2025 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

Empowering communities, protecting nature, sustaining the future.

1. Empowering Change through Social Entrepreneurship

Description:

As part of the LEAD (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Articulation, and Development) Course at BIMTECH, students had the privilege of engaging with Mr. Mukesh Shukla, President of the U.P. Chapter, Special Olympics Bharat, in a powerful session on Social Entrepreneurship on August 23, 2024. The initiative aimed to move beyond traditional business education, instilling in students a sense of purpose-driven leadership. By showcasing sports as a transformative tool for specially-abled individuals, the session challenged students to rethink the intersection of business, social good, and sustainable impact.

Key Objectives:

Catalyze Social Innovation: Encourage students to develop entrepreneurial solutions that address real-world social challenges.

Promote Inclusive Growth: Demonstrate how sports and entrepreneurship can create opportunities for marginalized communities.

Bridge Business with Social Responsibility: Highlight the balance between revenue generation and long-term societal impact.

Incorporate SDGs into Leadership Development: Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education) – Enabling inclusive learning.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) – Exploring sustainable social enterprises.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – Championing empowerment for specially-abled individuals.

Implementation:

This initiative adopted a high-impact, participatory approach where students:

1. Engaged in case-based learning to analyze successful social enterprises.

2. Collaborated on real-world challenges, brainstorming scalable models for impact.

3. Networked with experts, gaining first-hand exposure to the challenges and rewards of social entrepreneurship.

4. Proposed actionable ideas for creating a lasting impact beyond the classroom.

By emphasizing learning through experience, the initiative empowered students to become catalysts for change, rather than passive learners.

2. Saksharta Abhiyan: Illuminating Lives Through Literacy and Empowerment

Saksharta Abhiyan, launched on 2nd October 2024, is an ambitious literacy initiative spearheaded by United Friends of Earth, aiming to bridge educational gaps in underserved communities. The program is designed to empower individuals with fundamental literacy, practical life skills, and socio-economic awareness, ensuring they can actively participate in society and enhance their quality of life.

This initiative stands out by incorporating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) into its framework. With a learner-centric and community-driven approach, the program emphasizes student agency by encouraging university students to take leadership roles in mentoring, teaching, and mobilizing local resources.

With the guidance of Dr. Reeti Kulshrestha, an expert in sustainable development and community engagement, Saksharta Abhiyan not only focuses on literacy but also integrates social responsibility and environmental consciousness into its curriculum, ensuring long-term impact.

Implementation:

• Community-based interactive learning: Volunteers conduct educational workshops, reading circles, and digital literacy sessions, ensuring both theoretical and practical knowledge transfer.

• Skill-building modules: Beyond basic literacy, the initiative includes training in financial literacy, communication skills, and employability training, fostering self-sufficiency.

• Innovative teaching methods: A mix of gamified learning, storytelling, visual aids, and digital resources keeps learners engaged.

• Collaboration with local stakeholders: Partnering with schools, NGOs, and government bodies maximizes outreach and sustainability.

3. Community Outreach: Bridging Theory & Practice Through CSR Engagement

In alignment with the vision of experiential learning and sustainable development, the United Friends of Earth organizes field visits for students enrolled in the Responsible Business course. These visits provide immersive, firsthand exposure to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, allowing students to witness the intersection of business strategy and social impact in real-world settings.

More than just an academic requirement, this initiative is a transformative experience, enabling students to engage with project managers, community leaders, and local villagers. Through active participation and critical observation, students develop a deep understanding of CSR's role in tackling socio-economic and environmental challenges, bridging the gap between theory and impactful action.

1. This initiative was not just a session—it was a movement toward redefining leadership in business.

Qualitative Impact:

1. Igniting a Purpose-Driven Mindset: The session inspired students to see business as a vehicle for change, not just profit.

2. Creating a Ripple Effect: Students began exploring partnerships with social enterprises, bringing impact-driven ideas to life.

3. Strengthening BIMTECH’s Position as a Responsible B-School: The initiative reinforced the institution’s commitment to shaping socially conscious leaders.

Quantitative Impact:

1. 75+ students actively engaged, generating ideas for social ventures.

2. 60% of attendees expressed interest in pursuing social entrepreneurship projects.

3. 5+ student-led initiatives have emerged post-session, focusing on inclusive development through sports and business innovation

2. Since its launch, Saksharta Abhiyan has already created a tangible impact on the university ecosystem and the communities it serves.

Quantitative Impact:

1. 100+ individuals engaged in the first phase, including children, women, and elderly learners.

2. 60% of learners showed improvement in reading and writing skills within the first few sessions.

Qualitative Impact:

1. Empowered Women & Youth: Many female participants who previously had no access to education can now read, write, and engage in financial decision-making for their families.

2. Strengthened Community Bonds: The initiative fosters a culture of learning and self-sufficiency, inspiring families to invest in education.

3. Fostering Responsible Citizenship: The program instills values of sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility, creating a ripple effect beyond the classroom.

3. This hands-on approach redefines learning by integrating practical exposure with classroom knowledge.

Quantitative Impact:

1. 400+ students engaged annually in immersive CSR field visits.

2. 10+ organizations partnered across diverse sectors, from education and healthcare to rural development and environmental conservation.

3. 30% increase in student participation in CSR-focused research and initiatives.

Qualitative Impact:

1. Empowered Learning: By stepping into real-world CSR environments, students apply classroom concepts, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Community Connection: Engaging with local stakeholders fosters cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a stronger sense of social responsibility.

3. Sustainability-Driven Leadership: Students witness and analyze successful CSR models, inspiring future changemakers who integrate ethical business with long-term sustainability.

1. This initiative was not just about learning—it was about transformation.

Key Growth Areas:

• Strategic Thinking: Students developed the ability to assess social issues through a business lens, an essential skill for future leaders.

• Leadership & Agency: Exposure to real-world social entrepreneurship challenges encouraged students to take ownership of impact-driven projects.

• Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Students cultivated a deeper sense of responsibility toward societal progress by engaging in discussions on marginalized communities.

Learning Through Action:

This initiative helped students bridge the gap between knowledge and practice by:

• Developing real-world solutions that can be tested and implemented.

• Fostering cross-functional collaboration among business, social impact, and leadership domains.

• Encouraging long-term student engagement in impact-driven entrepreneurship.

2. For the university students leading this initiative, Saksharta Abhiyan is a transformative journey that goes beyond volunteering—it’s a leadership development experience.

• Enhanced Communication & Teaching Skills: Engaging with diverse learners hones their ability to simplify complex concepts and communicate effectively.

• Leadership & Project Management: Organizing literacy sessions involves strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and team coordination, refining entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

• Emotional Intelligence & Social Responsibility: Working in underserved communities fosters compassion, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to social impact.

3. For students, this initiative is more than an academic requirement—it’s a launchpad for leadership in sustainable business practices.

• Real-World Exposure to CSR Strategy: Students gain insider insights into how businesses implement sustainability initiatives, from design to execution and impact measurement.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: By interacting with corporate leaders and grassroots organizations, students develop the interpersonal skills required for responsible leadership.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: Field visits present real-world challenges, encouraging students to think critically, adapt, and develop innovative solutions for social issues.

1. Empowering Change through Social Entrepreneurship

2. Saksharta Abhiyan (empowering communities through education)

3. Community Outreach: Bridging Theory & Practice Through CSR Engagement

Student Representative

Neer soni

neer.soni25@bimtech.ac.in

9981651454

Academic Supervisor

Dr. Reeti kulshrestha

Reeti.kulshrestha@bimtech.ac.in