Vinod Kulkarni is the CSR Head at Tata Motors.
Ten years ago, we began a CSR journey guided by a deep-rooted commitment to positive social change. Starting from a simple DIY approach, we have evolved into a harmonised programme, positively impacting over six million lives across India. Through our four-pillar approach of Aarogya (Health), Vidyadhanam (Education), Kaushalya (Employability) and Vasundhara (Environment), we have woven ourselves into the fabric of countless communities, making a lasting difference. Our flagship projects are at the forefront of tackling pressing social challenges in health, education, employability, and the environment. These initiatives extend across diverse landscapes, with a specific emphasis on empowering marginalised communities. They illustrate a deeply felt commitment to seamless integration, aligning with local, national and global priorities. Embracing the philosophy of “Low Touch, High Impact” programmes, we prioritise scalability, longevity and creating enduring positive change.
The ‘More from Less for More’ approach is at the heart of our CSR philosophy. We emphasise the responsible use of resources and collaborative partnerships. Our CSR journey is a testament to our dedication to building a better tomorrow, where progress aligns with purpose and societal impact is not just an obligation but an integral part of our identity.
Comprehensive Community Development
In 2014, we embraced a unified four-pillar approach, aligning our CSR initiatives across India to ensure lasting impact. This shift, now integrated into Aarogya, Vidyadhanam, Kaushalya and Vasundhara programmes has evolved beyond individual projects into comprehensive development efforts, acknowledged by communities and governments.
Aarogya – Championing Health for All
Aarogya tackles critical health challenges like child malnutrition, leprosy, and water scarcity in vulnerable communities. The initiative aims to bridge the healthcare gap and bolster overall well-being with a mix of preventive and curative services.
In 2009, we partnered with UNICEF and the National Rural Health Mission to bring hope into the lives of Purbi Singbhum’s children. Their flagship Malnutrition Treatment Centre (MTC) in Jamshedpur has tackled severe malnutrition, successfully treating over 2,000 children. Similarly, urban Maharashtra saw a remarkable 96 per cent health improvement in malnourished children with the innovative Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CoMAL) initiative launched in 2014.
Every life deserves a chance at health and dignity. Driven by this belief, we partnered with Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj (NJMS), an organisation dedicated to leprosy prevention, control, and rehabilitation near Jamshedpur to tackle the stigma and spread of leprosy. Since 2018, our tireless efforts have reached thousands of households, offering treatment to over 4,000 patients. This has reduced incidence rates and brought hope and empowerment within the community, aligning perfectly with our commitment to holistic well-being.
Recognising the critical gap in early childhood care, we started an initiative to strengthen Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Pune. Facing a nationwide public health concern impacting children under six, this was extended to Mumbai, Lucknow, Pantnagar and Sanand through government partnerships, weaving a robust network of enhanced ICDS services.
Sameena Shaikh
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In the heart of Pune’s slums, where significant marginalised populations reside, a silent battle against child malnutrition and poverty has been unfolding since 2014. Tata Motors has been a driving force behind this transformative change to empower the most vulnerable in society and help them fight child malnutrition sustainably. 
Sameena worked relentlessly to help uplift families from the grip of poverty.
Every life deserves a chance at health and dignity. Driven by this belief, we partnered with Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj (NJMS), an organisation dedicated to leprosy prevention, control, and rehabilitation near Jamshedpur to tackle the stigma and spread of leprosy. Since 2018, our tireless efforts have reached thousands of households, offering treatment to over 4,000 patients. This has reduced incidence rates and brought hope and empowerment within the community, aligning perfectly with our commitment to holistic well-being.
From tackling malnutrition to battling leprosy, Aarogya weaves a tapestry of health and well-being across diverse communities.
Turning the tide on water scarcity, Amrutdhara breathed life into the parched landscapes in Almora and Nainital, benefitting over 17,000 individuals through a network of life-giving infiltration wells and piped water systems. Amrutdhara’s reach extends its roots deeper, nurturing 11 government schools and empowering women by liberating them from backbreaking water journeys. As waterborne diseases recede and communities flourish, a remarkable ripple effect has taken hold – girls, no longer tethered to distant wells, fill classrooms instead, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Vidyadhanam: Where Classrooms Transcend Walls
Just as Amrutdhara quenches physical thirst, Vidyadhanam nourishes the thirst for knowledge. This comprehensive education initiative empowers students from all walks of life, offering specialised coaching, modern infrastructure and financial aid, guiding students towards their full potential. Beyond academics, it emphasises life skills, sports, and co-curricular activities, ensuring well-
rounded growth.
ENABLE (Engineering and NEET Admission Bridge Accelerated Learning Engagement) is a Vidyadhanam initiative launched in 2014 to combat high school dropout rates and equip students for JEE/NEET success. Starting with the 
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Puducherry, it has expanded to Mangalore and Palghar, connecting over 20,000 students across 550+ JNV schools through satellite broadcasts.
Our targeted intervention through 100+ qualified teachers across 141 government schools has helped unlock the academic potential of 9,987 
students from deprived families. With a blend of digital learning platforms and in-person guidance, ENABLE offers focused support in critical subjects like Math and Science. Pass percentages have soared from below 60 per cent in 2013 to an impressive 95 per cent in 2023 across 100 schools under the Thane and Brihanmumbai 
Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Maharashtra.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by girls in pursuing education, we joined forces with Vidya Poshak in Dharwad (Karnataka). This partnership focuses on coaching meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds and providing scholarships to bridge the financial gap. In 2022-23, the initiative expanded, reaching 2,613 students across 11 schools, reinforcing the commitment to shaping a brighter educational landscape for all.
Kaushalya’s tailor-made vocational training programme, covering diverse fields like retail, beauty, baking, fashion, and ITI strengthening, has been crafted in collaboration with industry experts. They equip participants with in-demand skills and practical knowledge, thus securing their future. Kaushalya is committed to rural communities as well – empowering nearby farmers to embrace modern farming techniques through technology transfer and farm improvement practices. This approach fosters a ripple effect, transforming individual lives and revitalising entire communities.
Krishnanshu Tanwar
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Krishnanshu Tanwar is a shining example of determination in the medical field. Raised by a single parent, education was not just a priority but a privilege for him. Despite humble beginnings, Krishnanshu’s family knew the value of seizing opportunities. Instead of settling for local education and a future of uncertainty, they made a courageous decision to send him to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), which proved to be a life-changing decision.
Kaushalya: Rekindling Futures Through Skills
Kaushalya’s tailor-made vocational training programme, covering diverse fields like retail, beauty, baking, fashion, and ITI strengthening, has been crafted in collaboration with industry experts. They equip participants with in-demand skills and practical knowledge, thus securing their future.
Kaushalya is committed to rural communities as well – empowering nearby farmers to embrace modern farming techniques through technology transfer and farm improvement practices. This approach fosters a ripple effect, transforming individual lives and revitalising entire communities.
Tackling India’s rising unemployment head-on, Tata LEAP (Learn to Earn and Progress) equips underprivileged youth with employable skills. Eighty-five per cent of LEAP graduates secure placements, and 10 per cent launch their workshops – notably, 13 per cent are women. This impactful programme is a beacon of social responsibility, significantly bridging the skills gap and reducing unemployment.
Laxmi
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It is said that ‘Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out’ and this quote is exemplified perfectly by Laxmi Dalawai from Dharwad, Karnataka, who had to almost give up on her primary education due to financial issues at home. However, she received assistance and guidance from Tata Motors and Vidhya Poshak just in time. Her hard work resulted in her attaining an impressive 90th percentile in her Class X exams. Scholarship, essential supplies, expert-led tutoring sessions and coaching for IIT-JEE from Tata Motors helped her realise the dream of building a career. In addition to financial assistance under ‘Vidya Poshak’, Laxmi was also assisted with training in soft skills and career guidance. With her newfound confidence, Laxmi excelled in the interviews she appeared for and secured a job at one of the leading IT companies in Bangalore. It was her relentless perseverance and ambition to build a career that helped her pursue a career in engineering. As she braces herself for higher opportunities in future, her success story continues to inspire many other women in her vicinity.
Top of Form
Beyond skill development, we stay committed to social responsibility through many initiatives. In 2010, a notable CSR project in Ahmedabad addressed the skills gap in animal husbandry within marginalised communities. By introducing Automated Milk Collection Systems and Bulk Milk Chilling Units in 32 villages, we empowered women, resulting in a noteworthy 33 per cent increase in cooperative memberships, elevated milk production and a substantial 58 per cent average income boost by 2012-13.
Continuing our dedication to women’s empowerment, our Samaj Vikas Kendra has been encouraging local women through traditional crafts since 2007, leading to the establishment of SHG MAHEE. Expanding into products such as jute bags in 2011, MAHEE SHG now generates an annual revenue of Rs. 4-5 Lakhs, showcasing success in promoting women’s self-reliance and community development.
Our success is rooted in harmonising efforts, utilising standardised processes, technology, and strong partnerships. Through external collaboration, we have achieved cost-effectiveness, reaching over eight lakh beneficiaries in 2022-23 compared to two lakhs in 2014-15. We believe in not just conducting good business but doing good for society. Our unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life in communities around our business operations is the cornerstone of our mission.
Pinki Singh
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Pinki Singh is a determined individual who never shies away from a challenge. She excelled in both boxing and football at the Jharkhand State level. However, her biggest challenge lay in providing for her family. Married to a restaurant cook, she knew she needed a skill that could sustain them.
Vasundhara – Weaving a Greener Future
Our dedication to environmental stewardship manifests in diverse initiatives. Fostering renewable energy sources, conducting large-scale afforestation drives, implementing water conservation techniques, and educating communities on ecological responsibility are a few examples. Their collaborative spirit shines through partnerships with businesses, communities and governments, expanding their tree-planting reach and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Within well-crafted micro-habitats, myriad flora and fauna thrive, contributing to environmental sustainability.
In 2014, we launched a pioneering initiative in Pune, weaving a network of urban forests to transform barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems. This has led to an improvement in air quality, soil health, biodiversity explodes and prevention of illegal encroachment.
By 2017, six urban forests blossomed across 200 hectares, embracing 1.25 lakh trees. Warje urban forest, once devoid of life, is now a vibrant sanctuary with 9,500 mature trees breathing life into the city with 5,62,000 kg of oxygen annually. This is inspiring replication by corporations across India.
During the 2023 monsoon season, we planted one million saplings, positively impacting over 5000 tribal farmers in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The primary focus of this initiative is to nurture saplings, engage farmers, and collaborate with the government to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and improve the prospects of families living below the poverty line.
Launched on April 24, 2022, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Mission Amrit Sarovar aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district. This ambitious project pledges water security for all. We began with the rejuvenation of the Dongarpada Amrit Sarovar and by the summer of 2023, we successfully restored 106 water bodies, each with a capacity of one crore litres, guaranteeing water availability throughout the year. Besides water restoration, we also focused on creating jobs and engaging the community, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability through active involvement.
Our success is rooted in harmonising efforts, utilising standardised processes, technology, and strong partnerships. Through external collaboration, we have achieved cost-effectiveness, reaching over eight lakh beneficiaries in 2022-23 compared to two lakhs in 2014-15. We believe in not just conducting good business but doing good for society. Our unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life in communities around our business operations is the cornerstone of our mission.
Our commitment to communities takes diverse forms. Whether empowering youth through skill development programmes in rural India, revitalising water bodies like the Dongarpada Amrit Sarovar, or nurturing traditional crafts through initiatives like MAHEE SHG, our impact resonates across landscapes and lives. This is not just about CSR; it is about a deep-rooted belief that business success flourishes when communities flourish.
