In the following
conversation with Mrs Mohini Daljeet Singh, CEO of Max India Foundation - the
CSR initiative of Max India - we explore the changing scenario of Corporate Social
Responsibility in our country. Our Business Advisory Board member since 2009, she
has a lot to say about the social side of the healthcare industry. The passion
she has for her work and the attachment to her cases is indeed very inspiring, something
that is very evident in her talk.
As a nation, over the last decade, we have become more
socially inclined. Philanthropy has been going on for quite some time in our
country, but as compared to the West it is very little. But still, things are
now changing. Businesses have realised that it makes sense to grow the
environment in which they work, because ultimately it will help them grow. They
are now reaching out to the people and gaining their confidence. They’ve
realized that growth cannot be exclusive, it has to be inclusive.
Q: On this beautiful journey that you’ve had, what can you
title as your defining moment?
Oh, I think that they all are important in their own ways. Every
project counts! For example, I think in Project Azmat, you are making a great
change.
Q: So ma’am, what can you tell us about the CSR initiatives
of Max India?
Max India Foundation was formed in 2007 to undertake the
philanthropic initiatives of Max in an organised way. I have been associated
with it from the very start. It was officially launched on 15th January
2008, which is celebrated as Max’s annual day. Being in the business of health
care, we wanted our CSR to take that further. So now we utilise our
infrastructure and technology for providing high-end tertiary health care to
those who cannot afford it.
Q: Since you have been in this industry for so long, how
have you seen the CSR scene in India change through the last decade?
As a nation, over the last decade, we have become more
socially inclined. Philanthropy has been going on for quite some time in our
country, but as compared to the West it is very little. But still, things are
now changing. Businesses have realised that it makes sense to grow the
environment in which they work, because ultimately it will help them grow. They
are now reaching out to the people and gaining their confidence. They’ve
realized that growth cannot be exclusive, it has to be inclusive.
Q: Apart from poverty and health, what other pressing issues
do you think CSR initiatives need to look into?
There are issues such as
women empowerment, skills training that need to be looked into, because with
such a huge population, there are a lot of things we fall short of. And where
does this gap exist? The education sector. Even when a school is there, the teachers
are not. Dropout rates are so high. When I visited Chandigarh, near a Max
Specialty Films production unit, I was appalled to see that there was no Math
or English teacher for the students – with barely a few months left before the
boards! I then arranged for extra classes after school hours, and that year,
the pass percentage was 58% (as compared to 22% the year before). And this
year, we’ve achieved a 100% pass percentage!”
Q: On this beautiful journey that you’ve had, what can you
title as your defining moment?
I wouldn’t know how to tell one, there’ve been so many! One
was when I came across this young guy from Manipur. He was only 29 years old, a
father to two sons, and both his kidneys had failed. So he needed a kidney transplant
desperately, which as you know, is a very expensive procedure. Through various
channels, the case reached us. We paid completely for his surgery. And they
were all so grateful! I still get texts from them, and they all keep in touch.
When something like this happens, you realise that it is not just about one
life, it is about how the whole family sees an array of hope.
Q: So how did your association with Enactus SRCC come about?
Mr. Analjit Singh was approached by Dr. Abhay and from
there it all started. When I got associated with Enactus, Life On Wheels was
just starting, so health camps were organized for the
rickshaw pullers.
These student initiatives are very important. The sensitivity
has to come at an early age. Even I used to work as a volunteer in college for
educating women in backward areas. The nuns that we worked with taught them stitching,
while we used to play with the children, teaching them a little bit about health
and hygiene. That was the point I became aware of this cause, and I was
converted for life.
I think that you have developed quite a lot. Now you are
handling more projects, and have grown even more confident. I think that as an
organization, you have a better sense of direction now, you know where you are
heading.
Q: And what do you think is your favorite project?
Oh, I think that they all are important in their own ways. Every
project counts! For example, I think in Project Azmat, you are making a great
change.
Q: Any suggestions or
final words?
I would just like to say that keeping in touch with your communities
and following up with them is very important. Health is an issue that every
household in the country needs to be aware about. When you interact with your
communities, you can put in a word about basic hygiene. Talk to them on a
one-on-one basis, as a friend, and try to make them aware about things such as
family planning or childcare. Because every bit counts. No effort is too small!
-Interviewed by Sanket Agarwal and Bhumika Gupta
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