Recession happens with economy not with humanity !!!

 

Last week, I went to an orphanage in Bangalore on behalf of Sugathi to celebrate the New Year. The very first question the orphanage manager asked was if we still had job or were already laid off. She asked so because some “XYZ” corporate company has stopped its assistance because of recession. It was a very genuine doubt. I thanked for her concern and took leave. After two days, I went to a Govt school as part of Sugathi’s regular teaching activity. The school head mistress expressed the same doubt but in a little different language. She did not talk about any other companies but just asked about my job. Recession, economic slow down and Layoffs. These terms are most common in our office, parties with friends and official gatherings. At times, even our parents and family members too discuss these things. But I was really embarrassed while facing the questions on these at very uncommon places.

Though I did not attach much importance to those questions at that moment, later I felt these questions are just the tip of ice berg that is yet to come out.  Does the common public feel that we are working for the social development only because we are Software Engineers with fat pay packages? Are they under an impression that “you can help others only if you are as rich as an MNC”?

If any of these questions gets a positive answer, I will be the first person to feel very sad. And immediately my accusing finger points directly to the managers of some NGOs/orphanages and also to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments of the corporate companies. With my own experience, I will tell you some organizations now a days have almost stopped recognizing individual contributors. Their eyes turned dark thanks to the corporate glitter. CSR departments are also responsible for this situation. There is a wonderful proverb in all oriental cultures which roughly translates to “Never let your left hand know about the help done to others by your right hand”. But what do these people do? They display flamboyance and show off their project management and marketing strategies at a place where only a gentle and simple approach is demanded. Hold on!!  I know what is going on in your mind. When they do “so” much to the society why can not it be done in their own way? Well, you can answer the question yourself after reading this blog.

I do not know if you know it or not: many NGOs/ orphanages/schools for special children located in the rural India are being run with out receiving any corporate assistance. Even if some corporate assistance will be offered, the individuals will reject for their own reasons. To work for the betterment of people, all you require are: the nature to respond to hardships faced by others, knowledge of social problems and ability to propose solutions to them; but definitely not the corporate glitter or extravagance. When we work for the betterment of people, we are just trying to build a better India and finally a better world to live in. Why does and how does our company matter? One may work for ABC or DEF or XYZ or may be jobless too. Even if one loses job, one will definitely have time to continue the voluntary activities though contributing money may not be possible.

So my dear co-workers from corporate world, NGO managers and everyone else, here are my closing remarks:  Social development and community service activities have been taking place for ages much before globalization. They will not come to an abrupt end now because world economy has slowed down. The direction of these activities should change in such a way that the misery due to the recession will be equally shared between all of us. Suppose you are a person actively involved in social activities but not able to give your time for them because of various tensions (like losing job, working over time), involve people like senior citizens or college students. You might be spending Rs.500 per month to help others when you earn Rs.X a month. When your earnings come down to Rs.Y (less than X), spend Rs.100 and involve four more people (convince, if they are not willing) to make up Rs.500. 

I am not really sure if the CSR departments have any plans for 2009 or not. But I have. No matter where I work. Still, I pray that these companies continue their work but in a more humane way. Of course, this kind work may be a part of the business for the companies but for people like me, it is a passion and a means (besides paying taxes) to serve the nation  and humanity.

I am sure you got the answer to the question!!

P.S : Sugathi is a voluntary group working in the areas of school education and child development. You can visit http://sugathi.blogspot.com for more details.