It is a collective responsibility to achieve global sustainability in the coming years. Most organizations across sectors have made their best effort towards bringing change, and Newgen is also a part of this through its CSR initiatives, which resonates with two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).
The urban India must be using 5 G connections, but there digital divide existence in some area not due to lack of network, but due to lack of resources. To fill in this gap, Newgen has played their part, its CSR’s flagship programme, the Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshala (NDDP), aligns with national campaigns like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ by promoting digital literacy and quality education for underprivileged female students. Benefiting over 3,800 students annually, the programme combines digital tools with hybrid learning to bridge the technological divide and foster research and self-learning. Since its inception, more than 2,500 students have received digital devices and connectivity support.
In an interview with ResponsibleUs, Priyadarshini Nigam, Director and Head – CSR, Newgen Software, shared some insights on the different programme running under the company’s umbrealla.
Newgen CSR has generated very powerful and meaningful programme that integrate with national campaigns and enable all-round development. In all spheres of education, digital literacy, equality of gender, and empowerment of communities, Newgen is already changing lives for bare subsistence underprivileged students and women.
Aligning with Government Campaigns
Newgen CSR’s flagship programme, the Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshala (NDDP), aligns with national campaigns like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ by promoting digital literacy and quality education for underprivileged female students. Benefiting over 3,800 students annually, the programme combines digital tools with hybrid learning to bridge the technological divide and foster research and self-learning.
To date, over 2,500 students have received tablets and recharged SIM cards to ensure uninterrupted online learning. NDDP also provides a safe space for students to discuss mental health and physical well-being, fostering a comprehensive development model. By complementing national initiatives, NDDP enhances their impact, driving social development through digital empowerment and gender equality.
NDDP’s personality development sessions address mental health, physical well-being, and career orientation, with notable impacts on academic performance and confidence. Over 150 programme alumni are now pursuing higher education, supported by scholarships.
Transforming Students’ Lives
NDDP has significantly improved digital literacy and personality development among students. Its sessions empower students to utilize digital platforms for education and career planning. Personality development activities, including mental health management and life skills training, equip students to navigate challenges with confidence. During COVID-19, professional counselors were introduced to address mental health needs.
Students have consistently shown improved academic performance and shared positive feedback. One student remarked, “This year, I’ve learned decision-making, self-awareness, and confidence-building. These lessons have become part of my daily life.” During these years, this programme has been positively impacting over 3,000 students in classes 6-8 and more than 800 pupils from classes 9-12 have availed of the benefit from this initiative. In the year 2022-23, these students from the very first batch of Class 12 set their feet down on higher education, with a few scholarships backing them.
Empowering Women Through Samarth Saarthi Samuh
The Samarth Saarthi Samuh programme focuses on empowering women in local communities through digital literacy and financial education. Women are trained to manage finances and access digital platforms effectively. The programme also includes skill development sessions in stitching, embroidery, and crochet, enabling women to create sustainable income sources. Mental health sessions provide tools to manage stress and foster emotional well-being, contributing to their overall empowerment.
Academic Excellence Through KHUSHII Partnership
In collaboration with the NGO KHUSHII, the Shikshaantra Plus programme enhances academic performance through remedial education and digital learning. The initiative has benefited 6,366 students across multiple states, addressing learning gaps in subjects like Hindi, English, and Mathematics. Digital education methods have transformed traditional teaching, improving comprehension and attendance rates, which rose from 68% to 85%.
Health and Nutrition with Midday Meals
The Midday Meal Programme of Newgen works in collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to solve hunger and malnutrition issues in government school children. It provides a nutritious meal to improve school attendance and learning ability. By 2023, this programme has reached more than 4,700 students in locations such as Gorakhpur, Mant, and Mangalagiri.
Holistic Development Through Sadbhavna
Launched in 2006, the Sadbhavna initiative supports less privileged youth through education and life skills development. Interactive sessions for younger children focus on creativity, while older students receive guidance on career planning and personality development. During the pandemic, digital devices were distributed to ensure continuity in education.
Adapting CSR to the Digital Age
Newgen CSR programmes embrace digital transformation to bridge the digital divide. NDDP employs digital labs, iPads, and online platforms to make learning engaging. During the pandemic, over 2,500 devices were distributed to ensure accessibility. Activities like quizzes, debates, and news reading further enhance students’ research and presentation skills.
Leadership Driving Lasting Impact
Newgen has given the important direction of leadership in implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. A good example of these initiatives is the NDDP that is launched with the guidance of the Managing Director and has favorable alignments with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education and Gender Equality. It includes a blend of mind with skill building, digital literacy, and mental well-being, ensuring that it impacts education, health, and livelihoods sustainably.
In 2023, Newgen finds its CSR measures still addressing issues of women’s empowerment through skills acquisition, financial literacy, and mental well-being. For students, STEM education is still one priority area, bringing more of the fairer sex into science and technology explorations. By adapting to the evolving needs of beneficiaries, Newgen CSR aims to create lasting positive change in the communities it serves.