CSR South, held on March 16, 2025, at Shilpakala Vedika, brought together leaders to solve pressing social concerns through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Meera Rajeevan, Chief Operating Officer of the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation’s Vidyadhan program, offered a riveting talk on social impact partnerships to address India’s low gross enrollment ratio (GER) in higher education, which is currently 28.4%.
Meera Rajeevan – Bridging Educational Gaps Through Strategic Partnerships
Meera Rajeevan, who has over two decades of leadership experience in the IT industry and is deeply committed to educational justice, is in charge of the Vidyadhan program, which offers scholarships and mentorship to poor students. Her lecture addressed the importance of collaborative CSR initiatives in increasing higher education enrollment and lowering dropout rates.
Key Takeaways:
- Current Challenges: India’s GER in higher education stands at 28.4%, with a dropout rate of 0.4%, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
- Vidyadhan’s Impact: Since its inception, the program has awarded approximately 50,000 cumulative scholarships and boasts an alumni network of 4,000 individuals, demonstrating the transformative power of sustained educational support.
- Strategic CSR Partnerships: Corporations can amplify their social impact by partnering with programs like Vidyadhan, aligning their CSR efforts with educational initiatives that offer scholarships, mentorship, and holistic support to underprivileged students.
Reflecting on the significance of such collaborations, Meera Rajeevan stated:
“The transition from knowledge-driven to intellectually driven CSR fulfills the objectives of NGOs and corporates alike, aiding in the development of socially responsible graduates.”
Vidyadhan’s reach has expanded under her guidance, with the goal of bridging educational inequities and empowering economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education. Her lecture encouraged businesses to form meaningful relationships that not only improve educational attainment but also help to build a more equal society.
For more information on Vidyadhan’s initiatives and partnership opportunities, visit https://www.vidyadhan.org/