative- Adopt a Village. With a vision to contribute to the societal ecosystem, Canon India had adopted Karanjoti Village in Bhiwandi (Thane) near Mumbai in April 2015.

    In sync with the corporate philosophy of Kyosei, signifying living and working together for the common good, Canon India had adopted Karanjoti village to redefine the lives of people in and around the village by providing them with facilities for a well-developed and sustainable living. Situated near Mumbai, Karanjoti Village has seen numerous noteworthy developments, since its adoption. To mention a few, improved basic facilities & infrastructure have been installed at village school for making it child-friendly and generating interest in children to reduce dropouts. Post the intervention, school children are provided with basic health amenities like clean and hygienic toilets and safe drinking water facility. E-learning has been introduced to get children interested in education. Teaching aids such as charts (for science), maps (social studies), formulas (mathematics), and books related to various other subjects have been provided.

    Canon India CEO Kazutada Kobayashi said, “Adopt a Village initiative has supported our vision of providing healthy, informed and sustainable lives to the communities we operate in. With Karanjoti completing two years as part of the Canon family, it is a matter of pride for us to witness the outcomes of our various endeavours.”

    “Every village we adopt is part of the extended Canon family. Our employees, being responsible citizens understand the impact their contribution can make to the lives of young children in the villages. Under ‘Canon Involve’, they continuously visit the villages to interact with the children and villagers to create awareness and educate them about the basics of living a holistic life. We aspire to continue dedicated efforts in various villages as to achieve an all-round development for the community,” added Kobayashi.

    Canon marked the second anniversary of its association with Karanjoti, with its Mumbai office employees visiting the villagers to celebrate the special occasion. ‘Canon Involve’ endeavor witnessed comprehensive engagement between the children and the employees. Activities were conceptualized on the subject of ‘Summer Fun’, where the children made interesting and creative drawings, with their upcoming summer vacations as the backdrop. Learning material was provided to the participating children to encourage their interest in drawing. Employees joined the children while coloring their creatives and shared fond memories of their summer vacations. Employees also educated the children on the subject of ‘Team-Spirit’, encouraging the children to stay together with harmony, where they learn and grow together. This engaging session was wrapped with a cake cutting ceremony, rejoicing the milestone and envisioning a prosperous tomorrow for the young children and their families.

    In the span of two years, Karanjoti has witnessed discernible impacts under four core pillars of Canon India’s CSR policy, including Education, Eye Care, Environment and Empowerment. Capacity building in the school has led to students returning to the village school, resource centre with a non-formal education teacher to impart computer literacy, art and craft skills and encouraging sports among the students of all grades. Various environmental campaigns like tree plantation and ground levelling have been organized in which employees; teachers and students were encouraged to pledge and share their commitment towards making earth a healthier planet to live in. To have sustainable eye care facility establishment in the village, a Vision Centre has been set-up in a space provided by the local community. This center has equipment and technician for screening of patients and providing spectacles. Under its fourth CSR pillar Canon is looking forward to start a vocational training centre in the school to support sustainable living for the students and the village youth.

    Along with Karanjoti in Maharashtra, Canon India has three more adopted villages, including Ferozepur Namak in Haryana, Maharaja Katte in Bangalore and Sol Gohalia in Kolkata. In the coming year, Canon envisions to amplify its efforts aimed at a holistic development of its adopted villages.

  • Star to host Premier League movement on 2 & 3 March, legend Alan Shearer to participate

    MUMBAI: The Football Movement, jointly hosted by India On Track, is being held in partnership with the Premier League’s Indian broadcast partner Star Sports. The conference will bring British and Indian football organisations and businesses together to discuss ways to continue to grow the sport in India.

    The UK businesses and Premier League football clubs including Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City, Southampton and Watford will attend the meet.

    The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) together with India on Track (IOT) and the Premier League will bring key British and Indian football clubs, sports organizations and businesses together at the second holding of ‘The Football Movement’ conference in Mumbai.

    This football conference, which takes place on 2 & 3 March , will give a platform to clubs, businesses and experts from India and the United Kingdom to interact and explore commercial opportunities in the sport.

    The Football Movement, jointly hosted by India On Track, is being held in partnership with the Premier League’s Indian broadcast partner Star Sports. This two-¬‐day conference will feature keynote speakers including Richard Scudamore, Executive Chairman of the Premier League, St.John Gould, Director for UK Trade and Economics, India at the British High Commission and senior representatives of the Indian Super League and Premier League clubs. Panel sessions, workshops and keynote speeches will provide a platform for UK and Indian businesses to discuss potential opportunities and the sustainability of the game in India’s emerging football sector.

    A delegation of UK businesses and top British football clubs are participating in the conference as part of DIT’s ‘Sport is GREAT’ campaign. The delegation includes top football companies such as; Amaven, Alad, Baltic Publications, Final Third Sports Media, PwC, Deltatre, AVC Immedia, Barriers International India, Steer Davies Gleave and senior management from the following clubs; Arsenal, Southampton, Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Charlton Athletic.

    The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Strengthening the Football Ecosystem in India’. It will focus on the broader aspects of the game, with a view to assessing the current landscape in greater detail. The conference seeks to address the core pillars of modern-¬‐ day football such as commercial sustainability, youth development, leagues and competitions, broadcasting, support services as well as the role of corporates through CSR.

    St.John Gould, Director for UK Trade and Economics, India at the British High Commission, New Delhi will deliver the welcome address at the conference, which will be attended by distinguished panelists and speakers, including industry leaders, policy-¬‐ makers, investors, and pioneers in the field of commerce of football, from both India and the UK.

    St. John Gould said: “As someone who spends a huge chunk of his waking hours thinking about the ‘the beautiful game’, this conference is very exciting. But I am not just a fan, with a cold-eyed business approach; this is one of India’s boom areas. There is a rapid growing interest in football in India. The Premier League dominates the screens and is avidly followed. The huge success of the Indian Super League has captured the imagination of the next generation of Indians and they now look at football as a serious sport. UK football wants to be part of that. I am delighted to welcome the Premier League, clubs, business, experts and legends to India.”

    “From cutting – edge sports technology to skills, we want to bring the best of British football to India and use this conference to explore opportunities for collaboration”

    Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: “Football continues to grow apace in India and the Football Movement conference will provide an excellent opportunity to knowledge share with local clubs and leagues, and to meet businesses interested in contributing to the growth of the sport.”

    “At the Premier League, we and our clubs are committed to supporting the development of all levels of Indian football. At the top end of the sport we have a co-¬‐operation agreement with the Indian Super League, and at grassroots level our Premier Skills programme works across the country to provide opportunities for local coaches and referees to take AIFF accredited courses. The Football Movement conference will provide a great platform for us to discuss with other football bodies and businesses how we might work together to further grow all elements of the sport. I am looking forward to attending.”

    “Football is at an inflection point in India driven by a passionate and young fan base. The deep fan affinity for the Premier League and the mass following of the Indian Super League all point to a great future for the sport in India. Our vision of a day when Indian fans would have their own home-¬‐grown heroes to follow is soon going to be a reality. The ‘Football Movement’ is a great opportunity for stakeholders from across the ecosystem to unify and collaborate to take Football in India to fulfil that vision, said Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director of Star India, the Premier League’s official broadcast partner in India, who will also be speaking at the event.

    India On Track founder and CEO Vivek Sethia added:
    “Indian Football has seen a seismic shift in its positioning in the sports ecosystem in India in the last 3 years with the emergence of the Indian Super League (ISL). We are now at the cusp of a new phase in the country’s footballing journey and to ensure its continued growth, we need to lay down strong foundations by creating a sustainable support ecosystem that will keep pace with the rapid growth of the game.”

    The Indian delegates will get an opportunity to meet English footballing legend and the Premier League’s all-¬‐time top goal scorer (260 Premier League goals), Alan Shearer, who will present a special address at the conference.

    Alan Shearer said: “I’ve seen the power football has to bring communities together all over the world, whether through playing or coming together to watch the sport. It’s fantastic to see the growing interest in the Premier League in India and I hope that The Football Movement will identify opportunities and help establish partnerships that will contribute to the continued development of the local game.”

    The Premier League trophy will be on display at the conference and delegates will have the chance to have their photograph taken next to the silverware.

    The Football Movement is also part of the UK/India Year of Culture 2017 a major celebration of bilateral cultural exchange, jointly organized by the UK Government and Government of India.

  • Sony Pictures’ new CSR for underprivileged

    MUMBAI: Supporting the cause of empowering India’s underprivileged youth through sports, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has partnered with an NGO ‘Slum Soccer’ to launch The National Inclusion Cup, the only national football tournament of its kind for underprivileged youth. This is a CSR initiative of Sony Pictures Networks India.

    ‘Slum Soccer’ aims to change life in the slums, where the game of football is used as a means to connect individuals, teaching life skills and working towards improving overall quality of life for underprivileged youth. Initiated by the Slum Soccer team in 2001, The National Inclusion Cup has steadily grown over the years, with teams from all over the country competing to win the prestigious title. With SPN’s support, this year the Slum Soccer team will be able to expand participation and provide better training facilities to the youth.

    To be held in Mumbai for the first time, the five-day football tournament will commence on 13 February at the Andheri Sports Complex. This year teams from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Vidharbha, Orissa, Gujarat, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh will participate. For this event, Slum Soccer also invites several local non-profit organizations such as Dream a Dream, Cequin, Oscar, YFC Rurka Kalan, Maher, Jeet Foundation, Khelduar, Childreach International, Karmic Foundation, Sparky Football, Leher Foundation, amongst others to bring teams to participate in the cup.

    The league-cum-knock out tournament is designed to be competitive, but its special structure lays emphasis on fair play. This year’s tournament will see a total participation of 40 teams (24 men and 16 women teams) from India. For the first time an international men’s team from Nepal will also be a part of this event.

    Once the tournament in India concludes, the final selected teams comprising of 8 men and 8 women players each, will represent India at the 15th Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway from August 29 to September 5, 2017. The selected players will receive intensive coaching, practice and social skills training for the Homeless World Cup, where 63 nations meet every year for the World Championship.

    Staying true to its commitment of supporting Empowerment through Sports, this year, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) will support over 400 participants of the tournament including coaches, volunteers and support staff. With SPN’s support, a soccer arena of international specifications has been imported from Scotland, so that participants can practice, train and prepare for the international championship.

    Popular Bollywood actor, youth icon and avid football fan Siddharth Malhotra, has also joined the cause and will kick off the tournament. Former Homeless World Cup director Andy Hook of StreetSoccer, Scotland will be the tournament director, Anju Turambekar, Grassroots Director, All India Football Federation (AIFF) will referee and oversee the competition.

    Sony Pictures Networks India CEO NP Singh said, “Sony Pictures Networks India is proud to take up initiatives of empowering India’s youth. True to its name, The National Inclusion Cup, offers its participants the opportunity to engage and improve lives through one of the world’s most popular sport, football. Our long-term vision is to support more such initiatives that inspire, motivate and provide equal opportunity to our country’s young underprivileged talent. In the process, we aim to continue facilitating the spirit of ‘Ek India Happywala’, which is the theme for our CSR initiatives. I wish the participants and organizers the very best for the tournament.”

    Actor Siddharth Malhotra says, “It is a pleasure to inaugurate The National Inclusion Cup 2017. I believe that it is of paramount importance for the underprivileged youth to engage in outdoor activities and there should be equal opportunities available to them everywhere. I am pleased to support such a program that empowers our youth and acts as a catalyst to create a better life for them.”

    Slum Soccer founder Vijay Barse says, “Slum Soccer fosters sustainable development within the marginalized population of India, using football to bring about a change in the lives of street dwellers. We aim to provide long term solutions to combat homelessness and improve living standards in underprivileged areas. Sports is therapeutic and we aim to give these youth hope and purpose. With the support of Sony Pictures Networks India, we will be able to increase our reach, the number of individuals we can impact as well as improve the quality of that impact. We are grateful to Sony Pictures Networks for believing in this cause of connecting individuals, teaching life skills and working towards improving the overall quality of life through football.”

    In addition to The National Inclusion Cup, SPN supports Slum Soccer with other worthy projects such as EduKick and Game Changers. EduKick aims to improve educational outcomes by instilling physical fitness and facilitating personal development in children especially young girls, through the medium of football. Game Changers prepares youth with life and leadership skills by engaging them in challenging societal improvement projects.

    Project Objectives

    Improving participation amongst underprivileged girls and boys in a football tournament

    Scout for young talent to represent India at the prestigious international tournament ‘Homeless World Cup’

    Create a platform to share ideas, learnings and challenges with other grassroots organisations that work in the space of Sports4Development

  • First Indian agency to hire differently abled #WATturns10; launches #ThatsMyGirl

    First Indian agency to hire differently abled #WATturns10; launches #ThatsMyGirl

    MUMBAI: WATConsult has launched two initiatives — a CSR campaign #ThatsMyGirl to support the education of a girl child, and the agency will now hire differently abled people.

    WATConsult, one of India’s leading and most awarded digital and social media agencies, now part of the Dentsu Aegis Network, has completed a decade. WATConsult started in 2007 with three services and a team of four. Today, the agency offers 22 boutique services with a team strength of more than 280 people, across India.

    To celebrate its journey, the agency has launched a digital campaign – #WATturns10. The campaign featured a series of activities across social media platforms highlighting the key moments and people who have been instrumental in the success of the agency.

    On Facebook, the agency featured 10 of their best campaigns. Crazy and whacky memories of agency life were recalled on Snapchat – 10 days, 10 stories. Current and former employees shared their memorable moments and cherished memories at WATConsult on Twitter.

    WATConsult founder and CEO Rajiv Dingra said, “We look forward to creating ripples in the coming years not only in India but at the global stage.”

    Dentsu Aegis Network chairman and CEO – South Asia Ashish Bhasin said, “It is good to see an agency complete 10 years in a highly competitive market.”