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Social Responsibility

Commitment beyond the classroom

Encouraging social awareness, ethical responsibility, and meaningful community engagement.

ISR-Overview

Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell sensitizes students to social, environmental, cultural, and economic issues. As a reflection of Symbiosis’s societal conscience, the ISR Cell serves as a catalyst for social change, engaging in voluntary initiatives that inspire care and raise awareness about critical societal challenges.

ISR Initiatives and Collaborations

The ISR initiatives at Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) are structured into two key areas: addressing social challenges through the ISR Cell’s initiatives and engaging in community outreach programmes via service learning. The institute actively sensitizes students to these outreach programmes, fostering socially conscious business leaders committed to making a difference.

The ISR Cell collaborates with various NGOs across India, including ExploreiT, Vrikshit Foundation, I Gift Life Foundation, Warriors Without Cause, Chhanv Foundation, and Incentive Foundations, to facilitate both its service-learning programmes and ISR-driven initiatives. Through these collaborations, students actively engage with communities, interact with stakeholders, and provide meaningful support. The initiatives cover a broad spectrum of social causes, such as academic drives, slum visits to raise menstrual hygiene awareness, animal welfare initiatives, interactions with underprivileged children during festive seasons, organ donation awareness programmes, efforts to reintegrate acid attack survivors into mainstream society and many more.

The impactful contributions of the ISR Cell have been widely recognized, earning appreciation letters from partner NGOs as a testament to the institute’s commitment to social responsibility.

International ISR Initiatives

Beyond national outreach, the ISR Cell also engages in international collaborations. One such initiative, Sahayog, was a joint effort between SCMS NOIDA and Florida International University, focusing on women’s empowerment in Bandhwari Village, Gurugram. Students from both institutions interacted at the Incentive Foundation Centre, leading to impactful outcomes such as designing and selecting materials for new products, including laptop bags and sunglasses cases etc, to support local women for making them financially independent. Additionally, ISR partnered with A Sisterhood, Miss Universe Great Britain, Chhanv Foundation, and Florida International University to organize a project aimed at integrating acid attack survivors into mainstream society.

Through these initiatives, the ISR Cell at SCMS NOIDA empowers students to contribute meaningfully to society, continuously striving to create lasting and impactful change.

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ISR-2024-25

The Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell at SCMS Noida proudly hosted Medha on 11th April 2025, as part of our annual cultural fest, Symaroh. This heartfelt initiative, launched in 2023, continues to grow each year with one simple yet powerful mission — to celebrate the abilities of those who are often unheard.

Medha offers a platform of inclusivity and expression to specially-abled individuals, helping bring their talents into the mainstream. This year, we had the privilege of welcoming students from Ojas Academy, Lehr Foundation, Atharv Prayas School, and Setu Foundation.

Over 35 specially-abled children participated in vibrant dance performances, and inspiring ramp walks — each act a beautiful testament to their confidence, creativity, and spirit. A large number of ISR Cell members actively participated in organizing the event, working passionately behind the scenes to make Medha a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

The event concluded with a certificate distribution and felicitation ceremony, led by Dr. Nidhi Phutela, Director, SCMS Noida, Dr. Nidhi Natrajan, Deputy Director, SCMS Noida and Dr. Anindita Bhattacharjee, Faculty In-Charge, ISR Cell.

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The ISR Cell of SCMS NOIDA, in collaboration with the NGO Empowering Minds, is organizing a series of events under the initiative Umang: Building Bridges to a Better Tomorrow. These events aim to promote mental wellness and social consciousness among students.

The first event under this collaboration took place on February 27, 2025, at the SCMS NOIDA campus. Titled "Jeeo Khulke," it was a Dance Therapy Workshop designed to foster self-expression, confidence, and holistic well-being. The workshop brought together volunteers, participants, and faculty members, creating a strong sense of connection and empowerment.

Ms. Jyotsna Ramachandran, an Expressive Arts Therapy Practitioner, led the session, engaging students in movement-based activities that encouraged self-awareness and emotional expression. Participants stepped out of their comfort zones, experimented with creative collaboration, and explored different forms of dance using props. A team of 10 members, including teachers and students from Empowering Minds, also took part in the event.

The success of Jeeo Khulke reaffirmed the ISR Cell’s commitment to student empowerment and mental health advocacy. ISR Cell extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and contributors for making the workshop a truly memorable and inspiring experience.

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We at SCMS Noida are proud to share that our students participated in an inspiring Literacy Drive organized by the Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell in collaboration with Titliyan - The N.G.O. for the Underprivileged. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education.

The event focused on providing inclusive educational support to underprivileged children, helping them enhance their academic skills while fostering a positive and enriching learning environment. By engaging with the community, our students are not just shaping their careers as future managers but are also becoming socially conscious business leaders committed to empowering society.

Together, we are working towards a more equitable future where education plays a key role in transforming lives.

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Students of Institute Social Responsibility Cell, SCMS NOIDA in association with the NGO -Warriors Without Cause and the National Service Scheme (NSS), participated in a cleanliness and waste collection drive at Sanjay Vaan. This initiative was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The tasks included collection of non-biodegradable waste. Through this drive, the young management students learnt not only about the importance of cleaning the environment but also about sustainable waste management and biodiversity conservation. With participation in small initiatives like this, we can contribute significantly toward a cleaner, healthier planet !

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At SCMS Noida, our students participated in a meaningful Animal Safety Drive, organized in collaboration with the Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell and the House of Stray Animals. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to community welfare, highlighting the role of future managers in driving positive change.

The drive focused on improving the lives of stray dogs, addressing their immediate needs and ensuring long-term safety. By coming together to support animal welfare, our students are not only making a difference today but also shaping themselves into socially conscious business leaders who understand the importance of compassion in leadership.

This event is a testament to empowering society through collective action, promoting the well-being of both animals and the community. At SCMS Noida, we are dedicated to developing leaders who will champion both business success and social good.

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In the spirit of fostering community engagement, the ISR Cell organized a heartwarming ‘Diwali drive’ in collaboration with ‘Roshan Smriti- Assisted Living Home for Seniors’ NGO located in SB-35, Sector 117, Noida, U.P. The drive took place on the 22nd October, 2024 wherein over 15 students volunteered for this drive. This drive fostered community engagement, cultural exchange and provided the residents of the NGO with emotional support and companionship during the festive season. Students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly, instilling the values of social responsibility, kindness, compassion and empathy.

Various interactive games were organized, giving the students and the residents an opportunity to connect with one another, sparkling enthusiasm and a sense of camaraderie ship. The event ended with the lighting of sky lanterns, symbolizing hope and prosperity during the festive season of Diwali.

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The Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell of SCMS Noida, in collaboration with SCHC and Rotary Blood Noida, successfully organized a Blood Donation Drive on July 31, 2024. The event aimed to collect blood for local hospitals and patients in need while raising awareness about the importance of blood donation. It was held in the yoga room of the Symbiosis campus, the drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, staff and faculty members of SCMS Noida, SLS Noida, and SIBM Noida. Volunteers from the ISR Cell ensured the seamless execution of the event, creating an atmosphere of compassion and community service. Donors were recognized for their generosity with refreshments, rest areas, and certificates of appreciation.

This event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of selfless acts in transforming lives. The initiative was aligned with SDG-3 i.e. Good Health and Well-being. It inspired many to become regular donors, proving that a single drop of kindness can create ripples of change in the community. The event not only collected significant blood donations but also inspired a culture of giving and hope by highlighting the role of accessible health services in sustainable development.

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The Institute Social Responsibility Cell (ISR), in collaboration with the International Cell and the Quality Improvement Cell (QIC) of SCMS NOIDA, organized an impactful event at the Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) NOIDA on September 24, 2024. This event was held in partnership with the Chhanv Foundation, which supports acid attack survivors, and A Sisterhood, a UK-based organization dedicated to empowering and protecting women worldwide.

Aligned with the vision of fostering inclusivity and social responsibility, the event featured distinguished speakers, including transgender activist Ms. Devika Mangalmukhi, Mr. Alok Dixit from the Chhanv Foundation, Ms. Richa Mohan from the NGO Empowering Minds, and representatives from the A Sisterhood and Miss Universe Great Britain teams.

A key highlight of the event was an engaging workshop titled "Redefining Gender Narratives and Shaping Self-Esteem" followed by a ramp walk. This workshop focused on promoting gender equality, empowerment, and challenging stereotypes. It was thoughtfully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals).

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The Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell successfully conducted the Paree Campus Brand Ambassador Programme in collaboration with Soothe Healthcare, a leading brand in women’s hygiene on 7th February, 2025 at SCMS campus. The event aimed to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among female students while providing them with an opportunity to take on leadership roles as Paree Campus Brand Ambassadors.

Event Highlights

The session began with an engaging and informative introduction by representatives from Paree, who spoke about the importance of menstrual hygiene and the role of chemical-free sanitary products in promoting women's health. The audience had the opportunity to interact with experts, ask questions, and gain insights into best practices for menstrual care. Paree team organized fun games and interactive activities that encouraged participation and learning. Students enthusiastically took part, making the event both informative and enjoyable.

Selection of Paree Campus Brand Ambassadors

As part of the initiative, Paree representatives selected three students as Paree Campus Brand Ambassadors, Nafilah, Nabiha, and Arshiya based on their active participation, communication skills, and enthusiasm for promoting menstrual health awareness. The selected ambassadors will continue to advocate for menstrual hygiene on campus and among their peers. The ISR Cell looks forward to organizing more such impactful initiatives in the future.

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ISR-2023-24

Recognizing the life-saving impact of blood transfusions, the Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell of Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Noida, collaborated with Rotary Noida Blood Bank to organize a Blood Donation Camp on campus. The event took place on July 31, 2023, under the expert supervision of Symbiosis Centre of Healthcare (SCHC), and the Rotary Club.

Over 50 students from SCMS Noida participated in this noble initiative, beginning with a mandatory medical check up to ensure their eligibility for donation. The primary objective of the drive was to raise awareness among young individuals about the significance of voluntary blood donation and highlight the importance of maintaining a safe and sufficient blood supply for those in need.

To acknowledge the contribution, the Rotary Blood Bank awarded donors with certificates and small tokens of appreciation, further inspiring others to take part. The event sought to instill a deep appreciation for the value of life and the profound impact a simple act of blood donation can have on others.

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The ISR Cell at SCMS Noida, in collaboration with the Sustainability Cell, organized a book collection drive from April 5th to 20th, 2024, culminating in a donation ceremony on World Book Day, April 23rd, 2024. The drive, held in the student lounge, aimed to collect gently used books and new stationery to support underprivileged children. The community's generous response resulted in the collection of 170 books. The diverse range of books collected catered to various age groups and interests, ensuring a meaningful contribution to promoting literacy and education. In addition to the books, 20 packets of essential stationery supplies, including pencils, crayons, and notebooks, were also collected. .

On World Book Day, the donations were handed over to Mr. Pranjal from the Robinhood Army, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing hunger and educational needs within underprivileged communities. This initiative highlighted the power of education and community spirit, equipping underprivileged children with the tools to learn and explore.

This World Book Day initiative stands as a testament to the collective spirit of the SCMS Noida community. Through their generous donations, they have equipped underprivileged children with the tools they need to learn, explore, and unlock a world of possibilitiesThe ISR Cell extends its heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and collaborators for making this initiative a success.

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"A tidy environment is the canvas upon which the art of life is beautifully painted."

The Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell of SCMS Noida, in collaboration with the youth-led organization Warriors Without Cause, organized a cleanliness drive in Noida, Sector 44, on October 8, 2023, to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The ISR Cell, committed to initiating positive societal change, partnered with this inspiring NGO to ensure the event's success. Five dedicated ISR Cell members volunteered, conducting the drive on Sunday. Organizers provided volunteers with hand gloves and sack bags for garbage collection. The drive saw enthusiastic participation, with volunteers fervently cleaning the surroundings for slum residents. Their efforts also inspired local youth to understand the importance of cleanliness and sanitation. Members of both organizations were divided into groups and spread out to clean the entire area, making a significant environmental impact. This initiative not only improved the local environment but also fostered a sense of community and responsibility among participants, embodying Mahatma Gandhi's principle that "cleanliness is next to godliness." Gandhi believed that cleanliness and sanitation are integral to a healthy and progressive society, and this drive was a step towards realizing his vision of a clean and hygienic India.

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The Institute Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell of SCMS Noida hosted a heart-arming event at Mala Smriti Home on November 5th, 2023, as part of the "Roshni Ki Diwali" campaign. This initiative, involving ten to twelve dedicated students, aimed to bring joy and a sense of community to the children at the orphanage. The event began at 10:00 AM with games and a lively PR activity, allowing the children and volunteers to bond and share laughter. Following this, vibrant Rangoli-making workshops added a festive and creative touch to the celebration. The highlight of the event was the distribution of hampers filled with essentials and treats, symbolizing love and care. Each hamper included a notepad, pencil, eraser, sharpener, and chocolate, supporting the children's academic pursuits and providing some fun. The volunteers' enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impression on the children, fostering an atmosphere of hope and positivity. The "Roshni Ki Diwali" campaign exemplified the importance of collective efforts in creating a brighter future for the underprivileged, showcasing compassion and community service. This campaign stands as a testament to Team ISR's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and spreading happiness in society, especially during Diwali, a festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness and the importance of spreading joy and goodwill.

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Chhanv Foundation is dedicated to supporting acid attack survivors by providing medical, legal, educational, and employment assistance, helping them reintegrate into mainstream society. Udaan-an initiative in collaboration with Chhanv Foundation and Florida International University, USA to empower the acid attack survivors. It was aimed at enhancing survivors’ employability, financial independence, and raising awareness to prevent acid attacks. On February 28, 2024, 28 students from both universities gathered at Sheroes Hangout Café, Noida, to interact with the survivors of Chhanv Foundation. Discussions focused on existing skill development programs, challenges faced by survivors, and their entrepreneurial aspirations. Survivors shared their courageous stories, offering students a deeper understanding of their struggles. The interaction provided valuable insights, prompting students to brainstorm innovative marketing strategies and explore business expansion opportunities for the foundation. Future plans include strengthening the foundation’s online presence through social media and digital marketing efforts, ensuring sustained support. This collaboration not only reinforced the commitment of both academic institutions to empowering acid attack survivors but also fostered resilience and inclusivity in society.

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Guest lecture on “Gender Sensitization”

Quality Improvement Cell (QIC) of Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Noida, organized a guest lecture on “Gender Sensitization”. The works shop was held on Gender Sensitization on 28 March 2022 with objective of creating awareness about gender issues and working towards and creating an enabling environment of gender justice where men and women can work together with a sense of personal security and dignity.

Dr. Shweta Prasad, Professor at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi was the resource persons for the session. She spoke about gender, gender equality and inequality, problems of gender inequality, major reasons for gender discrimination, sexual harassment at workplace, sexual harassment prevention training etc.

The session was deliberated using Zoom platform. A total of 350 participants including faculty members and students of BBA attended the session. Resource person addressed and clarified the questions posed by the participants.

Lighting the candle of happiness for the socially marginalized

Happiness evolves out of sharing and caring for others. A large population of our society lives in slums. It is our responsibility to extend our support to bring happiness to their lives. During the festive season of Diwali, ISR club at SCMS Noida intends to take a small initiative to spend time with the slum kids, make them feel the festivities by organizing various events and spreading happiness by distributing gift hampers. A smile on their face will bring happiness to society and thus making this Diwali the most luminous festival.

This drive is a community outreach programme in collaboration with the NGO Warriors without Cause on the occasion of Diwali on 16th October, 2022.

The main objective of the drive was to make them feel good on the auspicious occasion of Diwali and enjoy festivities with them. Also it was aimed at inculcating a compassionate feeling for the underprivileged among the young stars.

It was a joyous day spent with the children, making Rangoli and decorating Diya, guiding the children on how to do the same. Sweets and chocolates were distributed amongst them.

Muskaan: To Bring a Smile on Each Face

Profusion and abundance have surfaced as one of the most visible indicators of our standard of living. Despite the fact that most of us have more than we need, there are millions of children and families who belong to lower-income communities or are less privileged. Their deplorable lifestyle and limited income restrict them from purchasing new clothes, shoes, utensils etc., or food grains for surviving. Organizing a donation drive is a wonderful way to share our profuse resources with people in need.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prof. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President of Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, the Institute Social Responsibility (I.S.R) Club, SCMS NOIDA, took the initiative to organize a Donation Drive “Muskaan: To Bring a Smile on Each Face”. The drive was initiated on 15th July,2022 and continued for 21days

The main objective of the drive was to provide aid to needful people who unfortunately cannot afford the basic necessity of life and to build generosity by bridging the gap between less fortunate people and the ones who are willing to help those for a generous living. Further, this initiative was to deliver a new vision to the volunteers so that they look towards society with a new perspective.

This initiative was taken in collaboration with Goonj and Robin Hood Army.

All faculty, staff, students contributed clothes, shoes, food grains etc which was further handed over to the NGOs.

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Journey of Project Udaan

The journey of Project Udaan is marked by purposeful efforts. Each effort contributes to SDG achievement, nurturing dignity and expanding opportunities for acid attack survivors. Udaan is a testament to courage, compassion, and collaboration, charting a transformative journey to empower survivors with dignity, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. The following are the defining moments that shaped its evolution and growing impact.

  1. Global Awareness through Case Study Publication:

    We published a case study titled “Sheroes Hangout: Empowering India's Acid Attack Survivors to Face the Future” through WDI Publishing, University of Michigan, USA. The case was undertaken to raise awareness at the global level of the heinous crime of acid-related violence against women in society, its causes, and potential remedies.

    This study highlights the innovative survivor-led model at Sheroes Hangout, a café chain in India staffed by acid attack survivors. The case emphasises the challenges faced by acid attack survivors as they seek to recover from their injuries, reclaim their lives, and reintegrate into society. It showcases an innovative survivor-focused method for promoting financial inclusion and social reintegration.

    The case received Second Prize ($5000) in the 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Global Case Writing Competition, and as a part of WDI Publishing's initiative to deliver cases to different global universities, this case is being disseminated worldwide and will therefore act as a change agent in creating awareness and sensitising students and educators globally.

  2. Launch of Online Awareness Campaign

    On 14 February 2024, SCMS NOIDA, in collaboration with Chhanv Foundation and Florida International University (FIU), USA, launched an international awareness campaign promoting inclusion and empowerment of acid attack survivors. The first interactive session took place on 28 February 2024 at SCMS NOIDA.

    An online awareness campaign dedicated to supporting acid attack survivors was launched on 14 February 2024 as a collaborative effort between SCMS NOIDA, Chhanv Foundation, and Florida International University, USA, aimed at promoting social inclusion and empowerment. The first interaction of this collaborative initiative took place on 28 February 2024 at NOIDA.

  3. Service Learning Initiative

    As part of the initiative, 17 student volunteers from SCMS NOIDA joined Chhanv Foundation’s Service Learning Programme between February and April 2024, contributing meaningfully to various community outreach efforts.

  4. Survivors at Symaroh 2024

    Continuing our support beyond the virtual domain, survivors from Chhanv Foundation were invited to the SCMS campus during the annual cultural fest Symaroh, held on 22nd–23rd March 2024. They set up a food stall alongside other vendors. The initiative aimed to encourage survivors to overcome social stigma, interact with the broader community, and enhance their self-confidence and employability.

  5. Case Competition Award & Donation

    September 2024 - Received an award of 5000$ for the case - Sheroes Hangout: Empowering India’s Acid Attack Survivors to Face the Future in WDI Global Case Competition 2024. The entire prize money of 5000$ was donated to the NGO – Chhanv Foundation for setting up a rehabilitation and training centre.

  6. Global Gender Workshop with A Sisterhood and Miss Universe Great Britain

    A landmark event was hosted on 24th September 2024, in collaboration with international NGO A Sisterhood and the Miss Universe Great Britain (MUBG) team. The event included a powerful workshop titled “Redefining Gender Narratives and Shaping Self-Esteem”, which featured meaningful discussions on empowering women and the transgender community. The session emphasised the importance of challenging traditional gender roles, advocating for safer environments for women, and recognising the rights of transgender individuals.

    The workshop concluded with a symbolic ramp walk featuring acid attack survivors alongside the MUBG team, reinforcing the message of confidence and courage.

  7. CSR Partnership: Resilience Reimagined

    Taking another step toward sustainable impact, SCMS NOIDA partnered with TATA Strive for a CSR project titled “Resilience Reimagined: Empowering Sheroes through Skilling”. Conducted from 20th to 26th March 2025, this intensive workshop focused on upskilling survivors in areas relevant to the hospitality industry, from baking skills to professional behaviour and communication. The program also included an experiential learning tour, providing practical exposure and hands-on experience.

  8. Survivors at Symaroh 2025

    Most recently, on 10th–11th April 2025, survivors from Chhanv were again invited to SCMS NOIDA to set up a food stall during Symaroh 2025, continuing their journey of self-reliance and confidence-building.

  9. Expanding Impact

    July 2025 - Connected with SCOPE, SIU to expand the outreach operations of Chhanv Foundation in Maharashtra.

Audiobooks Campaign in Collaboration with Samarthanam

‘Philanthropy is not about money, it is about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help ’

-Timothy Pina

Keeping this as our aim, the ISR club came up with yet another campaign which was planned specially for the students with sight impairment. The club launched an audiobooks campaign, wherein the members of the club took initiative to read out and record a book for children with visual impairments. This task was done in coordination with, and for, NGO Samarthanam during September 2021.

The aim was to make the impaired children feel more included and keep up with the world and never give up on learning because the usual methods by which they read require constant consultation which can often cause disruption in reading. There is usually a huge time gap between books being published in standard print and then being converted into either braille format or audio books. Moreover, only 2% of the total books published are accessible in the form of audio formats. Thus, leveraging assistive technology is very important in making tasks such as reading much more accessible and convenient for the visually impaired .

In order to record these audio notebooks, each volunteer was allotted a book of roughly 200-300 pages according to the recommendations made by the NGO and were given a span of 3 months to record it in an audio format through the advised software. The intent of this campaign was to provide visually impaired students with audiobooks by means of communication technology in order to expedite learning and to make their reading experience more congenial and effective.

Through this campaign, our volunteers were able to acquire more knowledge about assistive technology and how it is used to provide assistance to students with unique needs who wish to consume cultural products like textbooks but are unable to do so due to their impairments. Through this initiative, the Institute Social Responsibility was able to provide visually impaired students with audiobooks as an alternative to braille translations and contribute to and enhance their learning experience.

After the completion of the project a certificate of appreciation was given to all the volunteers involved in it.

Books and Clothes Donation Drive

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. -Kathy Calvin

The power to better the lives of others, is considered a privilege. It comes with a feeling of contentment and gratitude as well. In addition to reinforcing our own personal ideals, acting on these intense sentiments of responsibility gives us a sense that our actions are consistent with what we ethically believe in.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prof. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President of Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, and International Students Day, The Institute Social Responsibility (I.S.R) Club, SCMS NOIDA, took the initiative to organize a “Books and Clothes Donation Drive” to cater to the needs of those in position of necessity.

The primary objective of organizing the Donation Drive was to help bridge the gap between people who are willing to aid the less fortunate and those in positions of necessity. Many of us, though, are lucky enough to have more than we need but there are millions of families and individuals who are less fortunate.

An organized donation drive was a great way to share our relative affluence with people in need. To make this campaign a success, I.S.R. joined hands with two different NGOs - Robinhood Army for Clothes Donation and Vrikshit Foundation for Books Donation.

Starting on July 9th, the campaign lasted through July 31st. The students interested in donating were asked to either send the books and clothes to the college address through e-commerce sites or courier or drop the same at the college gate. Students were instructed to make sure that the donated items were in good condition with proper packaging and a label containing the details of the respective student and the donated items as well.

It is a common concern for people to wonder if their donated products reach the people in need. Therefore, to maintain the level of transparency, there was a Handover session organized on 31st July 2021. In this session Dr. K.P. Venugopala Rao (Director), Dr. Nidhi Phutela (Dy. Director) and Dr. Rashmi Rastogi (Faculty in-charge: ISR) in the presence of our ISR members, handed over the donated items to the respective NGOs. The total number of items donated were more than 300 books and clothes each.

Awareness on ‘Organ Donation’ In Collaboration with I Gift Life Foundation

They say that “life is a gift, pass it on”, but IGiftLife made us realize the true meaning of these words. We knew little about how important Organ and Tissue Donation and recognition was until we started working with IGiftLife Foundation. Not only did we learn about Organ Donation but along with its various interesting facts Living and Cadaver Donation, Bone Marrow transplant, Pledge Card, Waiting List and how a single donor can save up to 8 lives solely. India faces a sharp scarcity of transplantation of organs. One million patients are estimated to die from organ failure during the end stage, but only a fraction of organ transplants is carried out. Therefore, the only way out of this upsetting scenario is to raise awareness about organ donation.

The ISR club of Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, NOIDA, gave the students an opportunity to start an internship with IGiftLife NGO for the period of 3 months from February ’21 to April ’21. Prior to the internship, the students were given a specific time period to complete the course on organ donation awareness, which was designed by the organization. The main objective of the course was to guide the students and educate them about the topic so that they are aware of what they are doing, the course ended with a detailed test in the end which the students were supposed to clear with a good score.

For the two-month internship, the slot of students selected was divided into teams of four namely being - the content creation team, the drama writing and enacting team, the video editing team and lastly the data analysis team. Team leaders where chosen from the club, to ensure they get exposure to leadership and team management aspects. IGiftLife Foundation invested lots of time to enable the Team leaders harness their skill and become a better leader and team player.

In these two months, the students got the opportunity to work in a professional environment which greatly added to the knowledge bank of the students giving them further insights and team management and creative thinking. Students in the content creation team ended up creating over 150 posts in this time span for the social media handles of the organization, the drama team even ended up writing several dramas and poems regarding organ donation awareness, the database creation team maintained data of almost all universities in the Delhi NCR region, searching data of over 1750+ schools and universities and finally the video editing team took on their creative side and came up with 15+ reels for the Instagram handle of the organization. The organization ensured that the students brought out the best of themselves and encouraged them to explore different aspects of themselves, allowing them to develop the characteristics of a better manager as they enter the business world in the future. Under the mentorship of Dr. Rashmi Rastogi, the students who volunteered to work with the organization include - Sazal Sharma (Team Leader of Content Creation), Vanshika Sharma (Team Leader of Drama Writing and Enacting), Pragun Gupta (Team Leader of Video Editing and Creating), Nikunj Singla (Team Leader of Database Creation), Pritanjali Tyagi, Mehak Seghal and Aniruddha Mohan Mishra.

MIX & FIX

On 24th March 2021, Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Noida in collaboration with Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing hosted, “Mix and Fix: An Ice-Breaking Session'’ with the aim to set the ball rolling with the students to create a safe and sound environment where they were able to explore their inner self. The session was conducted in a hybrid mode and was open to all the 1st year students. Both online and offline students showed their active participation in the event and discussed about quite a few topics on emotional and mental wellbeing, self-care and many more.

Pallavi Sharma, In-house Psychological counsellor of SCMS, Noida along with Dr. Kanishka Gupta, Faculty In-charge Mentoring cell of SCMS, Noida opened the session. Dr. Girija Mahale, the Head of Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing, started the session by describing the importance of mental health and the need to reduce the stigma about mental health issues.

The session began with certain interactive and amazing ice-breaking activities which were conducted in order to make the students feel at ease with their peers as well with the faculty and esteemed guest that were present in the session. The students were selected by spinning the wheel and were asked to volunteer. These activities involved many games like guessing each other’s home town when spoken in reverse order, asking questions to students like what is their favorite place in the campus? where do they like to hang out after the classes? Do they have any anger issues? If yes, what feelings do they experience at that time? what are their opinions about mental health? what do they think about this session? and many more.

After the Ice-breaking activities, Dr. Girija Mahale told the students about emotional wellness and why is it so important to know about it. She also mentioned the three portals of mind i.e. Thoughts, Emotions and Behavior and how they are important in determining mental health. The concepts regarding the same were elucidated to the students by using a presentation. The students were also told about how they can take care of their mental health using the concepts of Mindfulness, Awareness, Emotional, Behavioral and cognitive strategies. She also highlighted how the abbreviation “STOPP” can progress one’s personality.

S – Stop

T – Take a Break

O – Observe

P – Plan

P – Proceed

For a change of discussion, a color breathing activity was directed in which the students were asked to breathe in, a color which makes them feel relaxed and breathe out, a color which makes them feel stressed. Further, the students were questioned about the colors they selected. Apart from this, a color breathing chart along with the emotions related to them was shown to the students so that they could compare with the emotions they were confronting.

To keep the students engaged in the session, Pallavi Sharma discussed and had provided solutions to the offline students while Dr. Girija continuously kept on answering the questions and suggesting the online students through the chat box. The students were also informed about how Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing can help them solve the problems which they face and how they can feel free to contact them anytime. In the end, Dr. Kanishka Gupta, Faculty In-charge of Mentoring cell of SCMS, Noida concluded the session by expressing her thoughts on the idea of mental well-being and gave a vote of thanks.

To put it in a nutshell, the session aided in gaining knowledge on mental health well-being and how the sync of body and mind is very important for mental health. All the members present also got to know that emotions are in the form of waves and how these thoughts can be tackled by answering three questions:

Question 1) Is this thought based on reality?

Question 2) What is the likelihood of thought?

Question 3) What aspect of the situation can I control?

Lastly, are you mentally stable? If yes, you are the happy one and if not take suggestions from here to be happy and spread joy!

Some Geotagged photographs of the Event:

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The Power of Habits

Habit is a cable; we weave a thread each day, and at last we cannot break it. - Horace Mann

Dedication and discipline towards anything can turn into a long-term pattern, this is what we call a habit. However, it isn’t always a good habit. Bringing change to your life does not only affect you physically or mentally, it institutes core values and principles in you. Respecting your elders, treating others with kindness, loving your family, and more are just habits that you develop over a period of time. Waking up and going to sleep early are certainly good habits. We must know that good habits have the power to change our personalities and give us a different outlook towards life.

To showcase the power of habits and how to inculcate them, ISR Club at SCMS NOIDA organized a webinar on “The Power of Habits” on 5/03/2021 at 3:40 pm to 4:40 pm. The cub invited Mr. Karnamrta Krishna Dasa, the youth mentor and a guide at the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The webinar began with an example illustrating how the habits are borne in the subconscious mind and its aftermath remains post human actions. The speaker threw a light on the effect of daily interactions on habit formation. Some habits take the form of addictions. Three layers of behaviour change, when breaking a bad habit were explained. These days, along with a decent academic grade, a good character often holds a fair weightage at times of selection process in corporates! A detailed structured habit loop was explained which revolved around three components - cue, routine and reward.

Furthermore the speaker elaborated on paradigm and paradigm shift underlining how different people perceive things differently. Seven good habits he mentioned were proactiveness, mental creation, physical creation, positive outlook, understanding, synergise and perseverance. All the sentences were well structured and reached the audience well as we students often miss out on the importance of mental well being amidst hectic schedules. The last part of the webinar consisted of the impact of improper appetite in daily life compromising one’s physical and mental capabilities in turn affecting productivity. The session was then followed by questions put up by the students.

The sum and substance of the webinar came out positive and fruitful. We learnt if we placed our routines and habits right, we could put two and two together come what may!

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