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Embracing Uniqueness: A Mother’s Perspective on Autism and Special Need

April 30, 2025

By Narinder Kaur, Founder, SURTAAJ Special Children Foundation“Every Child Matters” Every child is unique, yet some children walk a different path that requires more patience, strength, and understanding—not only from society but most importantly from their own families. As the founder of SURTAAJ Special Children Foundation and a mother of a child with special needs, I have witnessed the emotional rollercoaster that parents of children with disabilities ride each day. Among these conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) stands out—not because it is more or less severe, but because it challenges the very fabric of communication, connection, and conventional parenting. Autism is not a disease—it is a condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. The

Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Youth-led Momentum for Maternal and Newborn Health in Bihar

April 30, 2025

Maternal and newborn health in Bihar is a critical area of concern that directly influences the future of the state’s human development. While notable progress has been made over recent years—with improvements in institutional deliveries, antenatal care coverage, and a marginal decline in infant mortality—deep-rooted challenges remain. Early marriage continues to be a widespread issue, with over 40 percent of women aged 20–24 married before the legal age of 18 (*Source: National Family Health Survey- 2019-21). This often leads to early pregnancies, increasing the risks of maternal complications, premature birth and low birth weight. The prevalence of anemia among women has worsened, according to the same data, now affecting over 63 percent of women of reproductive age which too

GAIL Utkarsh’s Legacy of Educational Empowerment Fueling Aspirations from Adversity to Achievement

April 18, 2025

These are the stories of young minds who refused to let their circumstances define them—who dared to dream beyond the barriers of limited resources and scarce opportunities. Their journeys, from humble beginnings to the prestigious corridors of IITs and NITs, stand as powerful testaments to the transformative impact of education, mentorship, and timely intervention. At the heart of their success is GAIL Utkarsh, a flagship initiative by GAIL India Ltd., which has been a beacon of hope for talented yet underprivileged students for over 15 years. This program has consistently proven that when opportunity meets determination, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality. Through rigorous coaching, personalized mentorship, and an unwavering support system, GAIL Utkarsh has not only prepared

Beyond Women’s Day: How Exogenous and Endogenous Events Shape Gender Discourse

April 16, 2025

As we approach another Women’s Day, it’s crucial to reflect not only on the progress we’ve made but also on the challenges that persist in achieving true gender equality. According to the Human Development Report 2024, India has made some progress, climbing 14 ranks in the Gender Inequality Index. However, despite ranking 108th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.437, a closer look at the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum paints a different picture—India ranks 129th out of 146 countries, slipping two places from the previous year. The global gender gap is 68.5% closed, while India has only managed to close 64.1% of its own gap. This is just one of the many

Breaking Barriers: Transforming Education for Marginalized Girls in Rajasthan

April 1, 2025

Addressing Systemic Barriers to Girls’ Education In recent years, Rajasthan has made significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities for girls, particularly among marginalized communities. The state government, in collaboration with various organizations, has implemented targeted initiatives to overcome socio-economic and cultural barriers, resulting in notable improvements in female literacy rates. Despite significant progress in promoting girls’ education in India, substantial challenges still persist. Government data reveals that the female literacy rate in Rajasthan was 52.66% as per the 2011 Census, markedly lower than the male literacy rate of 79.2% https://neuroquantology.com. This disparity underscores ongoing socio-cultural and economic barriers that hinder girls’ educational attainment. Nationally, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls at the primary level has reached 96.3%, nearly equal

The Digital Dilemma: Children, Social Media, and the Need for Parental Control

March 31, 2025

Introduction: In today’s digital world, social media has become both a necessity and a threat for children. Though the term ‘Social Media’ is not defined in law, generally speaking it means websites and applications that enable users to create or be part of any online community and to create and share content with other users or to participate in social networking. Example of Social Media Includes Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. While it offers educational resources, global connectivity, and creative expression, excessive and unsupervised use comes with severe risks. Recognizing these concerns, countries worldwide, including India, are implementing regulations to ensure a safer digital space for minors. India’s move to mandate parental consent for minors under 18 to create social media

India at a Crossroads: A CSR Call to Action for Policy Makers

March 7, 2025

Mr. Amandeep Midha Director, Dravyarunes Systems In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, India finds itself at a critical juncture. With the world divided into two major competing tech ecosystems—the challenge for India isn’t just about choosing sides, but about creating a sustainable and inclusive future. The choices made today will not only shape India’s digital future but also its social, economic, and environmental outcomes. For policymakers, this presents an urgent call to action, not just for national growth, but for advancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India’s technological ecosystem. The Geopolitical and Social Imperative: Creating a Responsible Tech Ecosystem For India, the future lies in reducing dependence on foreign technologies and fostering a self-reliant, ethical tech ecosystem. This is not

female leaders in corporate sustainability

Role of Women in ESG and Corporate Sustainability

March 4, 2025

Sustainability has become critically important in today’s consumption-oriented society, where environmental degradation often results from so-called development. Caring for our natural environment is part of our traditional practices, yet it has been neglected in the name of modernity. Our scriptures guide us to honour plants, trees, rivers, ponds, mountains, the moon, the sun, and the stars. However, these practices now have become more symbolic than a true respect for nature. Despite the erosion of our values over some time, it is intrinsic for women in our society to maintain a close association and bond with nature. Therefore, women are ideally suited to undertake ESG responsibilities in today’s context, particularly at local governance levels. Unfortunately, many women in remote villages still

EMPOWERING WOMEN, ENRICHING INDIA: CSR as a Catalyst for Financial Inclusion & Economic Independence

March 1, 2025

“यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते, रमन्ते तत्र देवताः।” – मनुस्मृति (Where women are honoured, divinity blossoms; where they are dishonoured, all actions remain unfruitful.) In India, the reverence for women has been deeply ingrained in traditions and cultural heritage. Our society has long worshiped women, nature, and rivers, recognizing their nurturing and life-giving essence. However, despite this historical reverence, women have faced significant socio-economic challenges, particularly in achieving financial independence. While progress has been made, many women, especially in rural areas, still struggle with access to financial services and economic opportunities. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives play a crucial role in addressing these gaps, empowering women through financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood programs. Financial inclusion is indeed a critical aspect of empowering

DIGITAL CSR: THE CONVERGENCE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES

February 2, 2025

Digital technology is rapidly transforming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), allowing businesses to enhance sustainability, transparency, and ethical governance. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, big data, and blockchain, companies can optimize operations while strengthening corporate accountability, social impact, and environmental sustainability. This shift is revolutionizing the way organizations engage with CSR, making it more efficient, measurable, and impactful. One of the key benefits of digital transformation in CSR is improved governance and ethical business practices. Blockchain technology ensures transparency by maintaining immutable records that help track and verify CSR initiatives. AI-powered analytics can detect unethical practices, allowing businesses to mitigate risks and uphold ethical standards. Automated compliance systems ensure companies adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks, reducing corruption and

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