Month: March 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, the difficulties in making the ends meet in day to day life often makes us forget about the struggles and hardship of others. We often hear about the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence (EQ), but how do we actually develop these qualities? Like the saying goes; “Easier said than done”, we want to make a difference but how do we do it? One powerful way to increase EQ is through volunteering! “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth” as rightly quoted by Muhammed Ali can be remembered here! Volunteering can take many forms, from working at a soup kitchen to teaching children the basics of ABCD…. The act of volunteering in itself is as important as the intention behind it. When we volunteer, we are actively choosing to give our time and energy to help others, without expecting anything in return. This act of selfless giving represents one’s true wealth. Volunteering can help us develop greater empathy and understanding of others. In addition to developing empathy, volunteering can also help us develop other important aspects of EQ, such as self-awareness, social skills, and the ability to manage our emotions. By putting ourselves in situations where we are working closely with others, we can become more aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as our emotions and how they affect others. This can lead to greater self-awareness and a better understanding of our own behavior and how it impacts those around us. Perhaps most importantly, volunteering can help us develop the ability to manage our emotions, a crucial skill in leadership. Emotionally intelligent leaders are better equipped to manage themselves and others, build strong relationships, and achieve goals. When we work with people who are experiencing difficult situations, we may be exposed to their emotions, which can be overwhelming at times. By learning to manage our own emotions and respond to others with empathy and understanding, we can become more emotionally intelligent and better equipped to handle challenging situations. So how can we increase EQ through volunteering? The key is to approach volunteering with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Here are some tips:

• Choose a cause that resonates with you: Passion drives us all. Make sure to choose something that you are passionate about. Choose a cause that is meaningful to you and aligns with your values.
• Start small: “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Volunteering can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re not used to working with people in difficult situations. Start small! Volunteer for a few hours a week, and then gradually increase your time commitment as you become more comfortable.
• Listen and observe: When working with others, it’s important to listen and observe without judgment. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspective.
• Reflect on your experiences: After volunteering, take some time to reflect on your experiences. What did you learn about yourself and others? How did it impact your emotions? Reflecting on these experiences can help you develop greater self-awareness and empathy. Treasure these moments, learn from them. After all Life is the best teacher, we can learn from.
• Share your experiences with others: Sharing your experiences with others can help you process your emotions and gain new insights. It can also inspire others to get involved and make a difference.

To sum up, volunteering can be a powerful way to increase EQ and develop important life skills, particularly in the context of leadership. By approaching volunteering with an open mind and a willingness to learn, we can become more empathetic, self-aware, and emotionally intelligent. All in all, a better Human Being! Leaders who are emotionally intelligent are better equipped to manage themselves and others, build strong relationships, and achieve goals. At Vardaan, we believe in the power of volunteering to drive positive social impact and personal growth. We encourage our clients to get involved in volunteering initiatives as part of their CSR programs, and we offer guidance and support to help them make the most of these opportunities. Together, we can make a difference in the world and in ourselves. Together, lets make this world a happy, peaceful and a better place to live in. Before concluding, would like to leave you guys something to ponder upon: When would you be the happiest? When you get more?  or when you know you have the ability to give more?  

The term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was introduced officially in the Companies Act 2013 as a compulsory regulation to make a social contribution by way of CSR for the welfare of society. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) laid down the rules and regulations concerning social responsibilities. Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 incorporated a set of policies regarding Corporate Social Responsibility as a criterion under which the companies must abide when engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility. On April 1, 2014, CSR Rules came into force, providing procedures and guidelines concerning CSR by Indian companies. Objectives of CSR policies A company’s CSR Policy should be developed, modified, and implemented by the CSR Rules of the Companies Act 2013. The policy should specify or require a minimum of 2% of the company’s net income to be spent towards social responsibility. It should also consider allowing the company’s employees to participate in social responsibility activities. Through CSR, companies can achieve the following benefits:

• Improve government relations
• Ensure customer and employee participation in social responsibilities
• CSR can also help businesses to differentiate their brand positively and stand out in a competitive market

Now, the question is, what is the importance of CSR, and how does it contribute to a country’s economic development? We need to understand multiple aspects related to the term and its significance to analyze its impact on a deeper level. CSR’s contribution to the Indian economy According to the India philanthropy report of 2022, CSR contributions will grow around 19% annually and are expected to reach around 32% by FY 2026. CSR activities like education and skill development, rural development projects, livelihood enhancement, and healthcare contribute to the income index of the country. CSR is mandated by India’s laws that prompt eligible companies in the country to contribute funds  towards social welfare activities. What is the connection between CSR and SDG? SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global goals adopted by United Nations member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. India is one of the signatory countries that have pledged to achieve these goals by 2030. The CSR rule establishes a broad framework and provides guidance for a more sustainable future, whereas the SDGs establish concrete, well-defined objectives for measuring the outcomes of operations. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), the government’s top policy think tank led by the Prime Minister of India, has been charged with supervising SDG implementation. Corporate Social Responsibility plays an important part in society providing multifaceted benefits in the form of better training, amenities, education, healthcare, and other services. According to the Sustainability Development Report of 2022, SDGs are the roadmap to 2030, and CSR is a significant part of the global plan to finance them. Policy efforts and commitments made by different organizations can support the SDGs from the G20 countries, including other nations, to increase their contribution towards economic development.   Conclusion Having read this, you should have sufficient guidance about the importance of CSR and its subsequent impact on the Indian economy. We at Vardaan assist companies in drafting efficient CSR reports and other significant documents that help highlight the above reports and statistics.