The objectives of every organization are not limited to increasing sales and earning profits but also to give back to society. Apart from planning strategies to increase revenues, organizations are responsible towards the society as well. To meet the objective of responsibility towards the society, Sapient conducts campaigns and drives throughout the year for the upliftment of the disadvantaged sections of the society.

In August, 2011 the employees at the Gurgaon office of Sapient initiated a drive for collecting games, toys and other sports related equipment for underprivileged children. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Sapient people turned the drive into a huge success. All the toys and games collected during the campaign were donated to Butterflies – an NGO working for the betterment of the socially, emotionally and physically disadvantaged children in the area of Delhi and NCR.

The donated toys, games and sports equipment were distributed amongst the children on the Sports Day held at the India Gate. The Sports Day celebration organized by Butterflies was attended by India Leadership Team members, volunteers from Gurgaon office of Sapient and 200 children (approximately) belonging to different areas of Delhi and NCR region. This drive has been conducted under the category of “education and benefit of underprivileged children” CSR programme.

Commenting on the event, Pawan Vaswani, Director and Office Lead of Sapient Gurgaon said, “Sapient takes its responsibility as a global citizen to heart and has a focused initiative on giving back to the society.’’

At Sapient, it is believed that participation of business organizations in issues related to the harmonious development of the society is indispensable.

Each location of Sapient India undertakes local CSR initiatives. Here are some of the examples of projects undertaken:

Literacy India’s ‘Pathshala’

Sapient has sponsored Literacy India’s ‘Pathshala’ in the Rajeev Nagar Slum Colony in Gurgaon. This was an Open School providing tuition for weak students and Adult Literacy for the poorer sections of our society. This centre catered to the 15,000 population covering Sheetla Colony, Rajiv Nagar and Ashok Vihar in Gurgaon. Literacy India (LI) has identified 5000 women, girls and men above 18 years of age who are striving to get trained in vocational skills in order to get employment and now provide tailoring and computer courses as part of vocational training.

A group of 20 committed people from Sapient’s Gurgaon and Noida offices (called Udaan) have worked closely with Literacy India, which runs ‘Orchid Garden’ – a school for the underprivileged in Sun City, Gurgaon to educate underprivileged children at schools, contribute funds for basic requirements such as books and food. Udaan evaluated the school’s needs and decided to focus their energies to provide students with education and basic necessities. It committed itself to a bimonthly association with this school. The group arranges activities like games, color competitions, singing, dancing and encourages children to participate. They also teach them the significance of personal hygiene, keeping the surroundings clean and basic road rules among other important aspects. In addition, the team provides lunch to about 100 school children bimonthly. A similar team of self-motivated volunteers in Sapient Bangalore has worked with autistic children from Shristi Special Academy.

‘Change Your World in Half a Day’

Sapient Bangalore participated in ‘Change Your World in Half a Day’. The initiative raised INR 376689 from the pay cycle contributions of 396 people. This amount along with an additional sum of INR 148849 collected from the previous year’s Silent Auction and was donated to Parikrma Humanity Foundation, a local NGO, to build a Junior College for underprivileged children who completed their 10th grade this year.

Assent recently awarded Sapient with its “Best IT Services Supplier” recognition, an honor acknowledging the extraordinary outcomes of people advocates, who have fostered this client over the last four to five years. Sapient people donated the prize money from the award, worth 5000 Euros, to a few charities which supports education for the underprivileged.

People at Sapient came together, and contributed INR 80,000 for the wife of a victim, during Mumbai attack. A token of respect for the effort of the valiant policeman, who sacrificed his life while protecting the life of many.

Media coverage on Sapient’s CSR initiative

Amongst other round the year initiatives, a Zoom-in Photography Contest was held in Bangalore on December 4-5, in 2008. Pictures of the contest were sold to people, and proceeds of INR 15000 went to a charity Infant Jesus Charity Home, identified by Prayaas.

In the recent past, NGOs has been invited to visit the offices during special events and festivals and spend time with the employees, and empowering them with the satisfaction of celebrating a larger cause.

Giving back is about more than just being a good corporate citizen. Their approach to corporate social responsibility comes directly from their purpose — building a great company enabling human potential, which also inspires them to contribute to the health and sustainability of local and global communities

Sapient people have always been passionate about community service, and Sapient is proud to now formally sponsor company-wide participation in giving back through volunteering.

In 2011, every Sapient person will have the opportunity to take a day and make a difference. Working side-by-side with their project team or local office, they would be encouraged to give back to an organization whose purpose is to enable human potential.

Project teams and offices will plan a community service event in 2011, partnering with people-orientated organizations. Local event dates will be set in coordination with Sapient business leads and project team leads.

Sapient Gives Back FAQs

Volunteer hours division into two or three different days?

With supervisor approval, benefit hours can be divided into two or three separate days. In the spirit of the Give Back program, Sapient encourages its People to take part in volunteer activities that has been designated for office-wide participation.

No obligation

Sapient Gives Back is an important occasion that inspires their people to engage with their local community and each other in a meaningful way. While participation in this event is not mandatory, they expect that Sapient’s purpose of building a great company enabling human potential is something that they aspire to, and that people are eager to participate.

Is independent volunteer work permitted?

The intent of the program is to bring their people together and engage local communities. These events are an opportunity to unite with your colleagues and have a positive impact with organizations that also enable human potential. If a group event is not available in your office or you are not able to participate, you may use the benefit for individual volunteer work with prior approval from your supervisor.

Who is heading the activity in the office?

This vary by office. Contact the individuals who coordinate other activities: local office leads, local philanthropy team, or project team lead.  Or watch for news about events being planned in different offices, to participate.