
On the occasion of the International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day, we celebrate the transformative power of education and its role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future. These special days underscore the importance of inclusive and quality education, particularly for girls, as a means to empower individuals and uplift communities. To mark this occasion, we bring you inspiring quotes from CSR professionals who are driving impactful initiatives to ensure that education reaches every child, especially the girl child, helping them unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
WHAT INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE TO SAY THIS
INTERNATTIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION AND NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY
Mr. Rajesh Doshi, Cofounder and Director at Zebronics
“At Zebronics, CSR is about empowering communities and creating meaningful change. Through Zeb Tech, we’ve bridged the digital divide in over 2,500 schools, bringing technology closer to young minds. Zeb Learn nurtures educational opportunities that unlock potential and inspire growth. Zeb Health extends care through clinics in Tamil Nadu, treating 40-50 patients daily for various ailments, including dialysis, and aiding children in their fight against cancer. Aligned with the essence of International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day, our initiatives reflect the transformative power of education, technology, and healthcare in shaping brighter futures for all.”
Nilratan Shende, CSR Head of Allcargo Group
“At Allcargo Group, under the guidance of our Founder and Chairman, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, we are deeply committed to educational empowerment that goes beyond financial assistance. Through initiatives like the Disha program, which has supported over 40,000 students since 2010, we focus on empowering students to pursue their passions and achieve excellence. We believe that building future leaders requires a holistic approach, blending both technology and human support. Our commitment extends beyond scholarships, offering mentorship, counselling, and ongoing guidance to ensure students’ success long after they complete their education.”
Ms. Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation
“Cosmo Foundation is equally committed to the causes of education and women and girl empowerment. Hence, our long-standing initiatives are well aligned with both International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day. Since 2008, we have impacted 7 Lakh+ lives. Programs like ‘Umeed ki Kiran’ and initiatives around digital literacy aim to help build the self-esteem of rural girls. Further, our Auto Electrical & EV Assembly Technician Course for Girls makes them career-ready, equipping them with necessary skills on the journey towards financial independence.”
Mr. Iftikar Ahmed, Senior Director for Operations, TELUS Digital India
Our TELUS Digital India CSR initiatives in education have evolved in time with the changes happening societally. For instance, we’re set to further expand our Project Samika efforts, training girls of hiring age from local communities in basic AI and tech skills, providing them valuable pre-employment coaching, and eventually offering them career opportunities. This is to help mitigate inequalities in labor force participation, which is just 32% for women in India, versus the 78% for men. And aside from donating to local NGOs and providing grants for financial literacy, digital awareness, and other education initiatives, we also have yearly school refurbishment volunteering efforts.
Mr. Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa
“Desertification, driven by climate change, is a pressing issue. Our mission involves implementing sustainable landscaping across our properties, including soil conservation, Miyawaki forests, and butterfly parks, to improve water retention, enhance biodiversity, and boost climate resilience. To tackle drought, we focus on efficient water management, low-flow fixtures, and STP processes. This World Environment Day, let’s commit to combating desertification and fostering a resilient, healthy environment.”
Dr Geetanjali Chopra, Founder at Wishes & Blessings NGO
“Education is a basic right and not a privilege, but for many, the first step towards learning still remains a distant dream. While free schools and scholarships do offer a lot of opportunities, it can be truly impactful only if the least privileged are school-ready. The missing link lies in the initiation level- preparing children from underprivileged backgrounds to enter formal education.
On this International Day of Education, we advocate for sustainable CSR programs that not only focus on bridging this gap but also ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey from street to school.”
Dr Geetanjali Chopra, Founder at Wishes & Blessings NGO
“Investing in the holistic development of a girl child goes beyond education – it is about contributing towards her dreams, health, safety, and opportunities. This National Girl Child Day, let us commit to a more wholesome approach that is when we invest in a girl’s overall growth, we not only provide her with the strength and support but also with the resources she needs to thrive. Together, we can help build a world where every girl holds the power to change the world.”
Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru
“Education is the foundation of a strong and thriving society. At United Way Bengaluru, we follow a life cycle approach—supporting children from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at Anganwadis to schooling and higher education. This approach helps bridge gaps, nurture potential, and ensure growth at every stage. On this International Day of Education, we urge CSR leaders and philanthropists to focus on the education needs of children at all stages. Together, we can create inclusive learning opportunities and build empowered individuals and stronger communities for a better future.”
Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru
“On National Girl Child Day, we at United Way Bengaluru reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments for girls. By addressing gender-sensitive issues and promoting awareness, we ensure that both girls and their families feel supported and empowered. Together, we strive to reduce dropouts, foster a sense of belonging, and create a nurturing atmosphere where every girl can thrive and reach her full potential.”
Mr. Digvijay Sujlana, Vice President – Government Relations & Head of CSR at Delhivery
“Promoting education is a key objective under Delhivery’s CSR policy, within which we have focused on the girl child. Our partnership with Avanti Fellows highlights the same, under which we are supporting 25 girl students from low-income households currently in high school. The partnership is providing these students test preparation guidance and mentorship that will help them get placed into top-tier Science and Technology colleges across India. The program has seen its students more than double their household income on graduating and escape the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”
Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director, Merino Industries Ltd
Emerging trends in CSR emphasize the role of education in driving inclusive and sustainable development. Making children future-proof through education is at the heart of Merino’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. Initiatives like the Swami Vivekananda Arunoday Vidyalay (SVAV) in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, reflect this mission by providing free, modern education with a blend of Indian cultural values, nutritious meals, and holistic support. Currently serving 157 students (111 girls and 46 boys) up to the 8th grade, the school also supports 45 passed-out students in pursuing their education up to the 12th grade through the Yogakshema Scholarship. Aligned with our mission of universal well-being through trade and industry, these efforts address four of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). On this International Day of Education, we emphasize the importance of equitable access, skill-building, and community engagement to empower individuals to uplift themselves and contribute to societal progress. Through education, we aim to create a long-term, meaningful impact and prepare children for a future where they can thrive and lead.
Ms. Rajani Jalan, Director, CSR & People Relations, mPokket
“Building a better tomorrow is at the heart of everything we do at mPokket. It is the need of the hour to build an equitable, just and inclusive society for the present and future generations. I believe true empowerment comes from within ourselves. It is the environment that nudges us towards our inner power. Witnessing the transformative power of education at Adhigam Bhoomi, where 1,000 young girls from Sundarban are now being empowered beyond academics with skill development, deeply resonated with me. It solidified my belief that everyone deserves a chance to reach their full potential. All that is required is support. I have been working towards the success of such communities all the more. Our latest partnership with Vihaan, empowering survivors of human trafficking, further reflects on my vision and commitment to creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is what drives us – to go beyond financial freedom and empower individuals to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”
Mr. KG Umesh, Director–HR, Himalaya Wellness Company
“New developments in CSR are changing how businesses create an impact. At Himalaya Wellness Company, we have seen a growing focus on health, nourishment, education, and hygiene as pivotal to uplifting our communities. On International Day of Education, we support school infrastructure needs, community-driven school initiatives, and fostering the well-being of the community to help reduce access barriers. CSR today isn’t just about giving back—it’s about empowering communities with innovative, scalable solutions that ensure lasting change. Through initiatives like Akshaya Patra and Muskaan, we’re not only creating opportunities but also nurturing dreams and building a more inclusive tomorrow. Together, let’s empower lives, one step at a time!”
Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder DEVI Sansthan
On International Day of Education on January 24 2025, CSR initiatives are increasingly focused on transforming education to foster equity and development. Companies are driving change through digital learning programs, providing devices and internet access to underserved communities, and supporting foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) initiatives. Empowering teachers through skill-building workshops and promoting inclusivity for girls, differently-abled children, and marginalized groups are key priorities. Additionally, businesses are integrating sustainability by building eco-friendly schools and encouraging green practices. However, a big question remains: are these CSR funds truly reaching their full potential to benefit the intended direct beneficiaries effectively?
Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd
Addressing the emissions generated by landfills requires sustained and inter-generational efforts – which is why it is vital to engage youth to counter the issue. Since its launch in 2018, the Bottles for Change initiative under Bisleri’s Greener Promise has become a significant movement that inspires youth and citizens by creating awareness sessions to responsibly use and dispose plastics. We are proud to collaborate with young minds from universities located in Delhi NCR, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Their participation is essential to the promise of a greener future. On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to this mission and pledge to empower more young minds to spearhead sustainable progress.”
Ms. Priyadarshini Nigam, Director and Head – CSR, Newgen Software
“Educating a girl strengthens the nation.” This thought drives the Newgen CSR programs through which we aim to bring digital literacy and holistic development among the girls from the less privileged backgrounds. The flagship CSR program, Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshala since 2016 has optimized the learning by transforming traditional classroom setup into fun sessions. NDDP along with implementation partners has a digital reach of 10,000 students each year where the overall goal is to inculcate the habit of self-learning using the digital medium as a tool so that the girls can be at par with their peers and work towards building a career and be self-dependent.
Ms. Caroline Fernandez, managing director, ANSR Foundation
“At ANSR Foundation, we believe in igniting a passion for creativity through technology from an early age, offering young girls hands-on education through programs like STEM labs that open up opportunities. By supporting women with business aspirations through early-stage capital, we not only help them thrive but also create a ripple effect of encouraging others. These entrepreneurs serve as examples to their community, showing that with enough support, they can flourish.”
Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB)
“Education is the foundation of progress, and every child, irrespective of gender, deserves equal access to it. On this International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering youth and women through education and lifelong learning. In the past year, through our CSR initiatives, we installed digital smartboards, establishing over 100 smart classrooms. We also empowered more than 25,000 youths with skill development and an equal number of women with digital financial literacy training. Our journey continues as we strive to create an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”