Companies asked to take up a problem and work on it in order to serve society

Laudable effort: Bradley K. Googins (left), Executive Director, The Center for Corporate Cititizenship, Boston College, U.S, inaugurating a building at Idigarai Government High School, renovated by C.R.I. Pumps in Coimbatore recently. Vice-Chairman of C.R.I. Pumps G. Soundararajan (right) is in the picture.

Corporates cannot be expected to solve all problems in the society. They can, however, take up a problem and work on it, Bradley K. Googins, Executive Director, The Centre for Corporate Citizenship, Boston College, U.S., has said.

Philanthropy

Addressing a small gathering at the Government High School in Idigarai, near here, he said gone were the days when companies engaged in philanthropy by donating goods and cash.

Today, they engaged with the community to improve the life of the targeted population.

He was at the school at the invitation of C.R.I. Pumps, which, through its Corporate Social Responsibility, wing had undertaken development works there. He also inaugurated a renovated building.

He suggested to the C.R.I. Pumps management that they not only involve the community but also the students' parents, as they also had a stake in the school's development.

It was akin to all concerned rowing a boat to its destination, he added.

G. Soundararajan, Vice Chairman, C.R.I. Pumps, said the company had taken up eight schools.

At the Idigarai school, the company focussed on infrastructure, education and health. It had renovated the girls' toilet and was working to improve the boys'.

It had appointed teachers under the parent teachers association to improve the teacher-student ratio, security guards, trained students in extra curricular activities and encouraged the formation of eco clubs.

Guidance

He sought Mr. Googins' guidance on how to carry forward the CSR programme.

Members of the school PTA, village elders, students and others were present on the occasion.

 Source-Hindu