Farhan Pettiwala tells SANGEETA Yadav about Enactus India which aims at bringing together student, academic and business leaders to implement community projects that empower people to improve their quality of life and standard of living
What is Enactus all aboutIJ
Enactus is an international organisation that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to enable progress around the world.
How does this functionIJ
Guided by faculty advisors and business experts, participating students form teams on their campuses to create and implement community projects that empower people to improve their quality of life and standard of living. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to becoming effective, values-driven leaders.
What is its USPIJ
What makes Enactus approach so effective is that it’s based on a core philosophy that’s relevant all around the world, rather than a strict formula. It’s grounded in the belief that continued human progress depends on our ability to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit that lives within each of us and channel the talents and passions and ideas we each possess toward creating good in the world. Enactus mobilises the youth to change lives through entrepreneurial action. Students apply the business concepts that they learn in the classroom, to real-life situations and through this, they are able to make a difference in their community.
Purpose of launching itIJ
The Enactus model had worked well in other countries, so ten years ago, we decided it was time to bring it to India. India is such a diverse space with so many opportunities that there’s always room for one more person to make a difference in their small way. Enactus India has the 5th largest market size in the Enactus network and currently ranks fourth globally in terms of active student participation.
What are the business concepts that the participating students apply to develop outreach projectsIJ
Students apply business concepts learnt in the classroom, everything from conceiving a social business idea to implementing it at the grass root level, to their community outreach projects. A concept that is stressed on in any Enactus project is triple bottom-line sustainability.
What kind of projects does it undertakeIJ
Enactus has over 250 projects in India, from tribal engagement to solar powered projects that are changing lives every day. Every project, that Enactus undertakes, is special in its own way like —Project Chirag (a model that aims at providing every rural household with their right to light. ) and Sanitation Solutions (to impact women’s healthcare and increase the accessibility to feminine hygiene).
Is there any eligibility or fee required to participate in this programmeIJ
Enactus works on a purely voluntary basis. There is no eligibility or fee involved to participate in the programme.
Tell us about the Enactus India Regional Competitions and India National Competition.
Through these competitions, participating teams are provided a forum to present the results of their community outreach projects to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. The winning team gets the chance to present their project to a prestigious group of international business leaders at the Enactus World Cup, held annually in different countries. Enactus India National Championship will be held in Mumbai in June 2013.