ISR: Individual Social Responsibility

We all must have heard about government responsibilities of social welfare, policies for BPL communities, upliftment of marginalized communities etc. We also discuss about the responsibilities of bureaucrats, MLAs, MPs, local corporators, and other government units to ensure the wellbeing of people. All these units form the government system, and it is part of their job to plan, implement and maintain schemes of social welfare. In addition to this, in the last few decades, our country has witnessed the growth of non-government organizations and charitable trusts focussing on different social sectors and helping government to implement policies in remote areas. These NGOs also help in spreading awareness and reaching to right beneficiaries. Our country has seen some great success stories by NGOs, and they play a pivotal role in community development.

In 2013, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) was introduced in companies act so that corporates can give back to society. This clause has many criteria like revenue of the organization, net profit size, company worth, etc. CSR is a widely discussed topic and most of the NGOs strive hard to collaborate with companies to utilize their CSR funds for the betterment of society.

So, this system of uplifting the deprived communities and thereby helping in country’s growth comprises of many entities and all are working in coordination with each other.

There is another aspect of social responsibility which is not commonly discussed. This aspect is ISR (Individual Social Responsibility). This signifies what an individual can do to uplift the society in the best of his or her capabilities. Every social entity discussed above is made of people who are doing their work, but other people can also contribute based on their skill set, interest, social inclination, time, and hobbies. Every individual should bear a sense of responsibility towards society. This will create a great system where government entities, NGOs, and individuals will drive social changes and make this world a better place to live.

Below are some categories out of which individuals can choose any based on their interest and skill and start contributing to uplift the underprivileged communities. As stated in one of the superhero movies “Great power comes with great responsibility”. So, we all have some great powers of mind, skills, intellect, time, compassion, empathy, etc. and we just need to feel a little more responsible and empathetic towards other people.

• Impart Education/Skills: Most of us are educated and have some special skills which can be taught to people from marginalized communities. These skills may turn into earning options for beneficiaries and help them live a respectful life. Secondly, the best thing that you can give to anybody after your time is your wisdom. Be a teacher and build a great nation.
• Health Medical Related: Health is wealth is a known fact and each one of us can contribute to ensure well being of other citizens. We can be a blood donor, organ donor, visit government hospitals, and volunteer for activities where medical knowledge is not required. I still remember one person who used to visit a government hospital in Pune only to talk to patients with mental illness. He used to just talk and make them smile. Also, we can volunteer to organize medical camps in marginalized communities by taking help from specialized doctors. E.g., blood platelet donation, organ donation, etc.
• Monetary Related: Sometimes our work commitments, work location, time, and other constraints do not allow us to mobilize ourselves and help the communities physically. In this case, we can contribute financially to different causes based on our interest. Most of the social organizations need funds to implement social schemes. Monetary help can include education sponsorships, celebrating important days with less privileged kids, sponsor medical treatment, donate materials, etc. You can create a chain of people to support the social cause financially. E.g., sponsorship education of a deserving student. There are platforms such as Give India and Impact Guru where one can find such requirements.
• Awareness: No social change is permanent if the people are not aware to sustain it. We can spread awareness on government policies, digital sessions on sensitive topics like family planning, menstruation, street plays, etc. In today’s world which is connected via different channels, each one of us can contribute to spread awareness virtually using social media, preparing reusable materials for different NGOs etc. Another important aspect is to spread the awareness of different government schemes to a wider audience, remote areas and tell them about their rights, for instance awareness of Ayushman health schemes to underprivileged communities, awareness on contraceptives for family planning.
• Giving time: Your valuable time is the greatest thing that you can give to others. You can help people by giving your time to listen to their grief, visit old age home to spread happiness, use your counselling skills to help depressed people e.g., visit old age home once a month and hear elderly citizens about their past and interests.
• Raising Voice: With your smart mobile phone in hand, the world is a small place. You can raise your voice on several social issues on different online platforms. You do not need to go to the respective departments now and it can be done within comfort of your home. There are number of apps provided by central and state governments where you can play citizen reporter role and highlight issues of social significance. These issues may vary from road safety, education, hygiene, etc. No of times people belonging to marginalized communities are ignorant of different forums where they can raise civil issues like non-availability of a beneficial schemes. You can search for and guide them or raise your voice to highlight to the respective authorities. For instance, taking a pic of faulty traffic light and highlighting it on citizen reporting apps.
• Financial Literacy: Financial literacy means creating awareness among communities related to banking, e payments, wallets, and other financial schemes. You can use your financial literacy to motivate people to inculcate saving habits, use digital payment mechanism as feasible for them. This helps them to earn interests and help the country financial structure. E.g., helping people open bank accounts by assisting in documentation. 
• Disaster Relief: Disasters such as floods, Tsunami etc have been always there and now with pandemic like covid, we can help people in time of these disasters. Collecting flood relief materials, food banks, etc can help a lot of people during epidemic.

There can be more ways by which individuals can help the society. The idea is to chose one based on the interest, time, feasibility and fulfil your social responsibility.

Please comment which one will you chose and why. 

Regards
Live For The Nation