Welcome and Opening Remarks

The event, held in FIIB’s newly inaugurated auditorium, began with a warm welcome from Sakshi Pandey and Bhavna Sharma, Senior Co-Heads of the FIIB Girl Up Club. They introduced the theme, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond societal labels and embracing authenticity. “It’s about celebrating the courage to live our truth, the resilience to overcome barriers, and the progress we’ve made in creating a world where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are,” they said, reinforcing the need for diversity and LGBTQIA++ inclusion.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Milestones

Highlighting FIIB’s commitment to inclusivity, Sakshi Pandey shared her experience of working closely with the transgender community during her social internship, which deepened her understanding of inclusivity and gender equality. The event also celebrated the sixth anniversary of the decriminalization of Section 377 in India, with speakers reflecting on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true equality and transgender rights within the LGBTQIA++ community.

Keynote Address by Dr. Kokil Jain

FIIB’s Dean of Research & Outreach, Dr. Kokil Jain, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the institution’s dedication to societal impact through its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Dr. Jain underscored FIIB’s contributions to Goals #4 (Quality Education), #5 (Gender Equality), #8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and #9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). She also highlighted FIIB’s SDG Dashboard, which tracks and showcases the institution’s initiatives in these areas, making it the fourth B-school in India and 31st globally to maintain an individual SDG Dashboard updated annually. This underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering a truly inclusive environment. For more details on how FIIB is driving change through its societal impact initiatives, visit our societal impact page.

Interactive Workshop and Panel Discussion

The event featured an interactive workshop led by members of Breaking Barriers and Girl Up FIIB, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the LGBTQIA++ community’s experiences. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Anushka Maheshwary, a queer and non-binary professional with extensive experience in gender studies and social action.

Panelist Insights

• Shaman Gupta, co-founder of Mysfit Trans Youth Foundation, shared insights on the unique challenges faced by transgender youth and the importance of creating safe spaces that empower them to thrive. His work is pivotal in advancing transgender rights within the broader context of LGBTQIA++ inclusion.
• Yash Sharma, founder of Official Humans of Queer, discussed the power of storytelling in breaking stereotypes and fostering empathy, highlighting his work in amplifying queer voices through digital media. His efforts underscore the significance of diversity in narratives that promote LGBTQIA++ inclusion.
• Rajasekharan Pazhaniappan, co-founder of v-shesh, an organization known for its efforts in enabling inclusive employment, provided a corporate perspective on how businesses can lead the way in supporting LGBTQIA++ individuals through inclusive policies and practices. His insights into fostering an inclusive environment within workplaces highlight the need for systemic changes to support diversity.
• Rudrani Chettri, a founder member of Mitr Trust, shared her journey and the critical role of community support in the lives of transgender individuals, advocating for greater visibility and rights for the community. Her advocacy efforts are crucial for advancing gender equality and securing transgender rights.

The discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA++ community and the importance of fostering an inclusive society that respects and celebrates diversity.

Conclusion and Felicitation

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony for the panelists, with special acknowledgments extended to Ms. Aditi Arora from Girl Up India and Ms. Priyanka Randhawan from Tagore International School. The day ended on a reflective note, reminding attendees that the fight for equality is ongoing and that inclusion goes beyond policy—it’s about changing hearts and minds to truly support LGBTQIA++ inclusion.

Final Words

Sakshi and Bhavna expressed gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and organizers for making the event a success. They reiterated FIIB’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of inclusivity and creating a future where everyone can live authentically, without fear or prejudice.

As FIIB continues to align its efforts with the UNSDGs and champion the cause of diversity and LGBTQIA++ inclusion, events like “Beyond Labels: Towards Pride and Progress” serve as vital platforms for dialogue, education, and action. They are not just celebrations but commitments to building a more inclusive environment and society for all, with a focus on gender equality and transgender rights. To learn more about how FIIB is driving societal impact.

The post FIIB Hosts ‘Beyond Labels: Towards Pride and Progress’ to Champion LGBTQIA++ Inclusion appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Understanding Local Needs

FIIB’s journey began with meticulous site visits, surveys, and interactions with villagers and gram panchayat members. These efforts aimed to identify critical need gaps, forming the foundation for a comprehensive action plan aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically, SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Alignment with SDGs:

Quality Education (SDG 4)

Vocational Training Courses in Collaboration with NGO: FIIB recognizes the importance of equipping individuals with relevant skills. The initiative focuses on vocational training courses in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, contributing to SDG 4’s goal of ensuring equitable and quality primary and secondary education.

Women Empowerment Drive: Building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive align with SDG 4’s mandate for safe, non-violent, inclusive learning environments. The “Women Empowerment Drive” further reinforces this commitment.

Capacity Building Initiatives: FIIB’s “Capacity Building Initiatives” for early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education ensure that all children are prepared for primary education by 2030.

Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Women Empowerment Drive & Financial Literacy: FIIB actively contributes to SDG 5 by undertaking reforms that grant women equal rights to economic resources and promote financial literacy. The use of enabling technology in capacity-building initiatives reinforces women’s empowerment.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

Government Documentation for Each Citizen: In line with SDG 8’s goal to reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training, FIIB’s initiative focuses on ensuring government documentation for each citizen, facilitating access to opportunities.

Weekend Skill Development Camp in Adopted Village: Strengthening the capacity of domestic financial institutions, FIIB organizes weekend skill development camps in adopted villages, promoting economic growth and expanding access to financial services.

FIIB’s engagement with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is a testament to its commitment to rural development. By aligning activities with SDGs 4, 5, and 8, FIIB addresses immediate challenges and contributes to the broader vision of building an inclusive India. The journey towards transformational change in rural India is ongoing, and FIIB’s efforts serve as an inspiring model for higher educational institutions looking to make a meaningful impact on society.

The post Empowering Rural India: FIIB’s Impact through Unnat Bharat Abhiyan appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Festival Overview: United in Action for SDGs

Aligned with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Purple Bharat Utsav was meticulously curated to promote inclusivity and accessibility across various facets of life. The festival’s theme, “United in Action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and buy PwDs,” resonated throughout the day’s events. A spectrum of activities, including round table conferences, keynote addresses, plenary discussions, cultural performances, and exhibitions, actively fostered inclusivity. At its core, the celebration aimed to raise awareness about disability inclusion on a broader scale and explore pathways to enable inclusive employment in India.

Round Table Conference on Inclusive Employment Ecosystem

The Purple Round Table Conference, a highlight of the Utsav, focused on “Building Inclusive Employment Ecosystem in India: Challenges & Opportunities.” Esteemed panels comprising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) experts, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Heads, DEI Activists, and representatives from Social Service Organizations (SSOs) delved into the landscape of inclusive employment in India. Chaired by Ms. Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director at FIIB, discussions centred on market dynamics, the commercial viability of disability-inclusive employment, and insights from leading private companies in India. The session aimed to inspire further developments in inclusive employment within the Indian corporate sector. The Purple Bharat Utsav at FIIB was a profound testament to the power of inclusive initiatives. It provided a platform for vital dialogues, shedding light on inclusive employment’s transformative impact and reinforcing the imperative for a more inclusive corporate landscape in India. The convergence of expertise and advocacy within the festival serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where diversity is celebrated and opportunities are genuinely inclusive.

Day’s Highlights

Opening Sessions: Purple Round Table discussions and Plenary sessions on Inclusive Employment in India.

Welcome Addresses: Dr. Kokil Jain, Dean of Research and Outreach at FIIB, Lt. General SM Metha (Chairperson of IDEA), and Mr. Mallikarjuna Iytha, Founder of IDEA.

Keynote Addresses: Ms. Ambreen Zaidi and Ms. Puline of Handicap & International.

Cultural Performances: Jawed Habib, Padma Shri Kamalini Asthana, Nalini Asthana, and artists from the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) community and FIIB students.

Plenary Presentations: Engaging talks by prominent figures, including Devika Malik, Mr. Gurusharan Khurana, Ms. Dolly Mittal, Amit Bhargava, Shubham Pahwa, Nipun Malhotra, and Shivani Vashishth.

A Stride Towards Equity and Unity

Purple Bharat Utsav emerged as a catalyst for deeper understanding and awareness for creating more inclusive job opportunities within India’s corporate landscape. The festival encapsulated the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and progress, marking a significant stride towards a more equitable society.

Discover how FIIB contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

The post Purple Bharat Utsav 2023: Inspiring Unity, Celebrating Diversity appeared first on FIIB Blog.

In an effort to build a learning community that will positively address societal challenges, FIIB has adopted a flagship program of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India: The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA). The program provides faculty and students with the opportunity to identify development challenges and come up with solutions to them in rural India. In order to build an inclusive India, this program harnesses the power of knowledge institutions like FIIB to help transform the rural development processes.

As a part of this initiative, a paralympic swimmer named Mr. Balraj Tanwar received assistance from FIIB so that he could compete in the 22nd National Paralympic Swimming Competition in Guwahati and fulfill his goals. In order to continue his swimming journey, FIIB is also helping him with a wheelchair. Our social service student-run club Jaagriti conducted activities involving participants beyond the FIIB audience. Activities are planned for the year and these planned activities have an alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. Students organize cloth donation drives, fundraising campaigns, plantation drives, awareness activities, and educational training for the community. 

Executive Development Programs are frequently planned and carried out by the FIIB. We assess the industry’s requirements and pick suitable topics for EDPs. Our EDPs feature participation from academics and members of the industry. We provided free access to these webinars and seminars for NGOs. Pro-bono applicants from each of our partnering NGOs are taken into consideration. Discounts were given to employees of these NGOs who participated in EDPs organized by FIIB.

FIIB’s Thought leadership drove three new Centres of Excellence – 

o Centre for Behavioural Insights (CBI), 

o Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CIET), 

o Centre for Responsible Management (CRM) 

Neha Singh

“The people over there did not get any additional benefits regarding girls’ higher education, and there were no computer classes or coaching nearby.”. One of the biggest problems they faced was garbage thrown on the roads, which wasn’t even cleaned… ‘Safai Abhiyaan’ happens only during elections.”

Yogita 

“Our college took an insightful step by which we were able to realize that life isn’t just about whims and fancies but has a hard reality as well. Following the sample collection, we had lunch with the set budget and it was an awesome day.” 

In addition to traditional business education, our students receive rigorous social impact education. Consequently, they gain the mindset and tools necessary to serve both corporations and the community as a whole. As they say, Service is a defining and fulfilling enterprise that can help you to see that “you” are not delineated by an identity, but defined by ability, compassion, connection, and love. For more information on FIIB’s social impact initiatives, please visit https://www.fiib.edu.in/societal-impact

The post From Classroom to Community: Impacts of Student-Led Initiatives appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Education has always been an integral aspect of boosting a country’s economy. When a person is educated his mind is open to various horizons, he can perceive what the other person is offering, develops the ability to respect the other person’s opinion, and can contribute to the country’s economy. It not only helps in personal growth but also helps in the growth of people associated with them. It is rightly said that “ If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation”.

But nowadays what we see in underdeveloped and developing nations is that women’s education is not prioritized, women are supposed to help their mothers with household chores. Even when they are asked to join schools just like their brothers, they are answered – “Eventually you have to get married and manage your house, then what is the need to study?”. They even fail to realize that the right to education is a basic right, that they can’t deprive anyone of. 

Malala Yousafzai is a woman activist who has changed the world with her relentless courage and pursuit of girls’ education. When women are educated they are more likely to perform better in jobs than men and are likely to become more responsible citizens. I am fortunate enough to be born in a family where education is given priority irrespective of gender, also ever since I got admission in management education, i.e, the PGDM course offered by FIIB I have been seeing professors emphasizing education for all, they fulfill their social responsibility by making special emphasis towards women’s education. We can achieve this target of educating all by following a few steps like making people aware of the benefits of educating women, helping a family who is in financial need, offering them free tuition if we are capable, etc. The government can also take initiatives to improve the situation like offering facilities of free education for the underprivileged, making proper arrangements for women to engage in learning like hygienic toilets, availability of sanitary pads, and facilitating their transportation. 

My Final Thoughts

When we educate our mothers, sisters, and wives at home, we will be making a significant contribution to society. An educated woman possesses the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary for being a better mother, employee, and citizen. It not only helps in personal growth but also helps society in many ways as it leads to a reduction in human trafficking, making them aware of their rights, no child marriages, nuclear families, the increased income potential of the family, reducing poverty rates, and many more. Whether it’s on the moon, in space, in medical or research sciences, women have excelled everywhere. At last, a world where people are educated will be a better place to live in.

The post The Need of the Hour: Women’s Education appeared first on FIIB Blog.